Mumbai, Jan 6 : A benchmark index of Indian equities markets was trading flat at 46.41 points or 0.22 percent down in the pre-noon trade Monday.

Good buying was observed in the healthcare and auto sectors, while selling pressure was in banking index (bankex) sector.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the S&P Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 20,913.79 points, was trading at 20,804.92 points in the pre-noon session, down 46.41 points or 0.22 percent from previous day's close at 20,851.33 points.

The Sensex touched a high of 20,913.79 points and a low of 20,740.63 points during the trade so far.

The S&P BSE healthcare index gained 54.75 points and auto index went up by 61.19 points.  However, banking index (bankex) plunged by 126.25 points.

The wider 50-scrip Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) was also trading flat by 13.10 points or 0.21 percent at 6,198.05 points.(IANS)