Mumbai, Jun 13 (IANS): A benchmark index of Indian equities markets was trading 0.24 percent higher in the afternoon session Wednesday, led by good buying support in capital goods, FMCG and health care stocks.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 16,865.72 points, was trading at 16,903.11 points in the afternoon session, up 0.24 percent or 40.31 points from its previous close at 16,862.80 points.

The BSE capital goods index was up 131.84 points, FMCG index was up 43.56 points and the health care index was up 57.61 points.

Major Sensex gainers were Larsen and Toubro, up 2.02 percent at Rs.1342.10; Hindustan Unilever, up 1.98 percent at Rs.441.35; Sun Pharma, up 1.67 percent at Rs.598; BHEL, up 1.57 percent at Rs.222.80 and ICICI Bank, up 1.54 percent at Rs.851.70.

Major Sensex loses were Maruti Suzuki, down 3.25 percent at Rs.1,109; Mahindra and Mahindra down 2.42 percent at Rs.678.45; Sterlite Inds, down 1.25 percent at Rs.102.70; Hero MotoCorp, down 1.24 percent at Rs.1968; Tata Motors, down 1.23 percent at Rs.239.95.