Mumbai, Nov 21 (IANS): Indian equities markets started the week with a negative bias with a benchmark index falling almost 160 points minutes after opening bell.
The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the BSE, which opened lower at 16,297.03 points, was ruling at 16,211.53 points, down 159.98 points or 0.98 percent from its previous close at 16,371.51 points.
The 50-scrip S&P CNX Nifty of the National Stock Exchange was also trading in the red, 49.35 points or 1.01 percent lower at 4,856.45 points.
Both benchmarks had lost about 5 percent last week as the European debt crisis continued to plague Indian investors.
Broader markets were also ruling lower with the BSE midcap index down 0.84 percent.