Tags: Early trade , Sensex , Mumbai

Mumbai: The Bombay Stock Exchange benchmark Sensex today fell by over 71 points, or 0.44 per cent in opening trade on fresh selling by funds, triggered by a weak trend in the global markets.

The 30-share Sensex, which had gained 19.96 points in yesterday's choppy trade, fell by 71.54 points to 15,864.07 points in early trade as stocks of banking, oil and gas and realty sectors declined.

The wide-based National Stock Exchange index Nifty also drifted by 20.25 points to 4,740.15.

Brokers said fresh selling by funds in heavy-weight stocks mainly led to fall in stock prices. Also a weak trend in the overseas markets kept the trading sentiment low here, they added.

However, the brokers said that the rise in FMCG, metal and IT stocks avoided any major dip in the Sensex.

Major losers were Reliance Industries, down by 0.7 per cent to Rs 989.

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