Mumbai, Nov 20 (IANS) A benchmark index of the Indian equities markets was trading on a volatile note a little after Friday noon and was down 0.61 percent from its previous closing figure.

The mood remained sombre across other Asian markets as well with concerns over the short-to-medium term global economic outlook.

Around 12.37 p.m., the sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) -- which opened the day at 16,772.75 points against Thursday's close at 16,785.65 points -- was ruling at 16,682.6 points, dipping 103.05 points or 0.61 percent.

At the National Stock Exchange (NSE), the broader 50-share S&P CNX Nifty was ruling at 4,946 points, against the previous close at 4,989 points, with a loss of 43 points or 0.86 percent.

Broader market indices were ruling flat with the BSE midcap index down 0.47 percent and the BSE smallcap index ruling 0.34 percent lower.

All the 13 sector-specific indices of the exchange were in the negative territory with realty and consumer durable scrips coming under greater selling pressure.

The market breadth was tilted towards the negative with 1,154 stocks advancing, compared to 1,318 on the decline, and 79 scrips unchanged.

Among other prominent Asian markets, the Nikkei, a key index of the Tokyo Stock Exchange, shut shop at 9,479.68 points, down 0.54 percent or 51.79 points.

The Hang Seng, a benchmark index of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange closed at 22,443.22 points, 0.84 percent or 199.94 points lower.

The Kospi, benchmark index of the Korean Stock Exchange, was ruling at 1,620.6 points, almost unchanged from Thursday.

In China, the Shanghai composite index was ruling 0.37 percent in the red at 3,308.35 points.