Sensex down over 17 points in early trade

The BSE benchmark Sensex today declined by over 17 points in early trade as funds and retail investors booked profit amid weakness in other Asian bourses. The 30-share barometer fell by 17.67 points, or 0.09 per cent, to 19,483.41, mainly led by the decline in stocks of technology, IT, FMCG and metal sectors. The index had gained nearly 33 points in the previous session. Similarly, the wide-based National Stock Exchange index Nifty fell by 5.75 points, or 0.09 per cent, to 5,892.45. Brokers said funds booking profits due to a weakening Asian trend mainly influenced the trading sentiment. They said investors were also cautious ahead of the Union Budget scheduled for this month-end. In the Asian region, Japan's Nikkei Index was down 0.11 per cent, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng index shed 0.15 per cent in early trade today.