Mumbai, Sep 2 - A benchmark index of Indian equities markets was trading higher by 166.72 points or 0.90 percent during pre-noon trade Monday.

All the sectors were trading in green. The rally was led by fast moving consumer goods (FMCG), metal, banking index (bankex) and healthcare sectors.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the S&P Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 18,691.83 points, was trading at 18,786.44 points in the pre-noon session, up 166.72 points or 0.90 percent from last Friday's close at 18,619.72 points.

The Sensex touched a high of 18,827.99 points and a low of 18,678.93 points during the trade so far.

The S&P BSE FMCG index moved up by 147.91 points, metal index gained 150.74 points, bankex inched up by 92.00 points and healthcare index increased by 98.47 points.

The wider 50-scrip Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) was also trading 41.65 points or 0.76 percent up at 5,513.45 points. (IANS)