Mumbai, Jan 13 (IANS): A benchmark index for Indian equities markets was ruling in the green Friday noon, backed by gains in realty and power stocks. Firm cues from other Asian bourses also helped buying.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 16,144.57 points, was ruling at 16,131.63 points, 94.12 points or 0.59 percent up from its previous close at 16,037.51 points.

The 50-scrip S&P CNX Nifty of the National Stock Exchange also was trading in the positive at 4,858.40 points -- up 0.56 percent or 27.15 points from its previous close.

Broader markets were also in the green. The BSE 500 index was ruling 0.75 percent higher from its previous close.

The market breadth was positive with 1,744 stocks advancing, compared to 676 on the decline. Another 84 remained unchanged.

Prominent gainers on the Sensex included Coal India, Tata Power, DLF and Tata Steel. Among the losers were Gail India, TCS, HDFC and Bajaj Auto.

Asian markets were mostly ruling higher after strong bond auctions in Italy and Spain indicated some signs of ease in Europe's debt crisis.

The Japanese Nikkei rose 1.36 percent and closed at 8,500.02points, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng was 0.43 percent up at 19,177.89 points.

The Chinese Shanghai Composite index, however, fell 1.56 percent and was trading at 2,239.41 points as latest inflation data showed that rising prices eased only slightly.