Mumbai, May 17 (IANS): A benchmark index for Indian equities markets was trading high around 12:30 p.m. Thursday on account of buying activity picking up in fast moving consumer goods (FMCG), realty and metal stocks.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) was ruling at 16,150.09 points, up by 0.75 percent or 120 points from its previous close of 16,030.09 points.

The Sensex touched a high of 16,240.18 points and a low of 16,104.64 points in the intra-day trade. The sensex midcap was up 27.64 points but smallcap was down by 38.94 points.

The BSE FMCG index was up 2.04 percent or 93.15 points followed by realty index 1.44 percent or 22.25 points up and metal index up 1.02 percent or 101.71 points.

Major Sensex gainers included ITC, up 2.70 percent at Rs.234.20; DLF, 2.64 percent at Rs.186.35; HDFC, up 2.16 percent at Rs.634.50; Tata Motors, up 2.14 percent at Rs.274.75; Jindal Steel, up 1.77 percent at Rs.459.60.

Major Sensex losers included Cipla, down 2.69 percent at Rs.313.40; Larsen and Toubro, down 1.70 percent at Rs.1185.10; Bajaj Auto, down 1.39 percent at Rs.1594; Sun Pharma, down 1.23 percent at Rs.575.55; and Mahindra and Mahindra, down 0.86 percent at Rs.651.