Mumbai, Dec 16 - A benchmark index of Indian equities markets was trading flat at 1.10 points or 0.01 percent down in the early morning trade Monday.

Selling pressure was observed in oil and gas and auto sectors while good buying was observed in healthcare sector.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the S&P Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 20,714.26 points, was trading at 20,714.48 points in the early session, down 1.10 points or 0.01 percent from previous day's close at 20,715.58 points.

The Sensex touched a high of 20,740.78 points, and a low of 20,667.02 points during the trade so far.

The S&P BSE oil and gas index dropped 34.76 points and auto index slipped 41.77 points. However, healthcare index gained 90.24 points.

The wider 50-scrip Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) was also trading flat at 7.80 points or 0.13 percent up at 6,176.20 points. (IANS)