Mumbai, Jul 12 (IANS): The key Indian equity market indices on Thursday opened higher amid global trade tensions leaving financial markets in a state of uncertainty.

The Sensitive Index (Sensex) of the BSE, which had closed at 36,265.93 points on Wednesday, opened higher at 36,424.23 points.

Minutes into trading, it was quoting at 36,447.95 points, up by 182.02 points, or 0.50 per cent.

At the National Stock Exchange (NSE), the broader 51-scrip Nifty, which had closed at 10,948.30 points on Wednesday, was quoting at 11,005.15 points, up by 56.85 points or 0.52 per cent.

Amid volatility, the key Indian equity indices had settled flat on Wednesday tracking weak global cues. In the global markets, investor sentiments were weighed down by the ongoing trade tensions between the US and China.

The Sensex was up by 26.31 points or 0.07 per cent at the Wednesday's closing. In the day's trade, the barometer 30-scrip sensitive index had touched a high of 36,362.30 points and a low of 36,169.70 points. The Nifty, too, was up by 70 points or 0.65 per cent.

Overnight, Nasdaq was down by 0.55 per cent at closing on Wednesday while FTSE 100 also closed in red, down by 1.30 per cent.