Mumbai, Jan 29 (IANS): A benchmark index of Indian equities markets was trading flat at 78.15 points or 0.38 percent up in the pre-noon trade Wednesday.

Good buying was observed in the healthcare, auto and IT sectors, while selling pressure was seen in the metal sector.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the S&P Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 20,784.04 points, was trading at 20,761.66 points in the pre-noon session, up 78.15 points or 0.38 percent from the previous day's close at 20,683.51 points.

The Sensex touched a high of 20,828.68 points and a low of 20,734.28 points during the trade so far.

The S&P BSE healthcare index gained 174.17 points, the auto index moved up by 158.12 points and the IT index augmented by 79.37 points. However, the metal index dipped by 92.26 points.

The wider 50-scrip Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) was also trading flat at 30.25 points or 0.49 percent up at 6,156.50 points.