Mumbai, Jan 3 (IANS): A benchmark index of Indian equities markets was trading flat at 80.54 points or 0.39 percent down in the pre-noon trade Friday.

Good buying was observed in the IT sector, while selling pressure was seen in the capital goods, metal and auto sectors.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the S&P Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 20,819.58 points, was trading at 20,807.79 points in the pre-noon session, down 80.54 points or 0.39 percent from previous day's close at 20,888.33 points.

The Sensex touched a high of 20,856.53 points and a low of 20,758.03 points during the trade so far.

The S&P BSE IT index gained 128.23 points, while the capital goods index dropped by 131.90 points, the metal index plunged 118.79 points and the auto index slipped 110.61 points.

The wider 50-scrip Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) was trading down by 31.10 points or 0.50 percent at 6,190.05 points.