By IANS,
Mumbai : A benchmark index for Indian equities, which started on a weak note Monday, dropped further in afternoon trade to rule 0.96 percent lower than its previous close.
The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 17,536.86 points, was ruling at 17,388.42 points, 170.29 points or 0.96 percent lower than its previous close at 17,558.71 points.
At the National Stock Exchange (NSE), the broader 50-share S&P CNX Nifty was ruling at 5,228.35 points, a loss of 0.94 percent from its previous close at 5,278 points.
Broader market indices were also ruling in the negative with the BSE midcap index down 0.52 percent and the BSE smallcap index trading 0.32 percent lower.
IT and metals stocks were witnessing selling while consumer durables were up.