Mumbai: A benchmark index of Indian equities markets rose 41 points, led by good buying in health care, FMCG and metal stocks.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 17,176.93 points, was ruling at 17,144.82 points, up 0.24 percent or 41.51 points from its previous day close at 17,103.31 points.

The Sensex touched a high of 17,236.08 points.

The wider 50-scrip S&P CNX Nifty of the National Stock Exchange was ruling 0.20 percent higher at 5,207.45 points.

The major Sensex gainers were: Bharti Airtel, up 2.41 percent at 327.35; Dr Reddys Lab, up 2.36 percent at 1,715; Sun Pharma, up 2.24 percent at 634.90; and Hindalco Inds, up 1.18 percent at 119.80.

The losers were: Bajaj Auto, down 2.35 percent at 1,448.45; TCS, down 1.75 percent at 1,189; BHEL, down 0.61 percent at 228.60; Tata Power, down 0.41 percent at 96.10; Sterlite Inds, down 0.39 percent at 101.10.