Mumbai, June 6 : A benchmark index for Indian equities markets was subdued in afternoon trade Monday as selling pressure built up in auto and metal stocks.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 18,344.27 points, was ruling at 18,333.4 points, down 43.08 points or 0.23 percent from its previous close at 18,376.48 points.

The 50-scrip S&P CNX Nifty of the National Stock Exchange was also trading lower at 5,504.55 points, down 0.22 percent.

Broader markets too were ruling weak with the BSE midcap index ruling 0.55 percent down and the BSE smallcap index down 0.08 percent.

IT, healthcare and telecom rose, while auto, metal and energy stocks were among the losers.

The market breadth was negative with 1,098 stocks advancing, 1,504 on the decline and 116 remaining unchanged.

Among gainers on the Sensex were Cipla, HDFC, TCS and HDFC Bank, while losers on the benchmark index included Jaiprakash Associates, M&M, Hindalco and Bajaj Auto.

Major Asian markets -- save Japan -- were closed Monday.

The Nikkei of the Japanese stock exchange closed 1.18 percent lower at 9,380.35 points.

Hong Kong and Chinese markets were closed on account of a holiday.

European markets too were ruling lower in the opening session. (IANS)