Mumbai, Sep 3 (IANS) A benchmark index for Indian equities was ruling moderately higher from its previous close, but trading was choppy during the first 30 minutes since opening bell.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 18,238.03 points, was at 18,260.04 points, 21.73 points or 0.12 percent up from its previous close at 18,238.31 points.

At the National Stock Exchange (NSE), the broader 50-share S&P CNX Nifty was ruling 0.06 percent higher at 5,489.25 points.

Broader markets indices were doing relatively better, with the BSE midcap 0.5 percent up and the BSE smallcap index 0.58 percent higher.

IT, auto and telecom scrips saw some buying, while oil and gas stocks came under selling pressure.

The market breadth was tilted towards the positive with 1,481 scrips advancing, compared to 1,023 stocks declining and 79 remaining unchanged.