New Delhi, Nov. 12 -- Indian equity markets closed flat on Thursday as investors remained cautious ahead of the October inflation data due later in the day.

Buying in financial and realty stocks helped offset profit-booking in IT, FMCG and automobile shares following the recent sharp rally.

The Nifty 50 index closed at 25,299.35, gaining 44.30 points or 0.18 per cent, while the BSE Sensex ended at 81,911.01, up 31.61 points or 0.04 per cent.

Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Investments, said buying in financial and realty stocks supported the market, while investors booked profits in sectors that had witnessed a recent rally.

"Indian equities traded near flat as buying in financials and realty offset profit-taking in IT, FMCG an...