Markets have a soft start

Indian markets have open subdued on weak cues from global markets.

The Sensex opened flat at 17,745. The index slipped thereafter to a low of 17,683 is now down 20 points at 17,725.

The Nifty is down 11 points at 5,311.

The US markets had a lacklustre session of trade. The Dow ended virtually unchanged at 11205, while the Nasdaq closed at 2522, lower by 0.2% and the S&P shut shop at 1212, down 0.4%.

The Asian markets have started on a weak note. The Hang Seng is quoting at 21,282, weaker by 304 points or 1.4% and the Nikkei is at 11,118, lower by 46 points or 0.4%.

The BSE realty index has been effected the most and is now down 0.6% at 3516. The Bankex is also down margianllt at 11,084.

Maruti Suzuki has dropped 2% to Rs 1310 followingits FY10 results yesterday. DLF has dropped 1.5% to Rs 318.

Sun Pharma continues to be weak since yesterday. The stock has slipped 1% to Rs 1589.

HDFC Bank and SBI have dropped 1% each.

On the other hand, ONGC has added 1% at Rs 1025. Some auto stocks - Hero Honda and Mahindra & Mahindra, have moved up 1% each.