Mumbai: The BSE benchmark Sensex fell by nearly 80 points in early trade on 30 August as funds and retail investors indulged in offloading positions in view of monthly expiry in the derivatives segment amid a weak trend in Asia.

The 30-share index, which shed nearly 360 points in the previous four sessions, moved down by 79.47 points, or 0.45 percent, to 17,411.34, with stocks of metal, capital goods and realty sectors under pressure.

Similarly, the wide-based National Stock Exchange index Nifty declined by 23.50 points, or 0.44 percent, to 5,264.30.

Brokers said increased selling by participants as on 30 August is the last session of current month's expiry in the derivatives segment and political logjam on the CAG report on coal block allocations dampened the trading sentiments.

Besides, a weak trend in Asian bourses also impacted the sentiment, they added.

Meanwhile, in Asia, Japan's Nikkei Index fell by 0.74 percent, while Hong Kong market shed 0.66 percent.

The U.S. dow Jones Industrial Average ended almost flat in 29 August trade.