Mumbai, Jun 8 (IANS): The Indian equity markets opened on a flat-to-positive note during the early morning session on Thursday, with healthy buying in metal, automobile and capital goods stocks.

According to market observers, investors were cautious on global concerns such as the European Central Bank's policy review (due later during the day) and the strengthening of the US dollar against major currencies.

The Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) rose by 19.05 points or 0.20 per cent to 9,682.95 points (around 9.20 a.m.).

The 30-scrip Sensitive Index (Sensex) of the BSE, which opened at 31,316.91 points, traded at 31,313.55 points (at 9.20 a.m.) -- up 42.27 points or 0.14 per cent from its previous close at 31,271.28 points.

It has so far touched a high of 31,354.51 points and a low of 31,298.77 points during intra-day trade.

The BSE market breadth was bullish -- with 786 advances and 361 declines.

On Wednesday, the benchmark indices closed in the green, cheered by the decision of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to boost liquidity levels in the commercial banking system.

The Nifty closed at 9,663.90 points -- up 26.75 points or 0.28 per cent, while the BSE Sensex was up 80.72 points or 0.26 per cent to close at 31,271.28 points.