Mumbai, Jun 17 (IANS): Positive global cues pushed the Indian equity markets higher on Friday.

Consequently, the key indices traded in the green during the early morning trade session. Healthy buying was witnessed in stocks of banking, automobile and capital goods.

The wider 51-scrip Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) edged up by 42.15 points or 0.52 per cent, at 8,182.90 points.

The barometer 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the BSE, which opened at 26,653.85 points, traded at 26,700.15 points (at 9.30 a.m.) -- up 174.69 points or 0.66 per cent from the previous close at 26,525.46 points. It has so far touched a high of 26,730.55 points and a low of 26,652.55 points.

The BSE market breadth was skewed in favour of the bulls -- with 1,063 advances and 294 declines.

Both the key Indian indices had ended lower on Thursday, following negative global cues and profit booking.

The barometer index had plunged by 200.88 points or 0.75 per cent, while the NSE Nifty had lost 65.85 points or 0.80 per cent.