Mumbai, Nov 12 (IANS): A benchmark index of Indian equities markets was trading flat at 24.24 points or 0.12 percent down in pre-noon trade Tuesday.

Some positive buying was observed in healthcare and fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) sectors while selling pressure was seen in metal and auto sectors.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the S&P Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 20,510.31 points, was trading at 20,466.72 points in the pre-noon session, down 24.24 points or 0.12 percent from previous day's close at 20,490.96 points.

The Sensex touched a high of 20,584.22 points and a low of 20,402.99 points during trade so far.

The S&P BSE healthcare index gained 69.54 points and FMCG index went up by 32.50 points, while metal index slipped by 111.14 points and auto index shed 79.92 points.

The wider 50-scrip Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) was trading marginally up at 4.20 points or 0.07 percent up at 6,083 points.