Mumbai, (IANS) : The Indian equity markets traded on a flat-to-positive note during the late morning session on Thursday, as disappointing macro-economic data eroded investors risk-taking appetite.

According to market observers, other factors such as a weak rupee and broadly negative global cues subdued the key stock markets.

However, short covering and buying in healthcare, automobile and FMCG stocks kept the major indices in positive territory.

The 30-scrip Sensitive Index (Sensex) of the BSE, marginally gained 13.28 points or 0.04 per cent.

The wider 51-scrip Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) inched up by 1.60 points or 0.02 per cent at 9,622.85 points.

The S&P BSE Sensex, which opened at 31,117.09 points, was trading at 31,159.08 points (at 11.10 a.m.), was higher by 13.28 points or 0.04 per cent from the previous day’s close at 31,145.80 points.

The Sensex touched a high of 31,213.12 points and a low of 31,070.47 points during the trade so far.