Mumbai, Oct 24 (IANS): A benchmark index for Indian equities advanced nearly one percent Monday on good buying support in auto and technology stocks.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the BSE, which opened at 17,011.06 points, ended the day at 16,932.99 points, up 0.88 percent or 147.35 points from its previous close at 16,785.64 points.

The Sensex touched a high of 17,104.88 points and low of 16,898.60 points in the intra-day trade.

The 50-scrip S&P CNX Nifty of the National Stock Exchange closed 0.91 percent or 48.40 points higher at 5,095.80 points.

There was good buying support in auto, technology and oil and gas stocks. Auto and IT indices of the BSE gained nearly two percent.

Tata Motors surged 4.44 percent at Rs.185.85. ONGC climbed 4.09 percent at Rs.276.25.

Hindustan Unilever, up 3.14 percent higher at Rs.336.35; Bajaj Auto, up 3.12 percent at Rs.1,691.70; TCS, up 2.97 percent at Rs.1,079.35; Infosys, up 1.65 percent at Rs.2,767.70 and ITC, up 1.52 percent at Rs.206.75 were among the other major Sensex gainers.