In early trade on Monday, the Sensex plummeted more than 130 points, reflecting losses in index heavyweights HDFC twins, TCS, and HCL Tech, amid a negative trend in Asian markets and fresh foreign investment outflows.

In early trade, the 30-share BSE barometer was trading 138.56 points lower at 57,223.64. Similarly, the NSE Nifty fell 43.55 points to 17,109.45.

Also Read| Stocks tank as Anil Ambani quits boards of group firms

HDFC Bank, HDFC, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Bajaj Finance, State Bank of India, Dr Reddy’s, Bajaj Finserv, Nestle India, Asian Paints, HCL Technologies, TCS, and Tech Mahindra were among the top laggards in the 30-share group. Maruti Suzuki India, ITC, Bharti Airtel, and Sun Pharma, on the other hand, were up.

Also Read| Asia stocks dip, oil prices fall on Shanghai shutdown

The 30-share BSE benchmark fell 233.48 points, or 0.41%, to 57,362.20 on Friday. The Nifty fell 69.75 points, or 0.40%, to 17,153.

During mid-session trades, equity markets in Tokyo and Shanghai were quoting lower, while Hong Kong and Seoul were quoting higher. On Friday, stock exchanges in the United States concluded on a mixed note.

Also Read| Banking services may be disrupted due to nationwide strike on March 28-29

According to stock exchange statistics, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) were net sellers in the capital market on Friday, selling shares worth Rs 1,507.37 crore. Overseas investors have withdrawn a net Rs 1,14,855.97 crore from Indian markets so far this year, owing to increased geopolitical tensions and inflation fears.

Also Read| Fuel prices: Petrol priced at Rs 99.41, diesel Rs 90.77 in Delhi on March 28, 2022

According to depositories statistics, foreign portfolio investors have sold domestic shares worth Rs 48,261.65 crore so far this month, bringing the year-to-date tally to a staggering Rs 1,14,855.97 crore.

Also Read| Trending Stocks: Reliance, Vedanta, PVR, M&M, Emami and others in news today

Meanwhile, the international crude oil benchmark Brent crude fell 2.65% to USD 117.45 a barrel. In early trade, the rupee slips 11 paise to 76.35 against the US dollar.