Mumbai, March 23 : A benchmark index of Indian equities markets rose nearly one percent Wednesday, led by good buying support in banking, realty and metal stocks on the back of positive Asian cues.

The 30-share sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened marginally down at 17,972.04 points was at around 1.30 p. m. trading at 18,160.67 points, up 0.96 percent or 172.37 points from the previous close of 17,988.30 points.

The benchmark Sensex touched a high of 18,193.75 points and low of 17,950.17 points in the intra-day so far.

At the National Stock Exchange (NSE), the broader 50-share S&P CNX Nifty was up 0.97 percent or 52.35 points up at 5,466.20 points.

Of the broader markets, the BSE midcap was up 0.76 percent and the BSE smallcap was ruling 0.59 percent higher.

Most sector indices were also in the positive with Bankex ruling 1.52 percent higher. At the BSE, the realty, healthcare and metal indices were trading with a gain of over one percent in the afternoon. (IANS)