The BSE benchmark Sensex today rose over 51 points in early trade with funds extending gains for the third straight day as participants made selective buying amid a firming Asian trend.
The 30-share index gained 51.64 points, or 0.28 per cent, to 18,998.62 with realty, IT and power sectors stocks leading the rise. The index had gained 282.10 points in the last two sessions.
The wide-based National Stock Exchange index Nifty moved up marginally by 6.25 points, 0.11 per cent, to 5,618.65.
Brokers said selective buying by participants, triggered by a firming trend on the other Asian bourses mainly attributed rise in stock prices, but disappointing industrial production data for June, which were announced after trading hours yesterday, capped the gains.
In the Asian region, Hong Kong's Hang Seng index gained 0.46 per cent, Japan's Nikkei up by 1.35 points in early trade today today.
