By IANS,
Mumbai: Indian equities markets key indices fell sharply Thursday on negative global cues as crude oil prices climb raising concerns over global economic growth.
The 30-share sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened slightly in the negative at 18,430.84 points slumped to 18,261.26 points in the first hour of trading.
The benchmark Sensex was trading at 18,287.16 points, down nearly one percent or 182.79 points from the previous close of 18,469.95 points.
At the National Stock Exchange (NSE), the broader 50-share S&P CNX Nifty was also trading weak. The index was down 0.98 percent or 54.10 points to 5,476.90 points in the afternoon.
Selling pressure was across the board. Of the broader markets, the BSE midcap was down 0.33 percent and the BSE smallcap was down 0.21 percent.
All the sectoral indices were also in the red with the BSE Bankex and the metal indices slumping nearly one and half percent.