The Sensex slipped by 240.08 points, to open at 80,276.27, while the Nifty fell 63.05 points to open at 24,421. Within the Nifty index, Apollo Hospital, TCS, Tata Steel, HCL Tech and Wipro were among the top gainers. On the other hand, Hindalco, BEL, Power Grid and BPCL were among the top losers.

Anand James, Chief Market Strategist, Geojit Financial Services, said, "Though rejection trades at 24470 did not pose enough challenge to turn prices lower, the ascent thereafter did not find enough momentum either to keep all the gains of the day. This would mean a pull back today, but with the hopes of 24660-770 or even 24950 being intact as long as above 24360."