Mumbai, Feb 5 : A benchmark index of Indian equities markets Thursday was trading 71.98 points or 0.25 percent up as capital goods stocks surged.

Good buying was observed in capital goods and IT sectors. Selling pressure was seen in oil and gas sector.

The 30-scrip Sensitive Index (Sensex) of the S&P Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 28,912.38 points, was trading at 28,955.09 points (at 09.36 a.m.) in the early session, up 71.98 points or 0.25 percent from the previous day\'s close at 28,883.11 points.

The Sensex has touched a high of 28,960.37 points and a low of 28,824.88 points in the trade so far.

The S&P capital goods index surged by 125.57 points and IT index gained by 97.87 points. However, oil and gas index went down by 40.95 points.

The wider 50-scrip Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) also was trading 12.80 points or 0.15 percent up at 8,736.50 points.

Sensex gains 72 points; capital goods stocks surge