A benchmark index of Indian equities markets on Thursday hit a record high of 26,642.81 points surpassing its previous high of 26,630.74 points it touched on August 25.

Good buying was observed in capital goods, auto and banking sectors, while marginal selling pressure was seen in realty sector.

The 30-scrip Sensitive Index (Sensex) of the S&P Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 26,620.18 points, was trading at 26,640.18 points (at 09.23 a.m.) in the early session, up 80.03 points or 0.30 percent from the previous day's close at 26,560.15 points.

The Sensex has touched a high of 26,642.81 points and a low of 26,596.67 points in the trade so far.

The S&P BSE capital goods index gained 84.41 points, auto index went up by 69.06 points and bankex inched up by 49.55 points.

The wider 50-scrip Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) was also trading 16.70 points or 0.21 percent up at 7,952.75 points.