The BSE benchmark Sensex fell by over 77 points in early trade on Wednesday after three sessions of gains on emergence of profit-booking by funds and retailers amid a mixed trend in Asian markets.

The 30-share barometer declined by 77.03 points, or 0.38%, to 20,083.79 with banking, consumer durables and capital goods stocks leading the fall.

The index had gained nearly 487 points in the last three sessions.

Similarly, the wide-based National Stock Exchange index Nifty fell by 16.90 points, or 0.28%, to 6,094.35.

Brokers said that the fresh selling by funds and retail investors, mostly of a profit-booking nature, and a mixed trend on Asian bourses influenced the trading sentiment.

Besides, a cautious approach by participants ahead of Thursday’s monthly expiry in the derivatives segment and weakening rupee which fell to nearly 9-month low also impacted the trading sentiments, they said.