Mumbai, March 20 - A benchmark index for Indian markets Tuesday was ruling 76 points higher in noon trade, slipping from the day's highs, but still supported by gaining consumer durables and FMCG stocks.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) opened at 17,308.89 points and was ruling at 17,350 points around 12 p. m., up 76.63 points or 0.44 percent compared to its previous close at 17,273.37 points.

The Sensex had moved 137 points in morning trade to a high of 17,410.13 points.

The 50-scrip S&P CNX Nifty of the National Stock Exchange was similarly ruling in the green at 5,274.35 points, up 17.3 points or 0.33 percent from its previous close.

The markets have been on a downtrend in the past three sessions.

Broader markets were in the positive too with the BSE 500 index trading 0.32 percent up. The BSE midcap and smallcap indices were trading flat.

Consumer durable and FMCG stocks were the major gainers at this time while auto scrips fell.

The market breadth was mixed with 1,202 stocks advancing, 1,219 on the decline and 137 remaining unchanged.

Asian markets were trading in the red.

Hong Kong's index was trading 0.52 percent lower at 21,004.66 points The Chinese Shanghai Composite index was ruling 1.01 percent down at 2,385.91 points.

Japanese markets were closed.