Mumbai, May 27 : A benchmark index for Indian equities markets Friday rose smartly in early trade with realty, banking and energy scrips leading the gainers pack.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) which opened at 18,105.61 points, was ruling at 18,181.74 points, up 137.1 points or 0.76 percent from its previous close at 18,584.96 points.

The 50-scrip S&P CNX Nifty of the National Stock Exchange was also trading higher at 5,457.75 points, up 0.84 percent.

Broader markets too were ruling in the green with the BSE midcap index ruling 0.52 percent up and the BSE smallcap index up 0.44 percent.(IANS)