Mumbai, Oct 16 - A key index of the Indian equities markets started trade on a volatile note Friday, and was ruling 0.15 percent higher than its previous close, about half an hour into trade.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) opened higher at 17,196.8 points and, 30 minutes into trade, was at 17,221.37 points, 0.15 percent or 26.17 points higher than its previous close at 17,195.2 points.

Around the same time, the S&P CNX Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) was also in the green at 5,122 points, up 0.26 percent from its last close.

Broader market indices too opened firm, with the BSE midcap index ruling 0.69 percent up, while the BSE small cap index was trading 0.61 percent higher. (IANS)