Mumbai, Feb 2 (IANS): A benchmark index of Indian equities markets Monday was trading 212.04 points or 0.73 percent down as banking stocks plunged.

Good buying was observed in IT and capital goods sectors, while selling pressure was seen in banking and fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) sectors.

The 30-scrip Sensitive Index (Sensex) of the S&P Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 29,143.63 points, was trading at 28,970.91 points (at 12.15 p.m.), down 212.04 points or 0.73 percent from the previous day's close at 29,182.95 points.

The Sensex touched a high of 29,158.57 points and a low of 28,959.08 points in the trade so far.

The S&P IT index gained by 109.48 points and capital goods index moved up by 86.03 points. However, bankex plunged by 271.80 points and FMCG index dropped by 126.54 points.

The wider 50-scrip Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) was trading 45.30 points or 0.51 percent down at 8,763.60 points.