Mumbai, Aug 12 - A key index of Indian equities markets recouped most of the day's losses Wednesday to end 54 points below its previous close even as major Asian markets tumbled as much as 3 percent Wednesday.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened lower at 14,953.44 points, ended trade at 15,020.16 points, down 54.43 points or 0.36 percent.

The index plunged to a low of 14,701.05 points in intra-day trading, but recovered most of the losses in the afternoon.

The Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) too shut shop in the red at 4,457.5 points, down 0.31 percent.

Broader market indices closed in positive terrain, with the BSE midcap index ending 0.28 percent up, while the the BSE smallcap index closed 0.47 percent higher.

Of the 13 sectoral indices, IT, metal and PSU stocks lost the most as these came under greater selling pressure. Among those who made gains included realty and auto stocks.

The market breadth was tilted towards negative, with 1,214 stocks advancing, 1,368 declining and 99 remaining unchanged.