Mumbai, Dec 17 (PTI) Continuing to decline for the fifth consecutive session, the benchmark BSE Sensex fell by over 117 points in early trade today as funds and retail investors engaged in selling activity amid persistent dip in the rupee and a mixed trend in global markets.
The 30-share barometer fell by 117.04 points, or 0.44 per cent, to 26,664.40. The index has lost 1,049.66 points in the past four sessions.
Stocks of consumer durables, banking, healthcare, capital goods, auto, realty, PSU and power sectors continued to lead the fall.
Also, the National Stock Exchange index Nifty fell by 42.30 points, or 0.52 per cent, to 8,025.30.
Brokers said sustained selling by funds and retail investors on concerns like widening trade deficit and free fall of rupee added to worries of foreign investors who indulged in booking profits across the board.
Besides, a mixed trend in global markets ahead of the outcome of a crucial US Federal Reserve meeting, dampened the trading sentiment here.
Meanwhile, the rupee depreciated by 34 paise to fresh 13-month low of 63.87 in early trade today.
Among other Asian markets, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index shed 0.30 per cent, while Japan’s Nikkei rose by 0.42 per cent in early trade.
The US Dow Jones Industrial Average ended 0.65 per cent down in yesterday’s trade.
