Sensex down by 133 points on weak Asian cues

Mumbai, Sep 19 (PTI) The BSE benchmark Sensex was down by 133 points in early trade today on fresh selling pressure, which was mainly felt in banking, realty, capital goods and metal stocks amid a weakening trend in Asian markets.

The 30-share Bombay Stock Exchange index resumed lower at 16,865.93 and declined further to 16,772.45 before quoting at 16,800.48 at 1015 hours, translating into a net loss of 133.35, or 0.79 per cent, from its previous close.

The National Stock Exchange''s 50-share Nifty Index also fell by 34.75 points, or 0.68 per cent, to 5,049.50 at 1015 hours from its last close.

Key indices edged lower in early trade on weak Asian cues after bourses in the region fell following news that European Union finance ministers'' meeting in Poland over the weekend broke no new ground in dealing with the euro zone debt crisis.

Capital goods stocks fell on worries that higher interest rates could affect the capital expenditure plans of Indian firms.

The major losers in early trade were DLF (down 2.32 per cent), Hindalco Industries (1.93 per cent), Sterlite Industries (1.82 per cent), Cipla (1.80 per cent), ICICI Bank (1.69 per cent) and L&T (1.44 per cent).

Asian stocks fell in early today, as concerns about a Greek default came back to the fore amid indications that Europe is losing patience with the country''s efforts to cut its debt pile.

Key indices in China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan fell by between 0.37 per cent and 2.23 per cent. Japanese equity markets were closed for a holiday.

Trading in US index futures indicated that the Dow could fall by 150 points at the opening bell.