The BSE benchmark Sensex fell by over 77 points in early trade today after three sessions of gains on emergence of profit-booking by funds and retailers amid a mixed trend in Asian markets.
The 30-share barometer declined by 77.03 points, or 0.38 per cent, to 20,083.79 with banking, consumer durables and capital goods stocks leading the fall. The index had gained nearly 487 points in the last three sessions.
Similarly, the wide-based National Stock Exchange index Nifty fell by 16.90 points, or 0.28 per cent, to 6,094.35.
Brokers said fresh selling by funds and retail investors, mostly of a profit-booking nature, and a mixed trend on Asian bourses influenced the trading sentiment.
Besides, a cautious approach by participants ahead of tomorrow's monthly expiry in the derivatives segment and weakening rupee which fell to nearly 9-month low also impacted the trading sentiments, they said.
In the Asian region, Hong Kong's Hang Seng index eased by 0.67 per cent, while Japan's Nikkei up 0.520 per cent in the opening trade today.
The US Dow Jones had ended 0.69 per cent higher in yesterday's trade.
