Mumbai, Nov 1 (IANS): A benchmark index for Indian equities markets Tuesday fell in afternoon trade to rule 209 points lower, joining other Asian bourses as there were still no details of a plan to bail out the debt-crisis hit Euro zone.
The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 17,540.55 points, was within minutes ruling at 17,495.16 points, down 209.85 points or 1.19 percent from its previous close at 17,705.01 points.
The 50-scrip S&P CNX Nifty of the National Stock Exchange was also trading subdued, 63.7 points or 1.2 percent down at 5,262.9 points.
Broader markets were trading lacklustre as well with the BSE 500 index down 0.96 percent. The BSE midcap index was trading 0.63 percent lower, while the BSE smallcap index was ruling 0.3 percent down.
The market breadth at the BSE was negative with 1,519 stocks advancing, while 1,021 scrips declined, and 101 stocks were unchanged.
Among major Sensex gainers at this time were: Hindustan Unilever, Sun Pharma, Wipro and Tata Power. The losing stocks included Sterlite Industries, ICICI Bank, Cipla and L&T.
Asian markets fell as no details emerged on a plan put together by the European Union on ways to bring the region out of the current debt crisis. Also weak Chinese manufacturing data added to the negativity.
The Japanese Nikkei Thursday closed 1.7 percent lower at 8,835.52 points, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng was trading 2.48 percent down at 19,372.05 points.
The Chinese Shanghai composite index was ruling flat at 2,466.38 points.