Mumbai, Jan 25 (IANS): The key Indian equity market indices on Thursday opened higher but with a cautious approach ahead of the January futures and options (F&O) expiry.

The Sensitive Index (Sensex) of the BSE, which had closed at 36,161.64 points on Wednesday, opened higher at 36,208.39 points.

Minutes into trading, it was quoting at 36,132.49 points, down by 29.15 points, or 0.08 per cent.

At the National Stock Exchange (NSE), the broader 51-scrip Nifty, which had closed at 11,086 points on Wednesday, was quoting at 11,087.55 points, up by 1.55 points or 0.01 per cent.

Amid much volatility, the two key Indian equity indices on Wednesday closed in the green for the sixth consecutive session even as profit booking wiped-off most of last five sessions' gains.

According to analysts, the markets took a breather a day after the indices crossed important milestones and closed a range bound trade session on a flat note.

Caution ahead of January F&O expiry on Thursday, along with subdued global cues, added to the volatility in the equity markets.

The Sensex was up by 21.66 points or 0.06 per cent at the Wednesday's closing. In the day's trade, the barometer 30-scrip sensitive index had touched a high of 36,268.19 points and a low of 36,036.51 points.

The Nifty too, was up by 2.30 points or 0.02 per cent.

On Thursday, Asian indices were mostly showing a negative trend. Japan's Nikkei 225 was trading in red, down by 0.93 per cent, Hang Seng down by 0.26 per cent while South Korea's Kospi was up by 0.87 per cent.

China's Shanghai Composite index was also quoting in red, down by 0.16 per cent.

Nasdaq closed in red, down by 0.61 per cent while FTSE 100 was down by 1.16 per cent at the closing on Wednesday.