Mumbai, Sep 11 (IANS) A benchmark index of Indian equities markets Thursday was trading 85.42 points or 0.32 percent up as banking stocks gained.

Good buying was observed in banking, capital goods and auto sectors, while selling pressure was seen in healthcare sector.

The 30-scrip Sensitive Index (Sensex) of the S&P Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 27,143.22 points, was trading at 27,142.83 points (at 09.17 a.m.) in the early session, up 85.42 points or 0.32 percent from the previous day's close at 27,057.41 points.

The Sensex touched a high of 27,150.78 points and a low of 27,121.38 points in the trade so far.

The S&P BSE bankex gained 125.70 points, capital goods index got augmented by 87.25 points and auto index went up by 68.09 points. However, healthcare index dropped by 89.13 points.

The wider 50-scrip Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) also was trading 22.80 points or 0.28 percent up at 8,116.90 points.