Mumbai, Nov 6 (IANS): A benchmark index of Indian equities markets was trading flat at 32.55 points or 0.16 percent down in the pre-noon trade Wednesday.

Good buying was observed in IT and healthcare 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 21,004.54 points, was trading at 20,942.24 points in the pre-noon session, down 32.55 points or 0.16 percent from previous day's close at 20,974.79 points.

The Sensex touched a high of 21,045.38 points and a low of 20,919.55 points during trade so far.

The S&P BSE IT index gained 101.34 points and healthcare index went up by 70.98 points, while bankex went down by 140.44 points and metal index dropped by 96.61 points.

The wider 50-scrip Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) was also trading down at 17.80 points or 0.28 percent at 6,235.35 points.