Mumbai, Sep 16 - A key index of Indian equities markets, which opened higher Wednesday, zoomed 222 points to close around the day's high, thanks to strong demand for metal, auto and bank stocks.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 16,498.59 points, closed at 16,677.04 points, up 222.59 points or 1.35 percent.

The index that traded in the green throughout the day hit an intra-day high of 16,700.56 points and a low of 16,498.59 points.

The benchmark index had gained 240 points in Tuesday's trade.

The Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) also ended in the positive terrain at 4,958.4 points, up 1.36 percent.

Broader market indices also made gains, with the BSE midcap index ending 1.45 percent higher and the BSE smallcap index up 1.1 percent.

The market breadth was positive, with 1,575 stocks advancing, 1,243 declining and 64 remaining unchanged.

Tata Steel, one of the top steel makers in the world, led the rally with 8.21 percent hike in its share price. Other top gainers include Tata Motors, up 6.22 percent; Hindalco, up 4.96 percent; SBI, up 4 percent and Sterlite Industries 3.