Mumbai, Jul 5 (IANS): A benchmark index for Indian equities markets Tuesday slipped amid volatile trade, while broader markets were ruling dull.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) which opened at 18,837.88 points, was ruling at 18,710.84 points, down 103.64 points or 0.55 percent from its previous close at 18,814.48 points.

The 50-scrip S&P CNX Nifty of the National Stock Exchange was also trading dull at 5,619.8 points, down 0.54 percent.

Selling pressure in heavyweight scrips like Reliance Industries and ITC added to the drag on the benchmark indices.

Broader markets too were ruling lacklustre with the BSE midcap index 0.24 percent down and the BSE smallcap index up 0.1 percent.

Realty, power and capital goods stocks were among the top losers while auto stocks rose.

Among the gainers on the Sensex were M&M, Bajaj Auto, Tata Steel and Tata Motors, while the losers on the benchmark were BHEL, RCom, Reliance Infra and DLF.

Asian markets were ruling subdued.

The Nikkei of the Japanese stock exchange closed flat at 9,972.46 points.

The Hang Seng of the Hong Kong stock exchange was ruling 0.15 percent lower at 22,735.73 points, while the Chinese Shanghai composite index was ruling 0.33 percent down at 2,803.61 points.