Sensex falls 167 points as April derivatives expiry approaches

The benchmark BSE Sensex fell over 160 points in early trade today 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%, 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%, 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% 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% 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%, while financial markets in Japan are closed today for a public holiday.

The US Dow Jones Industrial Average ended 0.40% higher in yesterday's trade.