A benchmark index for Indian equities markets on Thursday closed 129 points lower, as traders continued to sell in the wake of fears of another interest rate hike by the central bank in a bid to combat inflation. Asian cues too were not supportive. The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 17,603.29 points, closed at 17,463.04 points, down 129.73 points or 0.74% from its previous close at 17,592.77 points.

The 50-scrip S&P CNX Nifty of the National Stock Exchange ended 0.6% lower at 5,222.15 points.

Broader markets were also in the red, with the BSE midcap index closing 0.11% down and the BSE small cap index ending 0.86% lower.

Other Asian markets closed in the red as well as the after-effects of China's latest interest rate hike continued to be felt in bourses across the region.

The Japanese Nikkei shed 0.11% to close at 10,605.65 points, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng was ended 1.97% down at 22,708.62 points.

A benchmark of Chinese markets, Shanghai Composite index, shut shop 1.59% higher at 2,818.16 points.