Sensex up 88 points in early trade

The BSE benchmark Sensex today rose over 88 points in early trade on sustained buying by funds and retailers. The 30-share barometer, which gained 100.47 points yesterday, rose further by 88.51 points, or 0.45 per cent, to 19,649.55 in the first five minutes of trading. Similarly, the wide-based National Stock Exchange index Nifty, moved up by 25.35 points, or 0,43 per cent, to 5,947.85. All sectoral indices, led by auto, were trading in the positive zone with gains up to 1.41 per cent. Brokers said sustained buying by funds amid a firming trend at the US market mainly influenced the sentiment. Meanwhile, the US Dow Jones Industrial Average ended 0.34 per cent higher yesterday.