Benchmark indices opened the day flat, as markets are expected to remain volatile ahead of next week's Union Budget. Asian markets were mostly higher, led by gains in the Hang Sang and the Japanese Nikkei. The Kospi which opened in the red managed to recoup those losses and was trading with gains.

Shares in Maruti fell after the company suspended production at its Haryana plant after quota unrest in the state. The stock was down almost 2 per cent in trade.

Software stocks also saw some selling pressure with Infosys, HCL Tech and Wipro among the big losers. Jet Airways dropped after the company termed as speculative, reports that Etihad was going to raise its stake in the company.

On the other hand drug company Divis Laboratories was trading higher after the company said that the US health regulator has conducted a successful inspection of its facility in Andhra Pradesh this month.

Meanwhile, the rupee opened at 68.68 to the US dollar and is expected to trade in a range for the next few days, until the Union Budget 2016.

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