Mumbai, Aug. 27 -- Indian benchmark indices opened higher on Thursday, supported by easing crude prices and stronger global technology cues following NVIDIA's results, but soon slipped into negative territory, with auto and cement stocks coming under pressure.

Both indices opened with a gap-up. The Nifty opened at 24,277.60 and was trading at around 24,194.40, down 13.35 points or 0.06 per cent from the previous close of 24,207.75 at the time of reporting. The Sensex opened at 77,576.76 and was trading at 77,452.09, down 20.85 points or 0.03 per cent from the previous close of 77,472.94 at the same time.

Most broad-market indices traded in positive territory. Sectorally, Nifty Auto, Financial Services, FMCG, Cement and PSU Bank indices ...