Benchmark domestic equity indices, Sensex and Nifty, were trading nearly half percent lower in the afternoon trade today, weighed down by metal and IT stocks and amid weak global cues. The 30-share BSE benchmark Sensex declined by 409 points, to 81,724, while NSE Nifty 50 dropped 114 points, to 24,654, when the reports last came in.

Meanwhile, the broader market at the Bombay Stock Exchange was trading in positive territory. The Mid-Cap index was trading over half percent up, and the Small-Cap index had gained over 0.4 per cent, a short while ago.