Mumbai, Aug 26 (IANS): A benchmark index of Indian equities markets Tuesday was trading flat at 31.38 points or 0.12 percent down as auto stocks plunged.

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

The 30-scrip Sensitive Index (Sensex) of the S&P Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 26,349.87 points, was trading at 26,405.64 points (at 9.22 a.m.) in the early session, down 31.38 points or 0.12 percent from the previous day's close at 26,437.02 points.

The Sensex touched a high of 26,432.48 points and a low of 26,331.83 points in the trade so far.

The S&P BSE healthcare index gained 46.29 points and IT index moved up by 38.13 points, while auto index dropped by 124.05 points and capital goods index went down by 70.78 points.

The wider 50-scrip Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) was also trading flat at 6.50 points or 0.08 percent down at 7,899.80 points.