Indian Benchmark indices opened on negative note on February 17 with Nifty below 25600 amid weak global cues. In the broader markets, the Nifty MidCap index slipped 0.23 per cent, and the Nifty SmallCap index eased 0.09 per cent.

Overseas, the mood in Asian financial markets is largely cautious on Tuesday with several markets in the region closed for Lunar New Year holidays. The Australian market is up in positive territory thanks largely to strong buying the resources sector.

Meanwhile, Indian rupee opened flat at 90.67 per dollar on Tuesday versus previous close of 90.65.

At 9:41 hours, the 30-share benchmark index was trading at 83124.95 down by -152.2 points or by -0.18 % and then NSE Nifty was at 25592.8 down by -89.95 points or by -0.35 %.

On the sectoral front, BSE IT index was at 32192.47 up by 575.95 points or by 1.82%. Ksolves India Ltd. (Rs. 316.05,+11.03%), Nelco Ltd. (Rs. 666.00,+5.45%), Quick Heal Technologies Ltd. (Rs. 183.00,+4.87%), Newgen Software Technologies Ltd. (Rs. 484.70,+4.74%), RateGain Travel Technologies Ltd. (Rs. 562.90,+4.34%),.

Among others, Metal index was at 38966.2 down by -444.55 points or by -1.13%. Hindalco Industries Ltd. (Rs. 887.00,-2.23%), National Aluminium Company Ltd. (Rs. 342.00,-1.78%), Vedanta Ltd. (Rs. 667.80,-1.77%), Hindustan Zinc Ltd. (Rs. 585.60,-1.41%), Steel Authority of India (SAIL) Ltd. (Rs. 157.70,-1.16%),.

The Market breadth, indicating the overall strength of the market, was weak. On BSE out of total shares traded 3504 , shares advanced were 2116 while 1199 shares declined and 189 were unchanged.