Indian equity benchmark indices opened lower on Friday as investors remained selective, even though global risk appetite showed signs of improvement. The 30-share BSE Sensex declined 176.53 points, or 0.02 per cent, to open at 77,903.43, while the Nifty slipped 33.95 points to 24,361.90.
In the previous session, the Sensex had closed at 78,079.96 and the Nifty 50 at 24,395.85. Broader markets presented a mixed picture in early trade.
The BSE Midcap Select Index rose 51.16 points, whereas the BSE Smallcap Select Index fell 7.26 points, or 0.08 per cent, to 9,139.76.
Market breadth was positive at the open, with 1,373 stocks advancing against 1,120 declining on the NSE, while 107 stocks remained unchanged.
Analysts noted that the near-term market outlook stays cautiously constructive.
Softening crude oil prices and firm global equities offered some support, even as the muted GIFT Nifty signalled limited upside.
However, lingering geopolitical uncertainty and recent consolidation around key levels are likely to keep gains restrained.
Asian markets traded mostly higher on Friday, tracking Wall Street’s upward move driven by easing oil prices. Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose 524.41 points, or 0.77 per cent, to 68,833.
South Korea’s Kospi also gained 102.94 points. In contrast, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng fell 232.51 points, or 0.92 per cent, and Shanghai’s SSE Composite Index was down 8.31 points, or 0.21 per cent.
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