Sensex falls below 16,000-mark

Mumbai, May 25 : A benchmark index for Indian equities Tuesday fell below the 16,000-mark for the first time since February due to unabated sell-off on the back of negative global cues.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 16,444.57 points, was ruling 502.36 points or 3.05 percent down at 15,967.19 points from its previous close at 16,469.55 points.

At the National Stock Exchange (NSE), the broader 50-share S and P CNX Nifty was ruling at 4,789.15 points, down 3.13 percent from its previous close at 4,943.95 points.

Selling pressure was witnessed in the broader markets as well, with the BSE midcap index ruling 3.3 percent down and the BSE smallcap index 3.58 percent lower.