Sensex sheds 93 points on derivatives expiry, weak Asian cues

Mumbai: The benchmark BSE Sensex fell over 93 points to slip below the 27,000-mark in early trade today as participants cut down bets in view of the October series expiry in the derivatives segment amid weak Asian cues.

The 30-share barometer fell 93.42 points, or 0.34 percent, to 26,946.34 after opening in positive zone. The gauge had lost 431.03 points in the previous three sessions.

Losses in FMCG, banking, power, PSU, IT, capital goods and oil&gas stocks dragged the Sensex down.

Also, the NSE Nifty declined 23.65 points, or 0.28 percent, to 8,147.55.

Brokers said squaring-up of positions by participants with today being the last trading session of the October derivatives expiry dampened sentiment.

A weak trend at other Asian bourses after the Federal Reserve hinted at a possible US interest rate hike in December also hit sentiment.

Hong Kong's Hang Seng was down 0.39 percent, Japan's Nikkei fell 0.14 percent, while Shanghai Composite shed 0.09 percent in early trade today.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average ended 1.13 percent higher in yesterday's trade.