Sensex plummets in opening trade

A key Indian equities index fell sharply at opening bell on Monday and was ruling 1.3 per cent lower than its previous close, minutes into trade.

The sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) opened at 17,584.86 points and was ruling at 17,360.95 points, down 230.23 points or 1.31 per cent from its previous close at 17,591.18 points.

At the National Stock Exchange (NSE), the broader 50-share S&P CNX Nifty was at 5,196.85 points against the previous close at 5,262.6 points, a loss of 1.25 per cent.

Broader market indices were also in the red, with the BSE midcap index down 1.19 per cent and the BSE small cap index ruling 0.95 per cent lower.