PTI: Extending losses for the sixth session, the BSE benchmark Sensex today lost nearly 19 points in early trade as stocks of IT, FMCG and consumer durables sectors fell on sustained selling by participants ahead of Wholesale Price Index data.        

The 30-share index, which has lost almost 258 points in the previous five sessions, fell further by 18.41 points, or 0.09 per cent, to 19,210.85.         Similarly, the wide-based National Stock Exchange Nifty declined by 8.05 points, or 0.13 per cent, to 5,843.45.     

Brokers said increased selling by funds ahead of WPI data to be announced later today and overnight losses at the US market on fiscal cliff concerns, mainly dampened the trading sentiment here.        

Meanwhile, in Asia, Hong Kong's Hang Seng index up by 0.10 per cent, while Japan's Nikkei down 0.33 per cent in opening trade. The US Dow Jones Industrial Average ended 0.56 per cent lower in yesterday's trade.