Mumbai, Sep 27 (IANS): A benchmark index of Indian equities markets was trading flat at 70.89 points or 0.36 percent down in the morning trade Friday.

Good buying was observed in oil and gas and IT sectors, while selling pressure was seen in banking index (bankex) and metal sectors.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the S&P Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 19,951.73 points, was trading at 19,822.96 points in the pre-noon session, down 70.89 points or 0.36 percent from previous day's close at 19,893.85 points.

The Sensex touched a high of 19,981.57 points and a low of 19,796.39 points during the trade so far.

The S&P BSE oil and gas index moved up by 97.17 points and IT index inched up by 49.45 points, while bankex dipped by 171.39 points and metal index went down by 32.84 points.

The wider 50-scrip Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) was also trading flat at 3 points or 0.05 percent down at 5,879.25 points.