MUMBAI: The BSE benchmark Sensex on Friday fell from record levels by losing over 86 points as cautious investors booked profits ahead of inflation data and earning season amid a slide in global markets. The Sensex dropped by 86.37 points, or 0.38percent, to close at 22,628.96. Yesterday the index had zoomed to all time high of 22,792.49 in day trade. The broad-based Nifty of the National Stock Exchange lost 20.10 points, or 0.30percent, to 6,776.30. It touched a low of 6,743.15 intra-day.

Cautious investors indulged in profit booking at higher levels ahead of industrial production data to be released later in the day, brokers said. Investors are also awaiting for inflation figure and quarterly earnings from next week for further direction, they added. The market was also in a cautious mood following a long week-end as market will be closed on Monday for 'Ambedkar Jayanti'.

A weak trend in the Asian region and lower opening in Europe following a steep fall in technology stocks at U.S. markets overnight, further influenced the sentiment. Reliance Industries dropped by 1.65percent before the earnings, leading the oil and gas sector index to suffer the most by 1.28percent. The auto sector index was the second worst performer by losing 1.20percent following reports of fall in car sales for the second consecutive fiscal in 2013-14. In 30-BSE index components, 19 stocks declined led by State Bank of India, Maruti Suzuki, Mahindra and Mahindra, Larsen and Toubro, Bajaj Auto and Hero MotoCorp. HDFC Ltd, Gail India, ICICI Bank and Hindustan Unilver also declined.

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