Mumbai, Sep 22 (IANS): A benchmark index for Indian equities markets Thursday plummeted over four percent Thursday, taking cues from the tumble in bourses globally after the US Federal Reserve warned of significant risks to global economic growth.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened in the red at 16,827.85 points, nose-dived 722.73 points or 4.24 percent to close at 16,342.42 points (provisional) compared to the previous close at 17,065.15 points.

The 30-scrip index slumped to a low of 16,316.03 points

The 50-scrip S&P CNX Nifty of the National Stock Exchange also fell sharply and closed 214.4 points or 4.18 percent down at 4,918.85 points.

Selling pressure was across the board as all the broader markets as well as sectoral indices closed deep in the red. Realty, metals, oil and gas, capital goods and banking incdices of the BSE closed between 4-6 percent.

All other Asian markets too fell sharply with key indices in various countries losing between 2-5 percent.

European bourses too were ruling with similar losses.