A benchmark index for Indian stocks Friday was ruling almost one percent down than its earlier closure, about an hour into trade, after having made yet another weak start.

Worldwide stock markets have been worried with signs coming out that more European economic systems could be soaked up by the debt crisis actuated in Greece and threaten the financial recovery across the world.

The Sensex, which belled the day at 16,939.58 points, was trading at 16,822.80, down 164.73 points as against its previous closure at 16,987.53.

At the National Stock Exchange (NSE), Nifty stood at 5,036.35, down 54.5 points, as against its previous closure at 5,124.9.

Broader market indices were also in the pessimistic zone with the BSE midcap index trading 1.34% lower and the BSE smallcap index ruling 1.61% down.

Selling was widespread across segments and real estate, metals, and banking stocks were among the worst hit.

Asian stock markets were also trading negatively, with a wave of spreading amid concerns of the European debt crisis that denied dying down.

Hong Kong's Hang Seng lost 0.6% at 20,013.36 points, whereas the Chinese Shanghai Composite index was trading 0.69% down at 2,720.76.

The Japanese Nikkei lost 2.75% at 10,401.73 points. The South Korean Kospi was down 1.82% at 1,654.03 points. (With Inputs from Agencies)