Mumbai, Feb 16 (IANS): A benchmark index of Indian equities markets Monday was trading 185.73 points or 0.64 percent up as banking stocks surged.

While good buying was observed in banking, auto, capital goods, oil and gas, and metal sectors, marginal selling pressure was seen in the health care sector.

The 30-scrip Sensitive Index (Sensex) of the S&P Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 29,170.77 points, was trading at 29,280.66 points (at 09.27 a.m.) in the early session, up 185.73 points or 0.64 percent from the previous day's close at 29,094.93 points.

The Sensex touched a high of 29,282.99 points and a low of 29,156.04 points in the trade so far.

The S&P bankex surged by 148.51 points, auto index went up by 140.88 points, capital goods index moved up by 102.26 points, the oil and gas, and metal index increased by 117.25 points and 85.46 points respectively. However, health care index dropped by 31.61 points.

The wider 50-scrip Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) was also trading 58.80 points or 0.67 percent up at 8,864.30 points