Mumbai, Oct 17 (IANS): The key Indian equity market indices traded on a flat-to-negative note during the early morning trade session on Tuesday, as low volumes and profit booking subdued investors' sentiments.

According to market observers, heavy selling pressure in the automobile, metals and FMCG stocks led to the slide.

However, positive Asian indices aided the equity markets' to pare some of its losses.

At 9.30 a.m., the 30-scrip Sensitive Index (Sensex), traded lower by 24.73 points or 0.08 per cent.

The wider 51-scrip Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) also traded on a flat-to-negative note, down 5.10 points or 0.05 per cent at 10,225.75 points.

The Sensex of the BSE, which opened at 32,654.41 points, traded at 32,608.91 points (at 9.30 a.m.), lower by 24.73 points or 0.08 per cent from Monday's close at 32,633.64 points.

The Sensex touched a high of 32,659.32 points and a low of 32,585.85 points during the intra-day trade so far.

On Monday, better-than-expected macroeconomic data pushed the key Indian equity indices to close at record highs.

The NSE Nifty50 had gained 63.40 points, or 0.62 per cent to end at 10,230.85 points.

Similarly, Sensex of the BSE made healthy gains. It closed higher by 200.95 points or 0.62 per cent to 32,432.69 points.