Markets jittery ahead of IIP data

The benchmark BSE Sensex tumbled over 59 points in early trade today as participants took to profit-booking after five sessions of gains and ahead of IIP data to be released later in the day.

The 30-share index was trading lower by 59.29 points, or 0.21%, at 28,825.92 as healthcare, banking, capital goods, metal and auto sector indices were trading in negative territory, with losses up to 0.42%.

The gauge had advanced 927.72 points in the previous five sessions.

Similarly, the Nifty declined by 14.50 points, or 0.17%, at 8,767.80.

Brokers said reduced positions of participants to book profits ahead of key economic data -- industrial production (IIP) numbers for February -- to be released later in the day, contributed to the fall.

Among other Asian markets, Hong Kong's Hang Seng was up by 1.59% while Japan's Nikkei shed 0.08% in early trade today.

However, the US Dow Jones Industrial Average ended 0.31% higher in yesterday's trade.