Mumbai, Jun 19 (IANS): A benchmark index of Indian equities markets was trading 106.32 points higher around noon Tuesday led by good buying support for fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) and oil and gas stocks.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 16,681.89 points, was at 16,812.15 points in the afternoon session, up 0.64 percent or 106.32 points from its previous close.

However, Sensex midcap was down 0.03 points and smallcap was down 2.29 points.

The BSE oil and gas sectoral index was up 122.87 points, the FMCG index was up 81.68 points and health care index was up 58.85 points.

The wider 50-scrip S&P CNX Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) was trading 41 points higher at 5,105.25 points.

The recovery of the Indian rupee, which rose 14 paise to 55.66 against the dollar in early trade, added to the bullish market sentiments.

Major Sensex gainers were ITC, up 6.85 points at Rs.249.90; ONGC, up 4.85 points at Rs.268.05; Gail India, up 1.69 points at Rs.333; Reliance Industries, up 11.80 points at Rs.730.50, and Cipla, up 4.35 points at Rs.309.50.

Major Sensex losers were Sterlite Inds, down 2.30 points at Rs.93.60; Infosys, down 31.45 points at Rs.2,479.45; BHEL, down 2 points at Rs.212.40; Tata Power, down 0.35 points at Rs.91.75; Coal India, down 1.05 points at Rs.338.20.