Mumbai, Oct 7 : A benchmark index of Indian equities Thursday was ruling lacklustre in early trade, although broader markets saw buying.

The 30-share sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 20,544.3 points, was ruling at 20,506.34 points, down 36.74 points or 0.18 percent from its previous close at 20,543.08 points.

At the National Stock Exchange (NSE), the 50-share S&P CNX Nifty was trading at 6,179.8 points, down 0.11 percent.

Broader markets were doing relatively better. The BSE midcap was trading 0.59 percent up and the BSE smallcap index 0.55 percent higher. (IANS)