Mumbai, Jan 9 - A benchmark index of Indian equities markets was trading flat at 8.39 points or 0.04 percent down in the pre-noon trade Thursday.

Good buying was observed in metal sector while selling pressure was seen in capital goods and banking index (bankex).

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the S&P Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 20,755.73 points, was trading at 20,720.99 points in the pre-noon session, down 8.39 points or 0.04 percent from previous day's close at 20,729.38 points.

The Sensex touched a high of 20,778.13 points and a low of 20,669.80 points during the trade so far.

The S&P BSE metal index gained 110.69 points, while capital goods index plummeted 111.22 points and bankex plunged by 86.93 points.

The wider 50-scrip Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) was trading flat at 9.95 points or 0.16 percent down at 6,164.65 points. (IANS)