The 30 share index Sensex broadened its losses in noon session and was trading 169 points down as against its last closure at 16,944.63.

The Sensex stood at 16,774.65, down 169.98 points while the broad-based Nifty was ruling at 5,031.45 points, down 1.08% from its previous close.

Broader markets indices remained mixed, with the BSE midcap index trading 0.06% up and the BSE smallcap index 0.38% higher.

The stocks witnessing huge selling pressure included banking and metal.

In contrast, scrips of healthcare companies were in limelight and topping the gainers' list.

Among other Asian markets, the Japanese Nikkei marked its closure 0.58% down at 9,711.83 amid political doubt as members of the ruling Democratic Party of Japan have started clamoring for Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama's resignation.

Caution remained the flavor in other bourses.

Hong Kong's Hang Seng stood at 19,639.14, down 0.64%, whilst the Shanghai composite index declined 0.92% to end at 2,568.28.

The South Korean Kospi was also ruling in the red at 1,630.4, down 0.66%. (With Inputs from Agencies)