A lacklustre opening on the bourses is likely in the absence of concrete direction from global markets. Most Asian stocks were trading lower on Wednesday even as US markets ended slightly higher on Tuesday. The S&P CNX Nifty futures for March 2010 expiry were up 7 points in Singapore.

The key benchmark indices failed to sustain higher level as selling pressure emerged in metal and IT stocks. A muted initial response the follow-on public offer of NMDC weighed on sentiment. The BSE 30-share Sensex was up 2.03 points or 0.01% to 17,054.57, off 128.94 points from the day's high and up 26.65 points from the day's low. European markets were trading lower. Most Asian stocks rose, reversing initial losses.

The key benchmark indices posted small gains as European markets reversed early losses and US index futures rose. Most Asian stocks rose, reversing initial losses. The BSE 30-share Sensex was provisionally up 39.62 points or 0.23% to 17,092.16, off 91.35 points from the day's high and up 64.24 from the day's low.

The key benchmark indices eked out small gains mimicking mild gains in global stocks. US index futures were flat. The BSE 30-share Sensex rose 45.79 points or 0.27%, off close to 70 points from the day's high and up 64.24 from the day's low. The market breadth was weak after a strong start. Auto stocks edged higher on fresh buying. Banking shares were mixed. Telecom pivotals saw divergent trend. IT stocks declined on profit taking after recent gains triggered by upbeat US jobs data.