Mumbai, Sep 2 (IANS): A benchmark index of Indian equities markets hit a record high of 26,952.88 points Tuesday, surpassing its previous peak of 26,900.30 points that was scaled Sep 1.

The 30-scrip Sensitive Index (Sensex) of the S&P Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 26,888.21 points (10 a.m.), was trading at 26,931.40 points, up 63.85 points or 0.24 percent from the previous day's close at 26,867.55 points.

The Sensex touched a high of 26,952.88 points and a low of 26,886.22 points in the early morning trade.

The wider 50-scrip Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) which crossed the 8,000-mark for the first time Monday hit a record high of 8,050.20 points in the early morning trade -- 22.50 points or 0.28 percent up from its previous close.

On Monday, the benchmark index had hit a record high of 26,900.30 points, surpassing its previous peak of 26,674.38 points scaled Aug 28.

Healthy buying was observed in healthcare, bank and auto index, while heavy selling was seen in capital goods, metal and information technology (IT).

The S&P BSE Healthcare index was up 215.92 points, bankex was higher by 47.92 points and auto index augmented by 33.32 points. While capital goods index was down 94.60 points, followed by 94.60 points, metal index was lower by 52.96 points and IT index slipped by 38.73 points.