Mumbai, April 20 : A benchmark index for Indian equities markets soared Wednesday, while broader indices held on to gains after IT stocks rose buoyed by software giant HCL Technologies which posted better than expected quarterly results.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 19,274.21 points, was ruling at 19,429.27 points, up 307.44 points or 1.61 percent from its previous close at 19,121.83 points.

The 50-scrip S&P CNX Nifty of the National Stock Exchange was trading 1.56 percent higher at 5,830.55 points.

Broader markets were ruling in the green as well with the BSE midcap index up 1.15 percent and the BSE small cap index up 1.24 percent.

Auto, IT and metal stocks were the best performing sectors.

IT stocks rose after HCL Technologies reported a 26.37 percent rise in profit at Rs. 331.8 crore for the quarter ended March 31.(IANS)