Mumbai, Sep 27 (IANS): Indian equities markets were upbeat Tuesday afternoon with a benchmark index continuing to gain handsomely. It was trading about 484 points higher, about an hour before closing bell amid positive global cues.

A positive opening at European markets also helped buying sentiments.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the BSE Tuesday opened at 16,289.32 points, and rose to 16,534.94 points, up 483.84 points or 3.01 percent from its previous close at 16,051.1 points.

The 50-scrip S&P CNX Nifty of the National Stock Exchange was also trading higher, 2.94 percent up at 4,977.55 points.

Broader markets also saw robust buying. The BSE midcap index was up 1.72 percent, while the BSE small cap index was ruling 1.57 percent up. The BSE 100 index was up 2.69 percent.

The market breadth at the BSE was positive with 1,873 stocks advancing, compared to 814 on the decline and 98 remaining unchanged.

Asian markets closed in the green with key indices gaining 2-3.5 percent.

European markets were also ruling higher.

Britain's FTSE was up 2.17 percent at 5,199.97 points, the German DAX was trading 3.29 percent higher at 5,521.32 points.

The French CAC 40 was ruling 2.88 percent up at 2,941.71 points.