A benchmark index for Indian equities belled the day on a negative note and was ruling 26 points down as against its previous closure, minutes into trade.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which belled at 17,476.48 points, was trading at 17,446.47 points, 26.09 points lower than its previous closure at 17,472.56 points.

At the National Stock Exchange (NSE), the broader 50-share S&P CNX Nifty was trading at 5,2342 after losing 0.2% from its last closure at 5,244.9 points.

Broader market indices remained flat at this time.

Stocks from energy and consumer durables witnessed early buys, whilst real estate scrip saw selling pressure. (With Inputs from Agencies)