Sensex down 59 points in early trade ahead of IIP data

The benchmark BSE Sensex tumbled over 59 points in early trade today as participants took to profit-booking after five sessions of gains and ahead of IIP data to be released later in the day.
The 30-share index was trading lower by 59.29 points, or 0.21 per cent, at 28,825.92 as healthcare, banking, capital goods, metal and auto sector indices were trading in negative territory, with losses up to 0.42 per cent.
The gauge had advanced 927.72 points in the previous five sessions.
Similarly, the Nifty declined by 14.50 points, or 0.17 per cent, at 8,767.80.
Brokers said reduced positions of participants to book profits ahead of key economic data -- industrial production (IIP) numbers for February -- to be released later in the day, contributed to the fall.

Among other Asian markets, Hong Kong's Hang Seng was up by 1.59 per cent while Japan's Nikkei shed 0.08 per cent in early trade today.
However, the US Dow Jones Industrial Average ended 0.31 per cent higher in yesterday's trade.