Equities fell 0.2 per cent early on Monday, with ICICI Bank (ICICIBANK.NS : 917.45 -19.2) and Infosys Technologies (INFOSYS.BO : 2670 -2.6) leading the decline, taking cues from weak Asian shares. At 9 a.m., the 30-share BSE (^BSESN : 17090.85 -75.77) index was down 0.2 per cent at 17,131.89 points, with 22 components declining. The 50-share NSE (^NSEI : 5109.5 -27.5) index was down 0.4 per cent at 5,114.80. Equities fell 0.2 per cent early on Monday, with ICICI Bank (ICICIBANK.NS : 917.45 -19.2) and Infosys Technologies (INFOSYS.BO : 2670 -2.6) leading the decline, taking cues from weak Asian shares. At 9 a.m., the 30-share BSE (^BSESN : 17090.85 -75.77) index was down 0.2 per cent at 17,131.89 points, with 22 components declining. The 50-share NSE (^NSEI : 5109.5 -27.5) index was down 0.4 per cent at 5,114.80.

Asian stocks fell from near seven-week highs on Monday after weak U.S. consumer confidence data overshadowed strong retail numbers and curbed demand for risky assets, keeping the price of oil below $81. Investors were disappointed that Friday's upbeat February retail sales report, which showed spending rose in spite of bad weather, failed to help U.S. stocks to rise, leading the market to focus instead on souring consumer mood. The cautious tone was echoed on Sunday when Chinese premier Wen Jiabao said there was a chance the world economy may slip back into recession, resulting in a double-dip recession. That was enough to lead stock investors to play it safe. Japan's Nikkei gave up earlier gains to slip 0.2 percent from seven-week highs. MSCI's index of Asian shares outside Japan fell nearly 1 percent.

Hindustan Construction Company Ltd said on Monday its board has approved acquisition of a controlling stake in Karl Steiner AG, the second largest operator in the Swiss Real Estate market. The company will acquire 66 percent stake by issuing new shares for a 35 million Swiss Francs, it said in a statement. Hindustan Construction Company Ltd said on Monday its board has approved acquisition of a controlling stake in Karl Steiner AG, the second largest operator in the Swiss Real Estate market. The company will acquire 66 percent stake by issuing new shares for a 35 million Swiss Francs, it said in a statement.