Stock markets update: For the second consecutive day, equity benchmark indices declined in early trade on Thursday amid weak trends in Asian markets and unabated foreign fund outflows. In the early trade, the 30-share BSE Sensex fell 264.7 points to 72,497.19. Meanwhile, the Nifty declined 80.2 points to 21,917.50.
From the Sensex pack, Bajaj Finance, Tata Steel, JSW Steel, Tata Consultancy Services, Bajaj Finserv, Tech Mahindra, Titan, and HDFC Bank were the major laggards.
Mahindra Mahindra, Reliance Industries, Larsen Toubro and Nestle were among the gainers. Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) offloaded equities worth Rs 4,595. 06 crore on Wednesday, according to exchange data. In Asian markets, Seoul and Shanghai traded in the green while Tokyo and Hong Kong quoted lower.
Rupee against dollarThe rupee depreciated 5 paise to 82.86 against the US dollar in early trade on Thursday, tracking a negative trend in domestic equities.
Forex traders said the strength of the American currency, foreign fund outflows, and elevated crude oil prices in the international market dented investors sentiments.
At the interbank foreign exchange, the rupee opened at 82.84 against the dollar and touched an early low of 82.86 in initial trade, registering a fall of 5 paise over its previous close.
(With PTI inputs)
