Mumbai, April 15 : Losing IT stocks and high inflation data pulled down a benchmark index for Indian equities markets Friday, which closed 338 points lower.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 19,670.07 points, closed at 19,358.76 points (provisional), down 338.1 points or 1.72 percent from its previous close at 19,696.86 points.

The 50-scrip S&P CNX Nifty of the National Stock Exchange shut shop 1.64 percent lower at 5,814.7 points.

Broader markets closed listless, with the BSE midcap index closing 0.21 percent down and the BSE smallcap index ending a similar quantum lower.(IANS)