The benchmark Sensex today fell over 68 points, its first drop in three days, as investors adopted a cautious stance ahead of monthly equity derivatives expiry.
The BSE 30-share barometer resumed better on firm Asian cues but failed to hold on to gains on profit-booking to end at 21,032.71, showing a fall of 68.32 points or 0.32 per cent.
In the past two days, it had gained 392.41 points.
The 50-issue CNX Nifty of the NSE moved down by 16.10 points, or 0.26 per cent, to end at 6,268.40. Also, SX40 index of MCX-SX fell 49.05 points to 12,510.16.
Although the broader benchmarks closed in the negative terrain, total market breadth was positive as retail investors continued their buying spree in smallcap and midcap shares.
Markets are closed tomorrow, December 25, on account of "Christmas". Monthly derivatives expire on December 26.
Fall in Sensex-based counters, including HDFC Bank, HDFC, Sun Pharma, Sesa Sterlite and Wipro weighed on the index. Tata Power slid 3.2 percent, the worst fall among 30 Sensex scrips.
However, gains in Infosys, Bajaj Auto and BHEL cushioned the fall to some extent, traders said.
"The rally in the US markets which are breaching 6-year high levels did not culminate fully into Indian markets. Thursday's session, the last for December series, may turn out to be volatile as we head for Q3 results season," said Vishal Jajoo, Senior Research Analyst (PCG), Nirmal Bang Securities.
Yesterday, key US indices -- Dow Jones Industrial Average and S&P 500 -- carried on their record run in the holiday shortened week as incoming economic data reinforced perception that economic recovery will accelerate in the year ahead.
In broader markets, GMR rose after reports said Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad plans to buy the entire 40 per cent stake of the Indian firm in Istanbul's Sabiha Gokcen International Airport project for 225 million euros.
Apollo Tyres surged 8 per cent on hopes it will get a better deal to acquire Cooper Tire & Rubber Co, traders said.
Meanwhile, Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) picked up shares worth a net Rs 135.42 crore yesterday.
Barring Taiwan that ended in the red, Asian stocks ended up. Europe was trading higher in early trade.
