Mumbai, Nov 5 (IANS): A benchmark index of Indian equities markets tanked 125.33 points or 0.59 percent in the pre-noon trade Tuesday.

Selling pressure was observed in the healthcare and fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) sectors, while marginally good buying was seen in the banking index (bankex) sector.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the S&P Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 21,134.10 points, was trading at 21,114.03 points in the pre-noon session, down 125.33 points or 0.59 percent from previous day's close at 21,239.36 points.

The Sensex touched a high of 21,158.56 points and a low of 21,000.29 points during trade so far.

The S&P BSE healthcare index dropped by 107.44 points and FMCG index slipped by 140.90 points. However, the bankex inched up by 84.61 points.

The wider 50-scrip Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) was also trading down at 27.50 points or 0.44 percent at 6,289.85 points.