Sensex trades lower, Nifty tests 9,650 on negative global cues

The benchmark indices were trading lower on Friday tracking negative trend seen in Asian markets after Wall Street ended sharply lower on Thursday as disappointing labor market data clashed with the possibility of a more hawkish Federal Reserve, while rising tensions in the Korean peninsula providing additional pressure.

At 12:34 am, the S&P BSE Sensex was trading at 31,314, down 55 points, while the broader Nifty50 was ruling at 9,651, down 23 points.

In the broader market, the S&P BSE Midcap and the S&P BSE Smallcap indices were little changed.  

"The Nifty is now placed a tad below the