The BSE benchmark Sensex today declined by over 17 points in early trade as funds and retail investors booked profit amid weakness in other Asian bourses.The 30-share barometer fell to 19,483.41, mainly led by the decline in stocks oftechnology, IT, FMCG and metal sectors.The index had gained nearly 33 points in the previous session.Similarly, the wide-based National Stock Exchange index Nifty fell by 5.75 points to 5,892.In the Asian region, Japan's Nikkei Index was down 0.11per cent, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng index shed 0.15 per centin early trade today.