Mumbai, Oct 15 - A key Indian equities market index opened on a firm note Thursday but in five minutes slipped to rule 0.22 percent above its previous close.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) opened higher at 17,274.07 points and, five minutes into trade, was at 17,269.09, 37.98 points or 0.22 percent higher than its previous close at 17,231.11.

The S&P CNX Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) also followed the Sensex and was ruling at 5,128 points, up 0.19 percent from its last close.

However, broader market indices were holding up, with the BSE midcap index ruling 0.92 percent up, while the BSE small cap index was trading 0.94 percent higher. (IANS)