Mumbai, Dec 23 (IANS) The benchmark index of the Indian equities markets continued on a rising trajectory and extended gains to 3 percent during afternoon trade Wednesday.

AT 2.13 p.m., the sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 16,723.96 points, was ruling at 17,188.14 points, up 496.14 points or 2.97 percent from its previous close at 16,692 points at noon.

Around the same time, at the National Stock Exchange (NSE), the broader 50-share S&P CNX Nifty was at 5,129.05 points, against the previous close at 4,985.85 points, a gain of 2.87 percent.

Broader market indices were also in the green, with the BSE midcap index up 1.49 percent and the BSE small cap index ruling 1.48 percent higher.

The market breadth was positive, with 1,931 stocks advancing, 836 declining and 95 remaining unchanged.

Metal stocks led the rally with other heavyweight scrips like RIL and ICICI Bank also posting handsome gains.