Mumbai, Oct 18 - A benchmark index of Indian equities Monday slipped below the 20,000-mark after opening some 35 points lower compared with the previous close.

The 30-share sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 20,160.55 points, was ruling at 19,974.52 points, down 150.53 points or 0.75 percent from its previous close at 20,125.05 points.

Soon after the opening bell, it had moved up further by 70 points at 20,195.06 points.

At the National Stock Exchange (NSE), the 50-share S&P CNX Nifty was trading at 6,017.45 points, down 0.75 percent.

Broader markets also slumped with the BSE midcap index ruling 0.16 percent lower and the BSE smallcap index 0.08 percent up. (IANS)