Sensex up 36 points in early trade ahead of IIP data

The BSE benchmark Sensex today gained almost 36 points in early trade on fresh buying by funds and retailers ahead of industrial output data, amid a firming trend on other Asian bourses.
The 30-share barometer, which had lost 37.02 points yesterday, recovered by 35.67 points, or 0.18 per cent, to 19,681.88, led by gains in oil and gas, auto and realty sector stocks.
Similarly, the wide-based National Stock Exchange index Nifty moved up by 2.40 points, or 0.04 per cent, to 5,944.75.
Brokers said expectations of better industrial production (IIP) data for January to be released later today and a firming trend on the Asian markets largely in line with overnight gains in the US markets, mainly triggered buying by funds and retail investors.

In the Asian region, Japan's Nikkei was up by 0.35 per cent, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng by 0.18 per cent, in early trade. The US Dow Jones Industrial Average ended 0.35 per cent higher yesterday.