Mumbai, Aug 2 (IANS) A benchmark index for the Indian equities markets Tuesday closed 213 points lower as traders booked profits after the previous session’s rally.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 18,283.55 points, closed at 18,101.07 points (provisional), down 213.26 points or 1.16 percent from its previous close at 18,314.33 points.

The 50-scrip S&P CNX Nifty of the National Stock Exchange also ended in the red at 5,457.4 points, down 1.08 percent.

Broader markets too edged lower. The BSE midcap index closed 1.56 percent down, while the BSE smallcap index ended 1.49 percent lower.