A benchmark index of Indian equities markets plunged by 105.31 points or 0.51 percent in the pre-noon trade Monday.
Selling pressure was seen in the metal, banking index (bankex) and auto sectors, while some good buying was observed in the healthcare sector.
The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the S&P Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 20,479.03 points, was trading at 20,408.54 points in the pre-noon session, down 105.31 points or 0.51 percent from the previous day's close at 20,513.85 points.
The Sensex touched a high of 20,480.35 points and a low of 20,391.96 points during the trade so far.
The S&P BSE metal index plummeted by 152.16 points, auto index dropped by 81.28 points and bankex went down by 54.33 points. However, healthcare index gained 82.76 points.
The wider 50-scrip Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) was also trading down by 31.65 points or 0.52 percent at 6,057.85 points.
