Mumbai, Mar 15 (IANS): The key Indian equity market indices on Thursday opened higher on the back of positive outlook of economy projected by the World Bank but it was quoting in red in early trading session taking cue from global markets.

The Sensitive Index (Sensex) of the BSE, which had closed at 33,835.74 points on Wednesday, opened higher at 33,843.47 points.

Minutes into trading, it was quoting at 33,822.81 points, down by 12.93 points, or 0.04 per cent.

At the National Stock Exchange (NSE), the broader 51-scrip Nifty, which had closed at 10,410.90 points on Wednesday, was quoting at 10,405.45 points, down by 5.45 points or 0.05 per cent.

Macroeconomic data that showed an easing inflation, along with a sharp recovery in banking stocks, helped the key Indian indices to trim their losses and close Wednesday's trade on a flat note with marginal losses.

According to market observers, the indices were pulled into the negative territory during the day by weak cues from the Asian markets and selling pressure.

The Sensex was down by 21.04 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 33,875.15 points and a low of 33,580.69 points. The Nifty too was down by 15.95 points or 0.15 per cent.

On Thursday, Asian indices were mostly showing a negative trend. Japan's Nikkei 225 was trading in red, down by 0.05 per cent, Hang Seng up by 0.12 per cent while South Korea's Kospi was also up by 0.02 per cent. China's Shanghai Composite index was quoting in red, down by 0.04 per cent.

Nasdaq closed in red, down by 0.19 per cent while FTSE 100 was also down by 0.09 per cent at the closing on Wednesday.