Mumbai, Aug 6 (IANS) A benchmark index for Indian equities Friday was choppy in noon trade with other Asian markets trading on mixed cues.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 18,165.49 points, was at 18,226.52 points, 52.15 points or 0.29 percent up from its previous close at 18,172.83 points.

At the National Stock Exchange (NSE), the broader 50-share S&P CNX Nifty was ruling 0.35 percent up at 5,466.25 points.

Broader markets indices were also in the green with the BSE midcap index 0.83 percent up and the BSE smallcap index trading 1.17 percent higher.

Consumer durables, Auto, and realty, stocks were on the rise, while banking stocks came under selling pressure.

The market breadth was positive, with 1,835 scrips advancing, compared to 982 stocks declining, and 79 remaining unchanged.

Other Asian bourses, which opened on a quiet note were trading mixed.

The Japanese Nikkei closed 0.12 percent up at 9,642.12 points, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng was ruling 0.56 percent higher at 21,671.55 points.

The Chinese Shanghai Composite index was up, trading 1.14 percent higher at 2,650.78 points. The South Korean Kospi closed flat.