Mumbai, Sep 29 :  A benchmark index of Indian equities Monday was ruling 167 points higher, marking a positive start to the week's trade.

The 30-share sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 20,501.21 points, was ruling at 20,612.6 points, up 167.56 points or 0.82 percent from its previous close at 20,445.04 points.

At the National Stock Exchange (NSE), the 50-share S&P CNX Nifty was ruling at 6,185.7 points, up 0.69 percent.

Broader markets also saw gains. The BSE midcap was trading 0.8 percent up and the BSE smallcap index 0.7 percent higher.

The market breadth was positive with 1,767 scrips advancing, compared to 965 stocks declining and 106 remaining unchanged.

Auto, consumer durables, banking and oil and gas sector stocks were among major gainers. All 13 sectoral indices on the BSE showed buying interest. (IANS)