Mumbai, Aug 9 (IANS) A benchmark index for Indian equities was trading in the positive terrain Monday taking cues from Asian peers.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), opened in the positive and rose 75 points or 0.45 percent to 18,219 from its previous close in noon trade.

At the National Stock Exchange (NSE), the broader 50-share S&P CNX Nifty was trading at 5,463 points, up 0.44 percent or 24 points.

There was good buying support by funds and retail investors in select heavyweight scrips. Realty, banks and metals rallied while IT stocks were a little subdued.

Broader markets indices were also in the green with the BSE midcap index 0.87 percent up and the BSE smallcap index trading 1.33 percent higher.