Mumbai, Jan 1 (IANS): A benchmark index of Indian equities markets Thursday closed flat, marginally higher by 8.12 points or 0.03 percent as no major triggers affected investor sentiment.

Healthy buying was observed in metal, automobile and capital goods stocks, while selling was seen in fast moving consumer goods (FMCG), healthcare and power sectors.

The 30-scrip Sensitive Index (Sensex) of the S&P Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 27,485.77 points, closed at 27,507.54 points, up 8.12 points or 0.03 percent from the previous day's close at 27,499.42 points.

The Sensex had touched a high of 27,545.61 points and a low of 27,395.34 points in the intra-day trade.

The S&P BSE metal index gained 115.52 points, followed by automobile index which ended the day's trade up 72.69 points and capital goods index rose by 58.77 points.

However, FMCG index went down by 20.78 points, healthcare index was lower by 19.77 points and power index slipped by 1.20 points.

The wider 50-scrip Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) too closed flat. It was marginally up by 1.30 points or 0.02 percent down at 8,284 points.