Mumbai, Nov 5 (IANS): A benchmark index for Indian equities markets was Monday trading flat, down 0.32 percent. Auto, metal and bank stocks declined, tracking weakness in global markets.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened lower at 18,749.37 points, was ruling at 18,695.13 points in the afternoon session, down 0.32 percent or 60.32 points from its previous day's close at 18,755.45 points.

The Sensex touched a low of 18,691.56 points in the intra-day trade.

The wider 50-scrip S&P CNX Nifty of the National Stock Exchange also was trading 0.17 percent or 9.75 points lower at 5,687.95 points.

The BSE auto index was down 107.69 points. Also down were the metals index, by 63.77 points, and the banks index, by 53.71 points.

Asian markets were down, following the US markets where investors looked cautious ahead of election in the world's number one economy Tuesday.

Japan's Nikkei was down 0.48 percent, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng was lower by 0.47 percent. Shanghai Composite Index was down 0.14 percent.