Mumbai, Dec 12 (IANS): A benchmark index of Indian equities markets was trading down at 150.24 points or 0.71 percent in the pre-noon trade Thursday ahead of the retail inflation data later in the day.

The sectors which saw maximum selling pressure were banking index (bankex), oil and gas, metal and auto sectors.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the S&P Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 21,101.05 points, was trading at 21,021.17 points in the pre-noon session, down 150.24 points or 0.71 percent from the previous day's close at 21,171.41 points.

The Sensex touched a high of 21,103.80 points and a low of 21,004.89 points during the trade so far.

The S&P BSE bankex plunged 128.43 points, metal index plummeted 80.62 points, oil and gas index dropped 76.40 points and auto index slipped 137.31 points.

The wider 50-scrip Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) also was trading down by 48.65 points or 0.77 percent at 6,259.25 points.