Mumbai, Dec 30 (IANS): A benchmark index of Indian equities was trading flat at 15.31 points or 0.07 percent down during the pre-noon trade Monday.

Good buying was observed in the metal and auto sectors, while selling pressure was seen in the baking index (bankex) and IT sectors.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the S&P Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 21,260.15 points, was trading at 21,178.27 points in the pre-noon session, down 15.31 points or 0.07 percent from the last trading day's close at 21,193.58 points.

The Sensex touched a high of 21,304.70 points, and a low of 21,123.30 points during the trade so far.

The S&P BSE metal index gained 61.18 points and the auto index increased by 48.97 points. However, the bankex slipped by 61.76 points and the IT index dropped by 46.02 points.

The wider 50-scrip Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) was also trading flat at 11.75 points or 0.19 percent down at 6,302.05 points.