Mumbai, Jun 4 (IANS): A benchmark index for Indian equities markets fell 0.98 percent Monday around 12.30 p.m., led by selling pressure in consumer durable, realty and fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) stocks.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), was ruling at 15,808.23 points - 156.93 points or 0.98 percent down from its previous close at 15,965.16 points.

The Sensex touched a high of 15,868.16 points and low of 15,748.98 points in the intra-day trade.

There was a heavy buying pressure on consumer durable, realty and FMCG stocks. Consumer durable index was down by 3.67 points, realty index was down by 35.70 points and FMCG index was down by 78.27 points.

Major Sensex losers included DLF, down 4.58 percent at Rs.174.05; Gail India, down 2.90 percent at Rs.321.40; Sterlite Inds, down 2.41 percent at Rs.89; Bajaj Auto, down 2.30 percent at Rs.1,465; Jindal Steel, down 2.25 percent at Rs.419.40.

Only three of the 30 Sensex scrips were in positive. They were ONGC, up 1.06 percent at Rs.248.90; RIL, up 1 percent at Rs.690.55; Hero MotoCorp, up 0.11 percent at Rs.1,823.85.