Sensex down 289 points in afternoon

MUMBAI - A benchmark index of Indian equities Friday was trading 289 points lower with realty and metal stocks in the red. The dull cues from Asian markets also pulled down sentiments.

The 30-share sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 20,529.74 points, was ruling at 20,299.90 points - down 289.19 points or 1.4 percent from its previous close at 20,589.09 points.

At the National Stock Exchange (NSE), the 50-share S&P CNX Nifty was trading at 6,110.80 points - down 1.35 percent.

Broader markets indices were in the red too. The BSE madcap index ruled 1.34 percent lower while the BSE smallcap index moved 1.44 percent lower.

Realty, metals, consumer durables led the losers’ pack. All the 13 sectoral indices on the BSE were in the negative.

The major Sensex losers were M&M, Hindalco, DLF and RCom.

The market breadth was negative, with 830 stocks advancing, 2,108 declining and 80 remaining unchanged.

Other Asian markets were in the red after reports that China’s Central Bank might further hike interest rates.

The Shanghai Composite index plummeted 5.16 percent down at 2,985.43 points.

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng was trading 1.83 percent down at 24,247.61 points. The Japanese markets ended 1.39 percent lower at 9,724.81 points.

European markets too opened lower.