Mumbai, Sep 21 (IANS): A benchmark index for Indian equities markets Wednesday slipped from the highs seen in morning trade and was ruling dull about two hours after opening bell. Traders were also seen booking profits after the rally seen Tuesday.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 16,128.83 points, was ruling at 17,103.9 points -- almost unchanged from its previous close at 17,099.28 points. It had touched a high of 17,191.12 points, soon after opening.

The 50-scrip S&P CNX Nifty of the National Stock Exchange was also trading on a flat note at 5,146.8 points, up 0.13 percent.

Both benchmark indices had rallied handsomely in the previous session with the Sensex gaining 356 points.

Broader markets were, however, faring better. The BSE midcap index was trading 0.67 percent higher, while the BSE smallcap index was up 0.58 percent.

The market breadth was positive with 1,471 stocks advancing, compared to 885 on the decline and 105 remaining unchanged.

Sensex gainers at this time included Wipro, Coal India, ICICI Bank and L&T, while the losers included Hero MotoCorp, RIL, TCS and Tata Motors.

Asian markets were mostly subdued as traders kept to the sidelines awaiting fresh cues regarding the Greece debt crisis.

The Japanese Nikkei was ruling 0.39 percent up at 8,755.19 points, while
Hong Kong's Hang Seng index was trading 0.26 percent down at 18,964.83 points,

The Chinese Shanghai Composite index was, however, ruling 2.17 percent higher at 2,500.89 points.