Mumbai, Aug 30 (IANS): A benchmark index of Indian equities markets was trading at 38.81 points or 0.21 percent up during the pre-noon trade Friday.

The banking index (bankex) and healthcare sector showed good buying trends, while selling pressure was observed in the metal and oil and gas sectors.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the S&P Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 18,424.72 points, was trading at 18,439.85 points in the pre-noon session, up 38.81 points or 0.21 percent from the previous day's close at 18,401.04 points.

The Sensex touched a high of 18,632.23 points and a low of 18,283.74 points during the trade so far.

The S&P BSE bankex surged by 120.18 points and the healthcare index went up by 89.58 points. However, the metal index dropped by 107.83 points and oil and gas index slipped by 74.95 points.

The wider 50-scrip Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) was also trading flat at 9.60 points or 0.18 percent up at 5,418.65 points.