Sensex trades in red; FMCG stocks down

A benchmark index of the Indian stock markets was trading in the red in the late afternoon session on Monday - down 174 points or 0.70 percent due to selling pressure in fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) and information technology (IT).

The 30-scrip S&P Sensex (sensitive index) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 25,108.09 points, was trading at 24,930.87, down 174.64 points or 0.70 percent from its previous day close at 25,105.51 points. 

The Sensex touched a high of 25,197.50 points and a low of 24,895.59 points in the intra-day. 

The markets were cautious amidst weak global cues as a result of the worsening security situation in Iraq with crude oil prices scaling up.

The wider 50-scrip S&P CNX Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) was also trading in the red. It was down 52 points or 0.69 percent at 7,459.45 points.

There was selling pressure in BSE FMCG, IT, technology, entertainment and media (TECK), capital goods and consumer durables stocks. 

The BSE FMCG index fell 245.83 points, followed by IT index dropped 129.31 points, TECK index lost 51.66 points, capital goods index plunged by 37.60 points and consumer durables index was down 31.45 points.

However, metal index was up 89.26 points and automobile index was up 78.15 points.