Mumbai, Feb 4 (IANS): A benchmark index for Indian equities markets Friday fell sharply to rule 181 points lower around noon as fears related to the Egyptian turmoil and global oil prices gripped traders.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 18,450.07 points, was ruling at 18,267.42 points - down 181.89 points or 0.99 percent from its previous close at 18,449.31 points.

The 50-scrip S&P CNX Nifty of the National Stock Exchange too was in the red, trading 0.91 percent lower at 5,476.5 points.

Broader markets were flat, with the BSE midcap and small cap indices down about 0.05 percent.

Realty, FMCG, IT and telecom scrips were among major losers while consumer durables saw some buying.

The market breadth was negative, with 1,264 stocks advancing compared to 1,357 scrips on the decline. A total of 99 stocks remained unchanged.

The major gainers on the Sensex were Bajaj Auto, Tata Steel, Tata Motors and Jindal Steel. The losers included M&M, TCS, L&T and Tata Power.

Most other Asian markets like Hong Kong and China were closed on account of the annual Lunar New Year.

The Japanese Nikkei moved up 1.08 percent to close at 10,543.52 points.