Mumbai, Sep 13 (IANS): A benchmark index for the Indian equities markets closed 34 points down in a highly volatile session Tuesday as losses in auto, pharmaceuticals and capital goods stocks offset gains in technology, metal and oil and gas stocks as weakness in European markets dampened sentiments.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened in the positive at 16,618.17 points, touched a high of 16,766.19 points by noon.

However, the trade slipped into negative in the afternoon and ended the day at 16,467.44 points, down 0.21 percent or 34.30 points from the previous close at 16,501.74 points.

The 30-scrip index touched a high of 16,766.19 points and low of 16,374.68 points in the intraday.

The 50-scrip S&P CNX Nifty of the National Stock Exchange also witnessed volatile trading. The Nifty ended the day 0.12 percent down at 4,940.95 points after rising to a high of 5,028.55 points in the early afternoon session.

Major gainers on the Sensex were: DLF, up 1.82 percent at Rs.198.95 points, Jindal Steel, up 1.74 percent at Rs.528.60; Bajaj Auto, up 1.52 percent at Rs.1,601.10; and Wipro, up 1.25 percent at Rs.328.55.

Tata Motors slumped 4.61 percent at Rs.139.65. Other major losers were: SBI, down 1.56 percent at Rs.1,840.05; Hindustan Unilever, down 1.36 percent at Rs.341.20; Jaiprakash Asso, down 1.31 percent at Rs.64.20; and Bharti Airtel, down 1.23 percent at Rs.381.25.