Mumbai, Jul 19 (IANS):  A benchmark index of Indian equities markets was trading 104 points higher in the afternoon session Thursday, led by good buying in consumer durables, IT, power stocks and positive Asian cues.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 17,288.34 points, was ruling at 17,289.03 points, up 0.61 percent or 104.02 points from its previous day's close at 17,185.01 points.

The wider 50-scrip S&P CNX Nifty of the National Stock Exchange was ruling 0.54 percent higher at 5,244.30 points.

The major Sensex gainers were Infosys, up 3 percent at Rs.2,241; BHEL, up 2.61 percent at Rs.235.65; Bajaj Auto, up 2.29 percent at Rs.1,557.15; Tata Power, up 2.13 percent at Rs.100.50; and Tata Motors, up 2.05 percent at Rs.226.10.

The losers were Maruti Suzuki, down 7.67 percent at Rs.1,130.40; Bharti Airtel, down 2.09 percent at Rs.317.80; Dr Reddys Lab, down 0.72 percent at Rs.1,660; ITC, down 0.47 percent at Rs.253.55; and SBI, down 0.32 percent at Rs.2,178.90.

Among other Asian markets, Japan's Nikkei was 0.79 percent up and Hong Kong's Hang Seng was 1.60 percent higher. China's Composite index was also up 0.73 percent.