Mumbai, Jul 29 (IANS): A benchmark index of Indian equities markets was trading marginally down at 99.08 points or 0.50 percent during the pre-noon trade Monday.

Some positive buying was observed in IT and auto sectors, while selling pressure was seen in the fast moving consumer goods (FMCG), banking index (bankex), oil and gas and public sector undertakings (PSU) sectors.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the S&P Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 19,714.42 points, was trading at 19,649.11 points in the pre-noon session, down 99.08 points or 0.50 percent from last business day's close on Friday at 19,748.19 points.

The Sensex touched a high of 19,751.03 points and a low of 19,625.26 points in the trade so far.

The S&P BSE IT index increased by 68.95 points and auto index moved up by 66.23 points. However, FMCG index plunged 186.86 points, bankex dipped 96.27 points, PSU tanked 49.24 points and oil and gas index dropped 48.86 points.

The wider 50-scrip Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) was trading 32.95 points or 0.56 percent down at 5,853.25 points.