A benchmark index of Indian equities markets plunged over 174 points or 0.94 percent during pre-noon trade Monday.
Good buying was observed in metal sector only; while selling pressure was seen in auto, banking index (bankex) and healthcare sectors.
The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the S&P Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 18,587.38 points, was trading at 18,423.84 points in the pre-noon session, down 174.34 points or 0.94 percent from last Friday's close at 18,598.18 points.
The Sensex touched a high of 18,587.38 points and a low of 18,303.20 points during trade so far.
The S&P BSE metal index increased by 174 points; however, auto index dipped by 287.10 points, bankex dropped by 222.89 points and healthcare index slipped by 196.78 points.
The wider 50-scrip Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) was also trading 74.55 points or 1.35 percent down at 5,433.30 points.