Mumbai, Aug 22 (IANS): A benchmark index of Indian equities markets Friday closed 59.44 points or 0.23 percent up as banking and IT sectors gain.

Good buying was observed in banking and IT sectors, while selling pressure was seen in consumer durables and realty sectors.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the S&P Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 26,419.53 points, closed at 26,419.55 points (provisional), up 59.44 points or 0.23 percent from the previous day's close at 26,360.11 points.

The Sensex touched a high of 26,508.27 points and a low of 26,383.16 points in the intra-day trade.

The S&P BSE bankex gained 184.69 points and IT index rose by 159.70 points, while consumer durables index dropped by 15.79 points and realty index slipped 15.05 points.

The wider 50-scrip Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) hit a record high of 7,929.05 in the day and closed trade 28.85 points or 0.37 percent up at a record 7,919.95 points.