Mumbai, May 10 (IANS): A benchmark index for Indian equities markets was trading 144 points up around noon Thursday -- 0.87 percent up from its previous close.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) was ruling at 16,623.42 points around 12 noon, up by 0.87 percent or 143.84 points from its previous close of 16,479.58 points.

The Sensex touched a high of 16,669.62 points and a low of 16,515.62 points in the intra-day. The midcap index of the BSE was up by 0.77 percent and smallcap up by 0.55 percent.

The BSE capital goods index was up 1.48 percent while bank index was up by 1.30 percent.

Major Sensex gainers included Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) up 2.71 percent at Rs.222.00, Mahindra and Mahindra up 2.21 percent at Rs.669.65, Jindal Steel up 2.14 percent at Rs.480.70, DLF up 1.98 percent at Rs.185.70 and Cipla up 1.94 percent at Rs.328.85.

Sensex losers included Maruti Suzuki, down 1.46 percent at Rs.1,283, Infosys, down 0.95 percent at Rs.2345.20, Coal India, down 0.64 percent at Rs.324.35, Sun Pharma, down 0.24 percent at Rs.598.35 and Gail India down 0.17 percent at Rs.322.