Indian stock markets were trading on a weak note during early trade, although broader markets witnessed some buying activity.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) was trading 40.98 points down (-0.22%) to trade at 18,408.33.

The BSE Sensex belled the day at 18,450.07 as against its last closure at 18,449.31.

In contrast, the 50-scrip S&P CNX Nifty of the National Stock Exchange also remained flat to trade 0.1% down at 5,520.95.

Broader stock markets remained moderately up, with the BSE midcap index surged 0.45% and the BSE small cap index ruling 0.19% higher.

On Thursday, Indian stock markets marked their closured at the day's highest peaks signifying some power after days of slaughter.

The Sensex surged 359 points to end the day at 18,449 and the broad-based Nifty ended with a gain of 94.75 points at 5,526.75.

Robert Parker, Vice Chairman of Credit Suisse Asset Management said, "Since November there has been a clear acceleration in the American economy... in most emerging markets there has been an uptrend in the money market trend with tightening of the monetary policy. This has driven short term capital flows out of the emerging markets and back into Europe and America."

As per reports, Indian food inflation surged in the penultimate week of January.