Sensex down 172 pts; July F&O series starts on weak note

The benchmark BSE Sensex fell almost 172 points to 27,724.12 in early trade today on fresh selling by participants as July series in the derivatives segment began on a subdued note amid weak Asian cues.
The 30-share index, which had gained 166.30 points in the previous session, fell by 171.85 points or 0.61 per cent to 27,724.12.
Selling in realty, banking, power, capital goods, metal, PSU, oil&gas and auto stocks weighed on the performance.
On similar lines, the NSE Nifty was trading lower by 45.50 points, or 0.54 per cent, at 8,352.50.
Brokers said besides a weak trend in global markets after another round of Greek debt reform talks ended without agreement just days before it must repay a debt to avoid default and possible euro zone exit, selling by investors despite beginning of the July F&O series, dragged down the indices.

Among other Asian markets, Japan's Nikkei lost 0.46 per cent while Hong Kong's Hang Seng was down 1.24 per cent in early trade today.
The US Dow Jones Industrial Average ended 0.42 per cent lower in yesterday's trade.