Mumbai, Oct 18 (IANS): A benchmark index for Indian equities Tuesday fell sharply in morning trade and was ruling 230 points lower than its previous close, minutes after opening bell.
The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the BSE, which opened at 16,817.38 points, was within minutes ruling at 16,794.17 points, down 230.92 points or 1.36 percent from its previous close at 17,025.09 points.
The 50-scrip S&P CNX Nifty of the National Stock Exchange was also trading lower, 1.29 percent or 65.8 points down at 5,052.45 points.
Broader markets were also in the red with the BSE 500 index down 1.1 percent. The BSE midcap index was down 0.86 percent, while the BSE small cap index was ruling 0.67 percent lower.