Mumbai, July 4 (IANS) Indian equities markets started the week on a positive note with benchmark indices and broader markets posting gains in early trade.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 18,896.24 points, was ruling at 18,921.92 points, up 159.12 points or 0.85 percent from its previous close at 18,762.8 points.

The 50-scrip S&P CNX Nifty of the National Stock Exchange was also trading higher at 5,670.3 points, up 0.77 percent.

Broader markets too were in the green with the BSE midcap index ruling 0.81 percent higher and the BSE smallcap index up 0.77 percent.