Mumbai, Jul 4 (IANS): A benchmark index for Indian equities markets Monday moved up from the day's lows in afternoon trade, even as broader markets saw better buying support.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 18,896.24 points, was ruling at 18,838.5 points, up 75.7 points or 0.4 percent from its previous close at 18,762.8 points.

The Sensex had shed early morning gains to slip to an intra-day low of 18,782.34 points.

The 50-scrip S&P CNX Nifty of the National Stock Exchange was also trading higher at 5,651.9 points, up 0.44 percent.

Broader markets moved up smartly with the BSE midcap index ruling 1.01 percent higher and the BSE smallcap index up 1.15 percent.

The market breadth was positive, with 1,763 stocks advancing, 1,036 on the decline and 105 remaining unchanged.

Among the gainers on the Sensex were Reliance Infra, DLF, RCom and Tata Motors, while the losers on the benchmark were ITC, Tata Steel, L&T and NTPC.

Asian markets closed in the green.

The Nikkei of the Japanese stock exchange closed 0.98 percent up at 9,965.09 points.

The Hang Seng of the Hong Kong stock exchange moved up 1.66 percent to end at 22,770.47 points, while the Chinese Shanghai composite index was ruling 1.94 percent higher at 2,812.82 points.

European bourses were trading subdued in the opening session.