Mumbai: Equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty closed lower on Wednesday after three days of gains, led by selling pressure in HDFC Bank and sustained foreign fund outflows.

Stopping its three-day rally, the 30-share BSE Sensex closed at 72,987.03, down 117.58 points or 0.16 per cent. During the day it declined 281.95 points or 0.38 per cent to 72,822.66.

NSE Nifty fell 17.30 points or 0.08 per cent to 22,200.55.

From the Sensex pack, Tata Motors, Asian Paints, HDFC Bank, JSW Steel, Hindustan Unilever, Nestle and Titan were the major laggards.

On the contrary, Bharti Airtel, Power Grid, NTPC, Mahindra & Mahindra, Larsen Toubro and HCL Technologies were among the major gainers.

In Asian markets, Tokyo remained in the positive zone while Shanghai edged lower. Markets in South Korea and Hong Kong remained closed for holidays.

European markets were trading mostly higher. Wall Street ended Tuesday with gains.

Global oil benchmark Brent crude rose 0.21 percent to US$82.55 per barrel.

According to exchange data, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) sold equities worth Rs 4,065.5 crore on Tuesday.

On Tuesday, the BSE benchmark closed 328.48 points or 0.45 per cent higher at 73,104.6. NSE Nifty rose 113.80 points or 0.51 per cent to 22,217.85