Mumbai, Apr 17 (IANS): A benchmark index of the Indian equities markets was trading almost flat Wednesday, after a smart rally in the previous day, as losses in oil and gas, IT and capital goods stocks offset gains in auto, FMCG and banking stocks.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened in the positive at 18773.45 points, was trading at 18740.30 points in the afternoon session, down 0.02 percent or 4.63 points from its previous day close at 18744.93 points.

The Sensex touched a high of 18869.88 points and low of 18673.44 points in the intra-day. The benchmark index had rallied 2.11 percent or 387.13 points Tuesday.

The wider 50-scrip S&P CNX Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) was trading 0.05 percent or 2.90 points down at 5,686.05 points. The Nifty had gained 2.16 percent or 120.55 points Tuesday.

There was good buying support in auto, FMCG, realty, metal and banking stocks.

The BSE auto index was up 1.04 percent. FMCG index was trading 1.03 percent higher, realty index was up 1 percent and metal index was trading 0.89 percent higher.

However, the oil and gas index fell 1.6 percent. The IT index was down 1.06 percent and the capital goods index was trading 0.37 percent down.