Sensex closes 101 pts down

While the BSE Sensex closed 101.29 points down at 9,742.58, the NSE Nifty settled 26.85 points lower at 2,940.60. The fall marked the third straight lower close by the Sensex.

Markets closed lower on Friday on the back of intensified selling pressure on a host of index counters.

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While the BSE Sensex closed 101.29 points down at 9,742.58, after hitting an intraday low of 9,713.51, the NSE Nifty settled 26.85 points lower at 2,940.60.

Markets opened weak amid concerns the US Federal Reserve may tighten rates further after data showing higher US labour costs and fewer than expected jobless claims.

The fall marked the third straight lower close by the Sensex.

"We saw the markets weakening following Asian trends. Investors are realising that resistance to the 10,000 Sensex level is strong and profits will continue to be booked," said a dealer at brokerage Prabhudas Lilladher.

Sugar stocks bucked the trend amid rising local and world prices.

The Food and Agriculture Organisation has forecast firm prices with sugar consumption projected to outstrip production for the third consecutive year.