Mumbai, Feb 1 - A benchmark index for Indian equities started February on a weak note Wednesday with profit booking in banking and realty stocks pulling down the index.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the BSE, which opened at 17,179.64 points, was ruling at 17,102.6 points about 30 minutes into trade Wedenesday, 90.95 points or 0.53 percent down from its previous close at 17,193.55 points.

The 50-scrip S&P CNX Nifty of the National Stock Exchange also was trading in the red at 5,174.8 points, down 24.45 points or 0.47 percent from its previous close.

Broader markets were also ruling lower with the BSE 500 index trading 0.34 percent down from its previous close. (IANS)