The BSE benchmark index Sensex today opened over 25 points lower in the special 90-minute trading session, as funds and retail investors booked profits after yesterday's gains amid absence of cues from the global markets.
The 30-share index, which has gained a moderate 13.66 points in the previous session, declined by 25.09 points, or 0.12 per cent, to 21,728.66 with oil and gas, PSUs and healthcare sectoral indices leading the fall.
In a similar fashion, the wide-based National Stock Exchange index Nifty was down 7.75 points, or 0.12 per cent, at 6,485.45.
Brokers said besides profit-booking by participants after yesterday's gains, absence of any cues from the global markets mainly influenced the trading sentiments here.
Meanwhile, the US Dow Jones Industrial Average ended 0.17 per cent lower in yesterday's trade.
