MUMBAI: The Indian equity markets traded lower early on Thursday, tracking mixed global cues and weakness in IT stocks.
As of 9.30 am, Sensex eased 347 points, or 0.42 per cent, to reach 81, 997, and Nifty lost 81 points, or 0.32 per cent at 25, 260.
The rupee declined past the key 92 a dollar barrier in early trade, eclipsing its previous all-time low of 91.9650 last week.
Main broad-cap indices showed divergence with benchmark indices, as the Nifty Midcap 100 gained 0.21 per cent, and the Nifty Smallcap 100 surged 0.47 per cent.
All sectoral indices were trading in the red except metal, PSU bank, realty as well as oil and gas. Nifty metal and PSU bank were notable gainers up 1.76 per cent and 0.70 per cent. Nifty oil and gas gained 0.78 per cent.