Domestic stock markets started Friday's session on a higher note, ahead of the release of GDP or gross domestic product data by the government. The S&P BSE Sensex rose as much as 253.55 points to 40,085.52 in early trade, and the NSE Nifty index climbed to 12,022.10, up 76.2 points from the previous close. Strength in financial, information technology and metal stocks supported the markets.