Sensex down 73 pts in opening trade

The 30-share Sensex, which has lost nearly 700 points in the previous two sessions, fell by 73.15 points, or 0.46 per cent, to 16,068.52 in the first few minutes of trade today.

In a similar fashion, the wide-based National Stock Exchange Nifty index shed 23.35, or 0.48 per cent, to 4,822.30.

IT, capital goods, metals, banking and auto sectors continued to remain under selling pressure, dragging down the Sensex.

Market experts said the trading sentiment remained bearish in the absence of positive cues either at home or overseas amid lingering worries about the health of the global economy.