Mumbai: The BSE Sensex on Wednesday declined 54 points to 71,331.98 in the opening session as selling was seen in metal, oil and gas, and real estate stocks.

The National Stock Exchange (NSE) rose 3.75 points to 21,548.60.

The Sensex registered intraday highs and lows at 71,454.74 and 71,710.98 points, respectively.

The Nifty recorded intraday highs and lows at 21,564.80 and 21,448.75 points, respectively.

The midcap eased 0.34 pc, while the small cap rose by 0.03 pc.

In 30 scrips, 13 advanced while 17 declined.

The losers were NTPC by 1.86 pc to Rs 313.90, Powergrid by 0.68 pc to Rs 240.60, Axis Bank by 0.65 pc to Rs 1108.25, and Bajaj Finserv by 0.63 pc to Rs 1671.25.

The gainers were HCL Technology by 1.68 pc to Rs 1485, Titan by 0.82 pc to Rs 3722.20, and TCS by 0.61 pc to Rs 3712.70.