Mumbai, Nov 21 (IANS): A benchmark index of Indian equities markets Friday was trading 139.33 points or 0.50 percent up as banking stocks surged.

Good buying was observed in banking, consumer durables and auto 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 28,100.10 points, was trading at 28,206.89 points (at 09.49 a.m.) in the early session, up 139.33 points or 0.50 percent from the previous day's close at 28,067.56 points.

The Sensex has touched a high of 28,226.10 points and a low of 28,038.40 points in the trade so far.

The S&P bankex surged by 245.51 points, consumer durables index moved up by 153.03 points and auto index inched up by 151.62 points. However, IT index dropped by 75.84 points.

The wider 50-scrip Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) was also trading 48.75 points or 0.58 percent up at 8,450.65 points.