<h1>Benchmark equity indices slip as foreign institutional outflows and GST Council rate talks spark sector-specific volatility in FMCG, consumer stocks</h1> Benchmark equity indices fell in early trade, tracking weak global cues and continued foreign institutional outflows, with FIIs selling equities worth about Rs 1,159 crore the prior session. Market caution increased ahead of a two-day GST Council meeting in New Delhi to consider proposed rate reductions, prompting expected stock-specific volatility in FMCG, consumer discretionary and sin-tax-linked segments. Asian and US markets showed mixed to lower performance, and Brent crude eased. Recent sessions saw modest declines in headline indices, reflecting the combined influence of global trends, domestic policy focus and sector-specific investor reactions.