Stocks fell in early trade, extending profit-taking mode seen late Thursday, following the release of US inflation data, which came in hotter-than-expected. Fears of higher-for-longer interest rates and the geopolitical woes have dented risk sentiment. Europe opened with mild losses. 

“We expect profit taking to prevail today after the relief rally of the last three sessions,” Optima Bank Research said in its daily comment.

 At 1045 local time, the genera share index was down 0.4% to 1177 points. 

Banks registered early losses of 0.3% while the large cap index was 0.4% higher.