The BSE benchmark Sensex today fell by 76 points in the early trade, extending its losing streak for the fifth straight day, on sustained selling pressure as the rupee plunged to new record low of 65 against the dollar.
The 30-share index declined by 76 points, or 0.42 per cent, to 17,829.91, with stocks of realty, banking and auto sectors leading the fall. The gauge had lost over 1,461 points in the previous four sessions.
Similarly, the wide-based National Stock Exchange index Nifty dipped below 5,300 mark by falling 14.90 points, or 0.28 per cent, to quote at 5,287.65.
Brokers said sentiments continued to remain extremely weak as the government and the RBI's efforts failed to curb volatility in the rupee.
Besides, a weakening trend on other Asian bourses after the US Federal Reserve's minutes of its last policy meeting indicated the central bank was committed to scale back asset-buying programme too triggered selling by funds.
In the Asian region, Hong Kong's Hang Seng index was down 1.28 per cent, while Japan's Nikkei Index shed 0.82 per cent in the morning trade today.
The US Dow Jones Industrial Average ended 0.70 per cent lower in yesterday's trade.
