Mumbai, Nov 23 (IANS): Indian equities markets fell sharply in early trade Wednesday with a benchmark index slipping 209 points minutes after the opening bell.
The weak rupee continued to weigh on investors ahead of the derivatives contract expiry Thursday.
The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the BSE, which opened lower at 15,969.6 points, was ruling at 15,855.76 points -- down 209.66 points or 1.31 percent from its previous close at 16,065.42 points.
The 50-scrip S&P CNX Nifty of the National Stock Exchange was also trading in the red, 53.55 points or 1.11 percent lower at 4,758.8 points.
Broader markets were also ruling lower with the BSE midcap index down 1.11 percent. The BSE midcap index was trading 0.66 percent lower, while the BSE smallcap index was down 0.47 percent.