Mumbai, Sep 13 (IANS): A benchmark index for Indian equities markets Tuesday built on early gains led by robust buying in IT, telecom and realty stocks.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the BSE, which opened at 16,618.17 points, was ruling at 16,718.71 points, up 216.97 points or 1.31 percent from its previous close at 16,501.74 points. It had touched a high of 16,764.20 points.

The Sensex had lost 363 points Monday to dip to a 15 month low.

The 50-scrip S&P CNX Nifty of the National Stock Exchange was also trading higher, 1.4 percent up at 5,016.15 points.

Broader markets were in the green too. The BSE midcap index was up 1.25 percent, while the BSE small cap index was ruling 1.1 percent higher.

The market breadth was positive with 1,702 stocks advancing, compared to 710 on the decline and 83 remaining unchanged.

All 13 sectoral indices on the BSE were in the green. IT, telcom, realty and metal stocks were among the major gainers at this time.