Mumbai, July 15 : Indian equities markets opened in the positive Friday with benchmark indices rising in early trade.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) which opened at 18,694.19 points, was ruling at 18,714.47 points, up 96.27 points or 0.52 percent from its previous close Thursday at 18,618.2 points.

The 50-scrip S&P CNX Nifty of the National Stock Exchange was also trading higher at 5,622.95 points, up 0.43 percent.

Broader markets too rose with the BSE midcap index rising 0.55 percent and the BSE smallcap index up 0.53 percent. (IANS)