Mumbai, Aug 22 (IANS): A benchmark index of Indian equities markets Friday surged 116.17 points or 0.44 percent as banking stocks gain.

Good buying was observed in banking, capital goods and oil and gas sectors, while marginal selling pressure was seen in healthcare sector.

The 30-scrip Sensitive Index (Sensex) of the S&P Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 26,419.53 points, was trading at 26,476.28 points (at 9.21 a.m.) in the early session, up 116.17 points or 0.44 percent from the previous day's close at 26,360.11 points.

The Sensex touched a high of 26,479.33 points and a low of 26,419.53 points in the trade so far.

The S&P BSE bankex gained 110.11 points, capital goods got augmented by 82.18 points and oil and gas index went up by 80.80 points. However, healthcare index dropped by 0.06 points.

The wider 50-scrip Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) touched record high and was trading at 29.65 points or 0.38 percent up at 7,920.75 points, surpassing its previous record high of 7,918.55 points touched Aug 19.