Mumbai, May 9 (IANS): A benchmark index for Indian equities markets was trading 0.07 percent down around 2 p.m. Wednesday, led by selling pressure in bank, metals, oil and gas and auto stocks.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened in red at 16,436.41 points, was ruling at 16,533.80 points at 2 a.m., down by 0.07 percent or 12.38 points from its previous close of 16,546.18 points.

The Sensex touched a high of 16,615.74 points and a low of 16,436.41 points in the intra-day. The Sensex midcap was down by 30.53 points and smallcap fell by 42.57 points.

There was heavy selling pressure in bank, metals, oil and gas and auto stocks.

The BSE bank index was down by 163.74 points followed by metals index, which was down by 139.78 points, oil and gas index down by 92 points and auto index down by 60.69 points.

Major Sensex losers included State Bank of India (SBI), down 3.04 percent at Rs.1,899.30, DLF, down 3.03 percent at Rs.184.30, NTPC, down 2.31 percent at Rs.152.40, Coal India, down 2.27 percent at Rs.327.30 and Sterlite Inds, down 2.22 percent at Rs.96.80.

Major Sensex gainers included nine companies, which are part of the 30-scrip sensitive Sensex. The major gainers included ITC, up 5.54 percent at Rs.239.90, TCS, up 2.39 percent at Rs.1,229, Hindaclo Inds, up 2.21 percent at Rs.120, Hindustan Uniliver, up 0.68 percent at Rs.434 and L&T, up 0.66 percent at Rs.1,166.10.