Mumbai, Aug 1 (IANS) A benchmark index for Indian equities Monday slipped from its morning highs, but continued to trade in the green amid positive cues from Asian markets.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 18,352.23 points, was ruling at 18,339.32 points -- up 144.44 points or 0.79 percent from its previous close at 18,197.2 points.

The 50-scrip S&P CNX Nifty of the National Stock Exchange was also trading in the green at 5,521.9 points, up 0.73 percent.

Broader markets were also ruling higher. The BSE midcap index was ruling 0.22 percent up.

Metals stocks were the only sector among the 13 indices on the BSE, which were in the red.

The market breadth was positive with 1,321 stocks advancing, 1,174 scrips declining and 96 remaining unchanged.

Asian markets rose in a relief rally after US lawmakers reached an eleventh hour agreement to raise the $14.3 trillion federal debt limit in two stages by as much as $2.4 trillion to avoid a catastrophic US government default.

The Japanese Nikkei Monday was ruling 1.79 percent higher at 10,009.15 points.

The Hang Seng of the Hong Kong stock exchange was ruling 1.54 percent up at 22,785.85 points, while the Chinese Shanghai composite index was trading 0.32 percent up at 2,710.33 points.