Sensex down 300 points on euro debt crisis fear

Mumbai: A benchmark index for Indian equities on Monday fell in morning trade and was ruling 313 points lower minutes after opening bell as increased concerns over the euro zone debt crisis spooked global markets.

Indian markets were also seen taking cues from their Asian peers with major benchmarks in those countries trading two-five per cent lower.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the BSE, opened at 16,255.97 points, and was ruling at 16,140.8 points, down 312.96 points or 1.9 per cent from its previous close at 16,453.76 points.

The 50-scrip S&P CNX Nifty of the National Stock Exchange was also trading in the red, 1.89 per cent down or 93.65 points at 4,847.7 points.

Broader markets also edged lower. The BSE midcap index was down 1.32 per cent, while the BSE small cap index was ruling 0.88 per cent lower. The BSE 100 index was down 1.82 per cent.