Mumbai, Jul 5 (IANS): A benchmark index of Indian equities markets was Thursday trading 25.63 points higher around 12:30 p.m., led by robust buying in capital goods, health care and FMCG stocks.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 17,478.16 points, was trading at 17,488.44 points, up 0.15 percent or 25.63 points from its previous close at 17,462.81 points.

BSE mid-cap was up 51.03 points and small cap was higher by 85.48 points.

The wider 50-scrip S&P CNX Nifty of the National Stock Exchange also was trading 5.40 points or 0.10 percent higher at 5,307.95 points.

The BSE capital goods index was up 68.36 points, while the health care index and the FMCG index were 41.66 points and 29.07 points up respectively.

Major Sensex gainers were Cipla, up 1.95 percent or 6.15 points at Rs.322.15; Jindal Steel, up 1.43 percent or 6.65 points at Rs.472.95; BHEL, up 1.42 percent or 3.30 points at Rs.236.30; Sun Pharma, up 0.83 percent or 5.25 points at Rs.638.75; and RIL, up 0.81 percent or 5.95 points at Rs.740.

The main losers were Bajaj Auto, down 1.86 percent or 29.50 points at Rs.1,554; ONGC, down 1.11 percent or 3.15 points at Rs.281.50; Dr.Reddy's Lab, down 0.88 percent or 14.40 points at Rs.1,626.90; Coal India, down 0.73 percent or 2.60 points at Rs.351.20; and NTPC, down 0.65 percent or 1.05 points at Rs.159.95.