Sensex down 78pts in early trades

The Sensex opened 67 points lower at 8,259. The index is now down 78 points at 8,248.

Hindustan Unilever has plunged 2.8% to Rs 218.

Jaiprakash Associates and Reliance Infrastrucutre have dropped around 2% each to Rs 68 and Rs 443, respectively.

Sterlite, Reliance, Hindalco and Bharti Airtel have slipped nearly 2% each to Rs 246, Rs 1,151, Rs 39 and Rs 592, respectively.

Ranbaxy and HDFC have rallied over 1% each to Rs 143 and Rs 1,238, respectively.