Mumbai, Jul 21 (IANS): A benchmark index for the Indian equities markets Thursday was ruling lacklustre in noon trade, and broader markets were ruling flat amid weak cues from other Asian markets.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 18,514.65 points, was ruling at 18,534.32 points, up 31.94 points or 0.17 percent from its previous close at 18,502.38 points.

The 50-scrip S&P CNX Nifty of the National Stock Exchange was also trading lacklustre at 5,551.6 points, down 0.28 percent.

The market breadth at the BSE was negative with 1,227 stocks advancing, 1,395 on the decline and 114 remaining unchanged.

Consumer durables, realty, healthcare and banking stocks fell, while IT and FMCG stocks saw some buying.

Among gainers on the Sensex were Tata Motors, Infosys, Hindustan Unilever and Wipro, while losers included Reliance Communications, Hero Honda, Hindalco and HDFC Bank.

Asian markets mostly ended on a subdued note, as traders took a breather after a rally in the previous session.

The Japanese Nikkei Thursday closed flat at 10,010.39 points.

The Hang Seng of the Hong Kong stock exchange closed 0.2 percent up at 22,048.79 points, while the Chinese Shanghai composite index moved 1.03 percent lower at 2,765.29 points.