Mumbai, Jul 19 (IANS): Indian equities markets were largely trading on a flat note around Tuesday noon amid negative cues from Asian markets.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 18,521.38 points, was ruling at 18,504.75 points, almost unchanged from its previous close at 18,507.04 points.

The 50-scrip S&P CNX Nifty of the National Stock Exchange was also trading lacklustre at 5,568.55 points, up 0.03 percent.

Broader markets saw moderate gains. The BSE midcap index rose 0.23 percent and the BSE smallcap index was up 0.5 percent.

The market breadth at the BSE was still tilted towards the positive with 1,415 stocks advancing, 1,186 on the decline and 122 remaining unchanged.

Consumer durables, IT and telecom stocks were among the top gainers, while realty and auto scrips were losing yet again.

The sovereign debt crisis in Europe and some banks in the region failing a stress test kept sentiments low. The stalemate in the US over raising the debt ceiling also worried investors.

The Japanese Nikkei closed Tuesday 0.85 percent lower at 9,889.72 points.

The Hang Seng of the Hong Kong stock exchange was ruling 0.79 percent lower at 21,632.33 points, while the Chinese Shanghai composite index was down 0.61 percent at 2,799.44 points.