MUMBAI: The benchmark BSE Sensex plummeted by 215 points to slip below the 28,000-level in early trade today as participants indulged in offloading positions in view of monthly expiry in the derivatives segment amidst weak global cues.

The 30-share barometer, which had lost 624.55 points in the previous six sessions, dipped below the 28,000-mark by falling 215.03 points, or 0.76 per cent, to 27,896.80.

Besides, profit-booking in stocks of auto, realty, capital goods, consumer durables, metal and banking sectors, negatively impacted the trading sentiments.

Also, the National Stock Exchange index Nifty dipped below the 8,500-mark by losing 65.90 points, or 0.77per cent, to 8,464.90.

Brokers said squaring-up of positions by speculators as today is the last trading session of March expiry in the derivatives segment and a weak trend at other Asian bourses, dampened sentiments here.

Among other Asian markets, Hong Kong's Hang Seng was down by 0.35 per cent, while Japan's Nikkei fell by 1.57 per cent in early trade today.

The US Dow Jones Industrial Average ended 1.62 per cent higher in yesterday's trade.

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