Mumbai, Dec 8 (IANS): A benchmark index for Indian equities was trading almost two percent down Thursday afternoon due to weak cues from global markets on continued concern over the euro-zone debt crisis.
The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened in the red at 16,819.74 points, was trading 16,574.43 points in the afternoon session, down 1.79 percent or 302.63 points from its previous close at 16,877.06 points.
The 50-scrip S&P CNX Nifty of the National Stock Exchange also slumped almost two percent. The Nifty was down 1.91 percent at 4,966.10 points in the afternoon.
There was heavy selling pressure in realty, metal, banking and consumer goods stocks.
Other Asian markets also slumped on speculation that the European Union would not be able to take any bold measures to solve the euro-zone debt crisis.