Mumbai, Oct 21 (IANS) A benchmark index of Indian equities markets Tuesday was trading 55.77 points or 0.21 percent up as metal stocks gained.

Good buying was observed in metal, capital goods, banking and consumer durables sectors, while selling pressure was seen in oil and gas and fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) sectors.

The 30-scrip Sensitive Index (Sensex) of the S&P Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 26,552.45 points, was trading at 26,485.62 points (at 09.18 a.m.) in the early session, up 55.77 points or 0.21 percent from the previous day's close at 26,429.85 points.

The Sensex has touched a high of 26,570.81 points and a low of 26,484.48 points in the trade so far.

The S&P metal index gained 120.92 points, capital goods index increased by 82.01 points, bankex moved up by 81.86 points and consumer durables index inched up by 76.44 points. However, oil and gas index dropped by 61.80 points and FMCG index went down by 16.13 points.

The wider 50-scrip Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) was also trading 20.30 points or 0.26 percent up at 7,899.70 points.