Sensex closes flat after choppy trade

A benchmark index for Indian equities markets on Friday closed flat amidst choppy trade. The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened in the positive at 17,145.39 points, closed at 17,134.25 points, up 0.02 per cent or 3.58 points from its previous close at 17,130.67 points. Sensex had made early gains on the back of global cues like Japanese central bank’s decision to keep overnight interest rates at near zero levels and an expanded bond buying programme. Afternoon trade saw the benchmark in the red with negative European cues.