Sentiment turned weak after data released after market hours on Monday showed that the country's trade deficit, or difference between imports and exports, reached USD 14.88 billion in December, up about 41 per cent year-on-year, as the crude oil and gold import bill inflated.
The BSE 30-share barometer, after a higher start at 34,877.71, advanced to 34,936.03 in morning trade on continued buying by investors driven by encouraging quarterly earnings.
However, across-the-board profit booking at record levels pulled it down to a low of 34,735.55. It finally settled 72.46 points, or 0.21 per cent lower at 34,771.05.
The gauge had gained 410.44 points in the previous three sessions and closed at an all-time high of 34,843.51 on Monday.
The wider NSE Nifty too slipped from record but managed to close above the crucial 10,700 mark at 10,700.45 points, down 41.10 points or 0.38 per cent.
It shuttled between 10,762.35 and 10,687.85 during the session.
On Monday, it had closed at a new life-time high of 10,741.55.
Photograph: Reuters.
Meet the digital stars of the future
One of India's brilliant CEOS no one knows about
Why NFO mobilisation is at 9-year high
Post sell-off, govt likely to hold 26% stake in Air India
Postcard to the FM: Tell Jaitley your Budget wishlist