The markets are likely to open on a cautious note on the first day of F and O contracts for the January series, which also happens to be the penultimate day of trade in the calendar year 2012.
Asian shares were capped by worries the United States may run out of time to avoid a fiscal crunch.
MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan was up 0.2 per cent. European shares were nearly flat overnight, and US stocks marked a fourth straight session of losses.
Back home, the Nifty's trading range is getting more and narrower, which in turn is indicating a likely breakout very soon. The current range suggests that the index may move within 5,830 – 5,940. Traders should wait for a breakout in either direction for the next move, technical analysts suggest.
At 705 am Indian Standard Time, the SGX Nifty was trading flat at 5,931.
Among individual stocks, Bharti Infratel, which raised over Rs 4,118 crore in the biggest I-P-O in two years, will be listed on the stock exchanges today.
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company has filed patent infringement case against Dr Reddy's Laboratories over the cancer drug Ixempra.
Thomas Cook India could also be in focus on reports that the company is exploring opportunities to expand its business beyond travel and foreign exchange services through acquisitions.
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