Mumbai, Aug 2 (IANS): A benchmark index for the Indian equities markets was down over 250 points in afternoon trade Tuesday as selling pressure intensified across the breadth of the market.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 18,283.55 points, was ruling at 18,061.41 points, down 252.92 points or 1.38 percent from its previous close at 18,314.33 points.

The 50-scrip S&P CNX Nifty of the National Stock Exchange was also trading in the red at 5,439.9 points, down 1.38 percent.

Broader markets too were under selling pressure. The BSE midcap index was ruling 1.6 percent down and the BSE smallcap index was trading up 1.41 percent lower.

Realty, metals and banking stocks bore the brunt of the selling. All 13 sectors on the BSE were in the red.

The market breadth was negative with only 708 stocks advancing, 1,919 scrips declining and 109 remaining unchanged.

Profit booking after Monday's rally and concerns over faltering growth in the US put downward pressure on the Asian markets.

The Japanese Nikkei Monday closed 1.21 percent lower at 9,844.59 points.

The Hang Seng of the Hong Kong stock exchange was ruling 0.65 percent down at 22,516.82 points, while the Chinese Shanghai composite index was trading 1.53 percent down at 2,662.5 points.