Mumbai, Apr 2 (IANS): A benchmark index for Indian equities markets closed 74 points higher Monday, the first trading day of 2012-13, on the back of good buying support in real estate, power and banking stocks.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened in the positive at 17,429.96 points, closed at 17,478.15 points, up 0.42 percent or 73.95 points from its previous close at 17,404.20 points.

The 50-scrip S&P CNX Nifty of the National Stock Exchange ended 0.42 percent higher at 5,317.90 points.

There was good buying support in power, real estate and banking stocks.

The BSE power index rose 1.89 percent. The realty index ended 1.59 percent higher and the bankex closed 1.02 percent higher.

Broader markets indices also closed in the positive. The BSE midcap index gained 1.08 percent and the smallcap index rallied 1.68 percent.

DLF rose 2.88 percent to Rs.207.30. Other major Sensex gainers were: NTPC, up 2.74 percent at Rs.167.15; TCS, up 2.01 percent at Rs.1,191.35; L&T, up 1.96 percent at Rs.1,332.40; Mahindra & Mahindra, up 1.66 percent at Rs.708.50 and SBI, up 1.64 percent at Rs.2,129.40.

Prominent Sensex losers were: Bajaj Auto, down 1.45 percent at Rs.1,653.55; Hindalco Inds, down 1.39 percent at Rs.127.65; Sterlite Inds, down 1.26 percent at Rs.109.70; RIL, down 1 percent at Rs.740.80 and Hindustan Unilever, 0.98 percent lower at Rs.405.90.