Mumbai: The BSE benchmark Sensex fell by almost 59 points in early trade as participants made fresh selling triggered by prevailing uncertainty on the domestic political front and a weakening trend in global markets.

Besides, ending monthly expiry in the derivatives segment also weighed on the trading sentiments.

The 30-share barometer fell by 58.85 points, or 0.31 percent to 18,645.68 with realty, auto and FMCG sector stocks leading the fall. The index had gained 23.11 points in the previous session.

Similarly, the wide-based National Stock Exchange index Nifty fell by 18.55 points, or 0.33 percent to 5,623.05.

The markets had remained closed yesterday on account of 'holi' festival.

Brokers said fresh selling by funds and retail investors on worries over domestic political stability and a weak trend in the Asian region in line with overnight fall on the US markets dampened the trading sentiment.

Besides, monthly expiry in the derivatives segment too generated selling, they said.

In the Asian region, Hong Kong's Hang Seng index down 0.33 percent while Japan's Nikkei fell 1.56 percent in early trade. The US Dow Jones Industrial Average ended 0.23 percent lower in early trade.

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