Mumbai, Sep 24 (IANS): A benchmark index of Indian equities markets Wednesday was trading 50.47 points or 0.19 percent up as healthcare stocks gained.

Good buying was observed in healthcare, consumer durables and fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) sectors, while selling pressure was seen in auto sector.

The 30-scrip Sensitive Index (Sensex) of the S&P Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 26,817.94 points, was trading at 26,826.16 points (at 09.37 a.m.) in the early session, up 50.47 points or 0.19 percent from the previous day's close at 26,775.69 points.

The Sensex touched a high of 26,844.70 points and a low of 26,741.38 points in the trade so far.

The S&P healthcare index gained 124.01 points, consumer durables index 79.47 points and FMCG index moved up by 60.98 points. However, auto index was down by 17.25 points.

The wider 50-scrip Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) was also trading 8.90 points or 0.11 percent up at 8,026.45 points.