Sensex falls 45 points in early trade on weak global cues

The 30-share index fell 45.55 points or 0.16 per cent to 27,939.99 with sectoral indices led by capital goods, metal, healthcare, PSU and power were trading in the negative terrain with losses up to 0.68 per cent.

The gauge had lost nearly 138 points in the previous two sessions.

The 50-share NSE Nifty also dropped by 17.75 points, or 0.21 per cent, to 8611.40 in early trade today.

Brokers said continued selling by participants, tracking a weak trend in other Asian markets following a lacklustre lead from US markets and a slide in crude prices, dampened sentiment.

In Asian markets, Japan's Nikkei fell 0.22 per cent while Hong Kong's Hang Seng shed 0.37 per cent in early trade today.

Shanghai Composite Index was down 0.11 per cent.

The US Dow Jones Industrial Average closed 0.12 per cent lower in yesterday's trade.