A benchmark index of Indian equities Tuesday was trading volatile, although broader markets showed buying interest. Asian markets too were choppy. The 30-share sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 20,461.98 points, was ruling flat at 20,468.91 points, down 6.82 points or 0.03 percent from its previous close at 20,475.73 points.

It had risen to an intra-day high of 20,560.54 points and hit an intra-day low of 20,462.32 points.

At the National Stock Exchange (NSE), the 50-share S&P CNX Nifty was trading at 6,162.15 points, up 0.04 percent.

Broader markets were among gains. The BSE midcap was trading 0.7 percent up and the BSE smallcap index 1.1 percent higher.

The market breadth was positive with 1,656 scrips advancing, compared to 1,180 stocks declining and 100 remaining unchanged.

Consumer durables, oil and gas and healthcare stocks saw buying, while FMCG scrips came under selling pressure.

Top Sensex gainers at this time were Reliance Com, BHEL, ACC and M&M, while Hindustan Unilever, HDFC and HDFC Bank were on the losing side.

Speculation ahead of the earnings season in US and fall in corporate earnings of major companies led to volatility in other major markets in Asia.

The Japan's Nikkei shut shop 1.47 percent higher at 9,518.76 points

Hong Kong's Hang Seng was ruling 0.19 percent down at 22,574.62 points. The Chinese markets were closed Tuesday.