Mumbai, Oct 7 (IANS): A benchmark index of Indian equities markets tanked 208.68 points or 1.05 percent in the pre-noon trade Monday ahead of the earnings' season.

Selling pressure was observed in the banking index (bankex), oil and gas and capital goods sectors, while some good buying was seen in the healthcare sector.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the S&P Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 19,880.94 points, was trading at 19,707.27 points in the pre-noon session, down 208.68 points or 1.05 percent from previous day's close at 19,915.95 points.

The Sensex touched a high of 19,888.41 points and a low of 19,647.88 points during the trade so far.

The S&P BSE bankex tanked 295.79 points, oil and gas index plunged by 108.98 points and capital goods index dropped by 72.50 points. However, healthcare index gained 82.71 points.

The wider 50-scrip Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) was also trading down at 61.90 points or 1.05 percent at 5,845.40 points.