Sensex down over 130 points in early trade

The BSE benchmark index Sensex today fell by over 130 points in early trade today on selling by funds amid a mixed trend in the Asian region.

The 30-share barometer,which had gained 54.95 points in the previous session,fell by 130.56 points,or 0.70 per cent,to 18,643.68 in the first few minutes of trading led by banking,information technology and oil and gas sector stocks. Similarly,the wide-based National Stock Exchange index Nifty declined by 35.80 points,or 0.63 per cent,to 5,631.85.

Brokers said selling by funds amid a mixed trend on Asian bourses mainly influenced the trading sentiment here. In the Asian region,Hong Kong8217;s Hang Seng index fell by 1.18 per cent,while Japan8217;s Nikkei Index edged was up by 1.42 per cent in early trade.