The BSE benchmark sensex fell for the third consecutive day by losing over 15 points in early trade on Thursday due to sustained selling by funds amid a weak trend in other Asian markets.

The 30-share barometer, which had lost nearly 345 points in the previous two sessions, fell further by 15.48 points, or 0.07%, to 20,879.46.

Stocks of consumer durables, capital goods, realty and bank sectors were the major losers.

Similarly, the National Stock Exchange index Nifty declined by 0.90 point, or 0.01 per cent, to 6,214.25 points.

Brokers said sustained selling by funds at prevailing levels amid a weak trend in Asian region, as investors await the release of US data on jobs and economic growth, mainly influenced the trading sentiment here.

In the Asian region, Hong Kong's Hang Seng index traded lower by 0.58% and Japan's Nikkei Index fell 0.50% in early trade.

The US Dow Jones Industrial Average ended 0.82% higher in yesterday's trade.


Keywords: BSE benchmark sensex, funds,Asian markets, barometer,consumer,capital goods, bank sectors, major losers,National Stock Exchange index ,Nifty ,Brokers , Asian region, economic,Japan's Nikkei Index, Dow Jones,Business news