Mumbai, Dec 8 (IANS): A benchmark index of Indian equities markets Monday traded flat at 9.80 points or 0.03 percent down as IT stocks plunged.

Goods buying was observed in auto and fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) sectors, while selling pressure was viewed in IT and technology, media and entertainment (TECK) sectors.

The 30-scrip Sensitive Index (Sensex) of the S&P Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 28,433 points, was trading at 28,448.30 points (at 09.19 a.m.) in the early session, down 9.80 points or 0.03 percent from the previous day's close at 28,458.10 points.

The Sensex touched a high of 28,466.84 points and a low of 28,380.93 points in the trade so far.

The S&P auto index moved up by 88.30 points and FMCG index went up by 45.90 points; while IT index slipped by 169.82 points and TECK index dropped by 64.07 points.

The wider 50-scrip Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) was also trading flat at 1.05 points or 0.01 percent down at 8,537.25 points.