Markets retreated for the third day today as the Sensex slumped 131 points to end at 29,576, a nearly two week low, ahead of the start of quarterly earnings amid mixed global cues.

Last week's US missile strike on a Syrian airfield has (rpt) has fuelled geopolitical tensions, keeping investors in wait and watch mode.

The Sensex resumed higher and advanced to the day's high of 29,831.32, but later slipped before ending down 130.87 points, or 0.44 per cent, at 29,575.74, its lowest closing since March 29.

The gauge has now lost 398.50 points in three sessions.

After regaining the 9,200-mark in early trade, the NSE Nifty settled lower by 16.85 points, or 0.18 per cent, at 9,181.45.

On the contrary, the broader markets outperformed the key index.