Markets trade flat with positive bias; Nifty holds on to 9,600

The benchmark indices continued to trade flat with positive bias after Asian markets inched back into the black as investors wagered the latest flare-up of tensions on the Korean peninsula would fade away like so many others.

At 2:28 pm, the S&P BSE Sensex was trading at 31,223, up 13 points, while the broader Nifty50 was ruling at 9,627, up 14 points. 

In the broader market, the S&P BSE Midcap and the S&P BSE Smallcap indices outperformed to gain nearly 1% each. 

The breadth, indicating strength of the market was strong. On BSE, 1,509 shares rose and 878 shares fell.