From correspondents in Maharashtra, India, 08:30 PM IST

Indian equities markets opened strong Wednesday but finished in the red as investors booked profits on the gains of the past three successive trading sessions.

The 30-share benchmark sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) finished at 10,120.01, down 511.11 points or 4.81 percent from its previous close Tuesday at 10,631.12 points.

The broader-based 50-share S and amp;P CNX Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) also opened strong but closed at 2,994.95, down 147.15 points or 4.68 percent from its previous close at 3,142.10 points.

The BSE midcap index too finished in the red at 3,394.61, down 51.61 points or 1.50 percent from its previous close at 3,446.22 points.

The BSE smallcap index closed at 3,964.78, down 70.33 points or 1.74 percent from its previous close at 4,035.11 points.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)