Mumbai, Aug 21 (IANS): A benchmark index of Indian equities markets was trading in the red, wiping out initial gains made during early hours of trade Thursday.

Heavy selling pressure was seen in metals, oil and gas and realty sectors, however healthy buying spree was observed consumer durables, bank and capital goods stocks gained.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the S&P Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 26,322.66 points, was trading at 26,380.02 around 1.30 p.m., down 6.11 points or 0.02 percent from the previous day's close at 26,314.29 points.

The Sensex has touched a high of 26,464.80 points and a low of 26,262.52 points in the trade so far.

The S&P BSE consumer durables index gained by 258.20 points, bank index gained by 186.04 points and capital goods went up by 45.87 points.

However, metal index was down 191.16 points, oil and gas index was lower by 24.39 points and realty index lost 20.41 points.

The wider 50-scrip Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) was also trading 0.01 points or 0.45 percent down at 7,874.85 points.