Sensex falls 135 points in opening trade

The 30-share index, which fell by 261.49 points in yesterday`s session, lost 134.44 points, or 0.76 per cent, to 17,641.26 points in opening trade on Wednesday.

In a similar fashion, the wide-based National Stock Exchange Nifty index dipped below the 5,300 points level after shedding 39.25 points, or 0.73 per cent, to 5,273.30 points.

Brokers said continued capital outflows by foreign funds and selling by retail investors in the absence of any positive cue dampened the trading sentiment.

In particular, realty, auto, consumer durables and metal stocks were under pressure, which dragged down the the broader market.