Stock markets fell for the second straight session on Monday with the benchmark BSE Sensex slipping below the 29,000-mark by falling over 256 points as investors turned cautious ahead of the Budget and booked profits.

Selling was more pronounced in oil & gas, realty, consumer durables, FMCG, banking, metal, healthcare, infrastructure, auto, IT, power and capital goods sectors.

After Friday’s over 230-point fall, the 30-share BSE Sensex opened in positive terrain but dipped below the 29,000-mark to touch a low of 28,913.16 as participants indulged in profit-booking towards the close of market hours. It finally settled down by 256.30 points, or 0.88 per cent, at 28,975.11. The gauge touched a high of 29,362.96 in early trade.

Also, the 50-issue NSE Nifty sipped below the crucial 8,800-level by falling 78.65 points, or 0.89 per cent, to close at 8,754.95.