Mumbai, Jan 31 (IANS) A benchmark index for Indian equities markets Monday made up for most of its intra-day losses, though it still ended lower amid weak and volatile market sentiments.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 18,226.21 points, closed at 18,320.82 points (provisional), down 75.15 points or 0.41 percent from its previous close at 18,395.97 points.

It had slipped more than 357 points to 18,038.48 points in the morning session.

The 50-scrip S&P CNX Nifty of the National Stock Exchange too ended flat at 5,509.55 points.

Broader markets closed in the red with the BSE midcap index closing 0.29 percent down and the BSE smallcap index 0.71 percent lower.