Indian shares fall for third day as derivatives expiry weighs

Indian shares ended lower for the third consecutive session on Thursday due to volatility around the expiry of monthly derivative contracts, with Yes Bank falling nearly 5%.

Also weighing on markets were reports that India's government was unlikely to meet its disinvestment target and would possibly face an up to $7 billion hole in its budget, raising questions about its fiscal deficit.

The NSE Nifty 50 index closed 0.72% lower at 12,126.55, while the S&P BSE Sensex also shed 0.72% to end at 41,163.76.

With three trading sessions left in the year, the Nifty has risen 11.6% so far in 2019.