Mumbai, July 5 (IANS) A key index for Indian equities Monday was trading volatile in a narrow range even as broader markets were steady, although the volume was very low as many traders were inactive because of the ‘Bharat Bandh’ called by opposition parties against the rise in fuel prices.
The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 17,473.83 points, was ruling at 17,496.93 points, 35.98 points or 0.21 percent up from its previous close at 17,460.95 points.
At the National Stock Exchange (NSE), the broader 50-share S&P CNX Nifty was ruling at 5,248 points, up 0.21 percent from its previous close at 5,237.1 points.
Broader markets indices were in the positive terrain, with the BSE midcap index ruling 0.53 percent higher and the BSE smallcap index 0.5 percent up.
Oil and gas, and realty stocks saw some selling, while healthcare and auto stocks were among gainers.
The market breadth was positive, with 1,623 scrips advancing, compared to 995 stocks declining, and 121 remaining unchanged.
Other Asian markets were mixed after the US jobs data for June failed to meet expectations of investors.
Helped by short covering in exporters’ stocks, the Japanese Nikkei was up 0.69 percent towards closing bell at 9,266.78 points, while the South Korean Kospi closed 0.21 percent higher at 1,675.37 points.
Hong Kong’s Hang Seng was down 0.23 percent lower at 19,859.94 points, while the Chinese Shanghai Composite index was ruling 0.66 percent lower at 2,367.25. points.
