Mumbai, Sep 9 (IANS): A benchmark index for Indian equities markets was ruling in the red around Friday noon amid negative cues from other major Asian markets. Broader markets too were lacklustre.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the BSE opened at 17,189.75 points and slid to 17,091.76 points, down 73.78 points or 0.43 percent from its previous close at 17,165.54 points.

It had slipped to an intra-day low of 17,025.59 points.

The 50-scrip S&P CNX Nifty of the National Stock Exchange too followed a similar trajectory and was ruling at 5,128.6 points, down 0.48 percent.

Broader markets were trading dull. The BSE midcap index was up 0.36 percent, and the BSE small cap index was ruling 0.45 percent higher.

The market breadth was, however, positive with 1,418 stocks advancing, 1,076 on the decline and 102 remaining unchanged.

IT, metals and oil and gas stocks were among the major losers, while consumer durables and FMCG scrips saw some buying.

Other Asian markets were ruling lower in choppy trade.

Japan's Nikkei closed 0.63 percent lower at 8,737.66 points, while China's Shanghai Composite index was ruling 0.34 percent down at 2,490.53 points.

Hong Kong's Hang Seng index was also trading weak at 19,839.47 points, 0.37 percent lower.