Mumbai, Aug 22 (IANS): A benchmark index of Indian equities markets was trading flat at 11.62 points or 0.06 percent down during early trade Thursday.

Good buying was observed in metal and IT sectors; while selling pressure was seen in banking index (bankex) and realty sectors.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the S&P Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 17,896.84 points, was trading at 17,894.29 points in the early session, down 11.62 points or 0.06 percent from the previous day's close at 17,905.91 points.

The Sensex touched a high of 18,007.27 points and a low of 17,759.59 points during trade so far.

The S&P BSE metal index increased by 161.68 points and IT index went up by 35.44 points. However, bankex plunged by 123.43 points and realty index dropped by 27.95 points.

The wider 50-scrip Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) was also trading flat at 7.30 points or 0.14 percent up at 5,309.85 points.