Markets continue to trade near the day's low.  However, BSE mid and small-cap indices have outperformed.

The Sensex opened on a weak note on cues from Asian markets. The index extended losses in afternoon trades and touched a low of 17,488. The index is now near the low at 17,504 - down 110 points.

BSE mid and small cap indices are, however, in green. The mid-cap index is flat at 7,195. Small-cap index has jumped 26 points to 9,213.

Nifty is down 39 points at 5,249.

BSE oil & gas index has extended losses and is now down over 1% at 10,546. Bankex and metal indices have dropped nearly 1% each.

Communication stocks continue to gain. Reliance Communications has jumped 3% to Rs 186. Bharti Airtel has gained 2% at Rs 276.

BHEL and Maruti Suzuki have added marginally in a more-or-less weak market.

Meanwhile, Reliance has slipped 1.4% to Rs 1057.

Sterlite and ICICI Bank have dropped 1.4% each to Rs 161 and Rs 847, respectively.

ONGC, Tata Motors, Tata Motors, HDFC, Cipla and Hindalco have declined around 1% each in trades this afternoon.

BSE market breadth is marginally positive. Out of 2,881 stocks traded 1,467 have advanced while 1,305 have declined.