Pre-market: Markets likely to trade range-bound

The markets are likely to remain range-bound with a negative bias following weak global cues. The rupee movement will also be keenly watched.

Overnight, the Dow Jones industrial average closed down around 0.8%, while the Standard & Poor's 500 Index lost 0.7%.

Asian shares fell for a sixth straight session on Thursday, with MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan slipping 0.1%. Japan's Nikkei share average opened down 0.4%, after hitting its lowest in nearly three months the previous day.

Back home, the Nifty is likely to face resistance at 5,025-5,035, while on the downside it would look to seek support around 4,980 - 4,970 levels, analysts say. At 715 am Indian Standard Time, the SGX Nifty was trading at 5,000 levels – up 0.4%.

Aviation stocks will be in focus today on reports that the government has initiated legal action against Kingfisher Airlines after banks refused to honour cheques issued by the ailing carrier and has also served notices on Jet Airways and SpiceJet over their dues.

Coal ministry has issued showcause notice to GMDC for inordinate delay in development of the Naini coal block allocated to the company.

Bharti Airtel could also be back in focus on reports that the company may buy 26% stake in a Qualcomm venture.

RIL said it signed a $2-billion equivalent loan with nine banks covered by Euler Hermes Deutschland AG earlier this week in Germany.

Also keep a tab on Apollo Tyres, Cipla, Lupin, NTPC, Cadila Healthcare and Canara Bank that will; announce their March quarter results today.