Mumbai, May 21 - A benchmark index of Indian equities markets was trading 57.70 points or 0.24 percent down Wednesday as capital goods and banking sectors slumped.

Good buying was observed in metal and auto sectors, while selling pressure was seen in capital goods and banking sectors.

The 30-scrip Sensitive Index (Sensex) of the S&P Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 24,404.48 points was trading at 24,319.18 points in the pre-noon session, down 57.70 points or 0.24 percent from the previous day's close at 24,376.88 points.

The Sensex touched a high of 24,419.54 points and a low of 24,278.39 points in trade.

The S&P BSE metal index gained 104.38 points, auto index went up by 90.66 points and capital goods index dropped by 148.63 points while bankex went down by 70.22 points.

The wider 50-scrip Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) also slipped by 12.70 points or 0.17 percent and was trading at 7,262.80 points. (IANS)