Sensex flat on global cues, banks fall on profit-taking

Indian stocks markets were flat tracking soft global markets as investors eyed US jobs data due today.

Profit-taking after yesterday's sharp gains also weighed on sentiments. Market analyst Rajat Bose said profit-taking could take place at higher levels today.

The Sensex was down 26 points at 20,931 while Nifty was off 9.75 points.

Banking stocks were under some pressure on profit-taking after yesterday's sharp gains. The Bank Nifty was off 0.5 per cent after rising nearly 4.5 per cent on Thursday.

Asian markets were steady on Friday as Japanese shares recouped early losses, though investors were cautious ahead of jobs data that could make or break the case for an imminent scaling back in US stimulus.

Defying a soft finish on Wall Street, Tokyo's Nikkei edged up 0.2 per cent in morning trading, recouping a little of the 3.6 percent loss suffered in the previous two sessions. (With Reuters inputs)