A benchmark index for Indian equities today maintained its positive run as outlooks improved across Asian markets and European stock markets opened in the green.

The 30-scrip index Sensex, which belled the day at 16,069.78, stood at 16,264.62, up 242.14 points (1.51%) as against its previous close at 16,022.48.

At the National Stock Exchange (NSE), the broad-based Nifty gained 1.57% to trade at 4,882.05.

Broader market indices were also trading in green, with the BSE midcap index trading 0.93% higher and the BSE smallcap index 0.98% up.

Asian and European stock markets saw a bounce back of sorts though the overall reaction remained doubting. The decline during the last few days gave traders some buying chances resulting in a rise in key indices.

The Japanese Nikkei closed 0.66% higher at 9,522.66, whereas the Shanghai Composite index ended the day on a flat note at 2,625.79, up 0.12%.

Hong Kong's Hang Seng closed 0.51% up at 19,082.77, while the South Korean Kospi marked its closure with a 1.36% gain at 1,582.12 points.

Europe opened in the green with Britain's key index the FTSE 100 ruling 1.02%higher at 4,991.14 points and its French peer the CAC 40 1.7% up at 3,387.93 points.

The German DAX too was trading in the positive at 5,725.92 points, up 0.99%. (With Inputs from Agencies)