The benchmark index of the Indian equities market closed lower on Wednesday with the 30-scrip sensitive index of the Bombay Stock Exchange, Sensex, closing at 18,801.64 points, 239.31 points or 1.26 percent lower from the previous close of 19,040.95 points. The Sensex had a turnover of 3.57 billion rupees (about 66.20 million U.S. dollars).