Mumbai, Jan 7 (IANS): A benchmark index of Indian equities markets Wednesday was trading 121.01 points or 0.45 percent down as metal stocks slumped.

Heavy selling pressure was seen in metal, banking, healthcare, capital goods and auto sectors, while marginal good buying was observed in oil and gas sector.

The 30-scrip Sensitive Index (Sensex) of the S&P Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 26,983.43 points, was trading at 26,866.45 points (at 12.26 p.m.), down 121.01 points or 0.45 percent from the previous day's close at 26,987.46 points.

The Sensex has touched a high of 27,051.60 points and a low of 26,776.12 points in the trade so far.

The S&P metal index dropped by 194.48 points, bankex plunged by 165.82 points, healthcare index dropped by 116.43 points, capital goods index slipped by 101.67 points and auto index went down by 103.38 points. However, oil and gas index inched up by 47.70 points.

The wider 50-scrip Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) was also trading 30.70 points or 0.38 percent down at 8,096.65 points.