Mumbai, Feb 11 - A benchmark index for Indian equities markets Friday pared early losses, but broader markets were still in the red.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 17,519.13 points, was ruling at 17,402.45 points, down 60.59 points or 0.35 percent from its previous close at 17,463.04 points.

The 50-scrip S&P CNX Nifty of the National Stock Exchange was trading 0.32 percent lower at 5,209.25 points.

Broader markets were, however, trading in the green, with the BSE midcap index ruling 0.37 percent higher and the BSE small cap index trading 0.61 percent up.

Metals, telecom and realty stocks were in the red, while consumer durables and auto scrips moved up.

The market breadth was positive, with 1,256 stocks advancing compared to 1,048 scrips on the decline. A total of 62 stocks remained unchanged.

The major gainers on the Sensex were HDFC, Tata Motors, NTPC and Hero Honda. The losers included Reliance Communications, Hindalco, Reliance Infra and ONGC.

Other Asian markets were trading on a cautious note as all eyes were fixed on the political turmoil in Egypt after President Hosni Mubarak refused to quit despite continued mass protests.

Hong Kong's Hang Seng was trading 0.28 percent down at 23,644.39 points, while a benchmark of Chinese markets, Shanghai Composite index, was ruling flat at 2,815.61 points, down 0.09 percent.

The Japanese markets were closed. (IANS)