The BSE benchmark index Sensex declined by 59 points in early trade today as funds and retail investors booked profits after recent gains amid weakening trend on other Asian bourses.

The 30-share index, which had gained nearly 454 points in the previous three sessions, declined by 59 points, or 0.32 per cent, to 18,143.41 with consumer durables, oil and gas and realty stocks coming under pressure.

In a similar fashion, the wide-based National Stock Exchange index Nifty shed 22.20 points, or 0.40 per cent, to 5,509.75.

Brokers said profit booking by participants after recent rally amid weakening trend in other Asian markets tracking overnight losses on the US markets on renewed concerns over Greece’s debt crisis, mainly influenced the trading sentiment.

In the Asian region, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index fell by 0.74 per cent, while Japan’s Nikkei Index shed 0.26 per cent in morning trade.

The US Dow Jones Industrial Average ended 0.76 per cent lower yesterday.