The Nifty and the Sensex closed marginally in the green on Thursday ahead of rate action by the European Central Bank.

The Nifty ended at 5238 up 13 points and the Sensex settled at 17346, up 33 points.

Market-men are expecting the European Central Bank to cut interest rates by 25 basis points.

“The markets opened with a flat note tracking the weak global cues and remained weak and subdued.

PSU OMC stocks gained for the third day on the news of a likely fuel price hike by the government, but the auto stock slid on the news. The Technology stocks were trading higher on the weak rupee. Banking stocks were trading higher on the renewed buying,” said Mr. Alex Mathews, Head- Research, Geojit BNP Paribas.

Volatility was marginally in the red and the India Vix closed at 16.98, down 0.18 per cent.