Mumbai, March 30 : A benchmark index of Indian equities markets in the morning session Wednesday was ruling one percent higher than its previous close. Broader markets too were up amid positive Asian cues.

The 30-share sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 19,178.77 points, was ruling at 19,315.55 points, up 194.75 points or 1.02 percent from its previous close at 19,120.8 points.

At the National Stock Exchange (NSE), the broader 50-share S&P CNX Nifty was trading 0.95 percent higher at 5,787.95 points.

Broader markets were also in the positive. The BSE midcap index was trading 1.12 percent up, while the BSE smallcap was up 1.8 percent.

All 13 sectoral indices on the BSE were in the green with consumer durables, realty and healthcare stocks among the leading gainers.

Among major gainers on the Sensex, at this time of the day, were M&M, Cipla, DLF and ONGC. Bharti Airtel was the sole loser on the benchmark at this time.

The market breadth was positive with 1,854 stocks advancing, 515 scrips on the decline and 77 remaining unchanged.

Most Asian markets were in the green tracking overnight gains at Wall Street.

The Japanese Nikkei average closed 2.06 percent higher at 9,654.34 points.

Hong Kong's Hang Seng advanced 1.71 percent to trade at 23,453.6 points. However, China's Shanghai Composite was trading 0.48 percent lower at 2,943.85 points. (IANS)