Mumbai, July 2 (IANS) A benchmark index of Indian equities markets was trading 2.59 percent or 439.22 points higher in the afternoon session Monday, led by robust buying in bank, metal and capital goods stocks.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 17,134.61 points, was trading at 17,429.98 points around 12.30 p.m., up 2.59 percent or 439.22 points from its previous close at 16,990.76 points.

The wider 50-scrip S&P CNX Nifty of the National Stock Exchange also was trading 0.09 percent or 4.95 points higher at 5,283.85 points.

The BSE bank index was up 401.21 points, the metals index was up 359.13 points and the capital goods index was up 352.97 points.

Major Sensex gainers were Maruti Suzuki, up 1.56 percent at Rs.1,188; Gail India, up 1.18 percent at Rs.355.80; HDFC, up 0.76 percent at Rs.659.40; Bharti Airtel, up 0.74 percent at Rs.307.25; and BHEL, up 0.73 percent at Rs.233.80.

Major Sensex losers were Jindal Steel, down 2.44 percent at Rs.458.05; ICICI Bank, down 1.35 percent at Rs.887.50; Hero MotoCorp, down 1.27 percent at Rs.2,115; ONGC, down 1.19 percent at Rs.281.30; and Tata Power, down 1.05 percent at Rs.103.60.