The markets have made a weak opening ahead of the state election results due later today. The Sensex has opened 109 points lower at 17,253, and the Nifty opened down 40 points at 5,240 levels.
World equity markets slipped on Monday after economic data raised expectations of a recession in Europe and global growth driver China signalled a slower economic pace ahead. The Dow Jones industrial average closed down 0.1 % at 12,963. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index fell 0.4 % to 1,364.
In Asia, Hang Seng, Nikkei, Shanghai and Strait Times have declined by almost 1% each.
Back home, the Nifty is expected to find support at 5,240 and 5,170 levels if it trades below 5,260 levels, technical analysts suggest.