Markets may open flat

Indian equities are likely to open flat on Tuesday, Sept. 04, 2012. SGX Nifty is trading at 5,281 (07.20 a.m.), 9 points higher than Monday"s closeof 5,272.

Asian stocks swung between gains and losses as the European Union"s outlook was cut by Moody"s Investors Service ahead of meetings of the region"s policy makers today. Japanese benchmark index Nikkei 225 fell 12.23 points, or 0.14%, to trade at 8,771.66.

Oil prices fell Monday after weaker-than-expected manufacturing data from China intensified concerns about the global economy. Benchmark oil for October delivery was down 12 cents at USD 96.35 a barrel in early afternoon trading in London in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Brent crude for October delivery was up 1 cent to USD 114.59 on the ICE Futures exchange in London.

European stocks rose on speculation central banks will take more steps to boost growth as reports signaled the economic slowdown is deepening. UK"s benchmark index FTSE 100 advanced 46.93 points, or 0.82%, to end at 5,758.41.

In the spot market, the Dollar Index decreased 0.06% to 81.16 (21:38 ET).