Sensex down 108 pts ahead of Apr derivatives expiry

Mumbai: The benchmark BSE Sensex fell over 108 points in early trade on Wednesday as stocks of IT, FMCG, metal, oil & gas and auto companies succumbed to profit-booking by speculators ahead of tomorrow's monthly expiry in derivatives segment amid a weak trend at other Asian bourses.

The 30-share index declined by 108.97 points, or 0.39 per cent, to 27,287.41. The gauge had gained 219.39 points in the previous session.

In similar fashion, the National Stock Exchange index Nifty edged down by 33.40 points, or 0.40 per cent, to 8,252.20.

Brokers said apart from offloading of positions in some bluechip stocks in view of April's derivatives expiry tomorrow and a weak trend at other Asian markets dampened the sentiments.

Shares of Bharti Airtel fell 1.02 per cent to Rs 396.70 after company's Q4 earnings failed to impress investors.

Country's largest telecom company Bharti Airtel yesterday reported a 30.5 per cent jump in its March quarter's net profit at Rs 1,255 crore.

Among other Asian markets, Hong Kong Hang Seng was down by 0.50 per cent, while financial markets in Japan are closed today for a public holiday.

The US Dow Jones Industrial Average ended 0.40 per cent higher in Tuesday's trade.