The benchmark BSE Sensex declined over 20 points in early trade today as funds and investors indulged in booking profits amid a weak trend overseas.
The 30-share barometer, which had gained 116.32 points in the previous session, fell by 20.66 points, or 0.07 per cent, to 27,186.08 in early trade.
Stocks of realty, consumer durables, capital goods, oil & gas, healthcare, PSU and metal sectors led fall on profit booking.
On similar lines, the broad-based National Stock Exchange index Nifty shed 8.40 points, or 0.10 per cent, to 8,137.90.
Brokers said apart from a weak trend in the global markets, selling by foreign funds on the domestic bourses dampened trading sentiments, forcing retail investors to adopt a cautious stance.
Among other Asian markets, Hong Kong's Hang Seng fell by 0.27 per cent, while Japan's Tokyo Stock Exchange is closed today for a public holiday.
The US Dow Jones Industrial Average ended 0.62 per cent lower in yesterday's trade.
