Extending losses in the U.S. and European markets and weak reactions in other Asian stock markets kept Indian equities markets under pressure this afternoon.

At 01:59 p.m., the 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) was ruling at 9,577.36 points, 70.11 points, or 0.73% lower than its last closure.

It had opened at 9,462.14 points, lower than its last close of 9,647.47-points.

Meanwhile, the broader-based S&P CNX Nifty index of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) was at 2,919.45 points, 15.05 points, or 0.51% below its previous close.

Broader market indices were down with the BSE midcap index trading 0.45% lower and the BSE smallcap losing 0.27%.

IT, oil & gas and metal stocks witnessed heavy selling pressure, while FMCG and auto stocks edged higher.

Leading the gainers' list on the Sensex at this time were Jaiprakash Associates (3.34%), Maruti Suzuki India (3.07%), Reliance Capital (1.88%), Housing Development Finance Corporation (1.13%), Reliance Communications (0.90%), and NTPC (0.78%).

Among losing scrips were Reliance Energy (4.22%), Tata Steel (3.38%), Grasim Industries (3.20%), Ranbaxy Laboratories (2.21%), Tata Consultancy Services (2.15%), and Tata Motors (1.87%)

Overall market breadth is negative. Out of the total 2,317 stocks traded at BSE, 1,055 advanced, 1,155 declined while 107 remained unchanged.

Market breadth was negative on the BSE with 1,155 declines and 1,055 advances.