Lead prices softened by 0.31 per cent to Rs 127.80 per kg in futures trade today due to profit- booking by speculators at prevailing levels.
However, a firming trend in the base metals at the London Metal Exchange (LME), restricted the loss.
At the Multi Commodity Exchange, lead for delivery in February fell 40 paise, or 0.31 per cent, to Rs 127.80 per kg in business turnover of 77 lots.
Likewise, the metal for delivery in January shed 35 paise, or 0.27 per cent, to Rs 127.30 per kg in 716 lots.
The fall in lead futures prices was attributed to profit-booking by speculators. However, a firm trend in base metals at the LME and Japan's stimulus plan to boost the economy restricted fall, analysts said.