The Sensex fell by 153.57 points to close the day at 16,696.03. Brokers said profit-booking in fundamentally strong stocks in realty, metal and banking shares pulled down the barometer.

Markets had gained 409 points in the previous session.

The key index swung between a high of 16,896.62 and low of 16,605.01 points. As many as 11 stocks advanced, while 19 recorded small to notable losses.

National Stock Exchange index Nifty also declined by 51.30 to 4,952.65.

Market sentiment turned bearish after reports of a further rise in food inflation. Investors, however, ignored an impressive IIP data, brokers said.

They said a weak opening in Europe and a falling trend in Asian markets further dampened the sentiment.

Sensex heaviest RIL fell 0.37 per cent to Rs 2,100.20. It blue-chip Infosys, however, rose by 0.61 per cent to Rs 2,322.70.