The Bombay Stock Exchange benchmark Sensex fell by 48 points in early trade on Wednesday as investors sold shares to book profits amid weak global cues.

The 30-share index fell by 48.21 points to 17,174.80 points. The barometer had lost 103 points yesterday. The wide-based National Stock Exchange index Nifty dipped by 21.25 points to 5,093.20 points.