Mumbai, Dec 17 

A benchmark index of Indian equities markets was trading flat at 80.51 points or 0.39 percent up during the pre-noon trade Tuesday.

Good buying was observed in healthcare, auto and IT sectors, while selling pressure was seen in banking index (bankex) sector.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the S&P Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 20,732.44 points, was trading at 20,740.03 points in the pre-noon session, up 80.51 points or 0.39 percent from previous day's close at 20,659.52 points.

The Sensex touched a high of 20,784.03 points, and a low of 20,731.54 points during the trade so far.

The S&P BSE healthcare index surged 146.33 points, IT index gained 75.90 points and auto index went up by 68.61 points.

The wider 50-scrip Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) was also trading flat at 23 points or 0.37 percent up at 6,177.70 points.