Mumbai/IBNS, Jan. 30 -- Indian equity benchmarks traded sharply lower on Friday as investors turned cautious ahead of the Union Budget amid global uncertainties and domestic concerns, media reports said.

Post noon, the Sensex pared some losses but was still trading down nearly 350 points, while the Nifty remained lower by over 120 points.

The market witnessed a broad-based sell-off after gains in three consecutive sessions, with investor sentiment dented by evolving global developments and near-term domestic triggers.

The decline came a day ahead of the Union Budget and despite the government releasing the Economic Survey projecting strong economic growth.

Metal and IT stocks led the fall, dragging the broader market lower.

He added ...