Mumbai, April 4 : A benchmark index for Indian equities markets Monday was trading moderately higher in early trade even as broader indices rose smartly.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 19,473.93 points, was ruling at 19,494.47 points, up 74.08 points or 0.38 percent from its previous close at 19,420.39 points.

The 50-scrip S&P CNX Nifty of the National Stock Exchange was trading 0.37 percent higher at 5,847.75 points.

Broader markets were doing better with the BSE midcap index up 0.88 percent and the BSE small cap index trading 1.22 percent higher. (IANS)