Sensex rises 137 points in early trade on capital inflows

Mumbai: The benchmark BSE Sensex gained over 137 points in early trade on Wednesday on sustained foreign capital inflows amidst a firming trend at other Asian markets.

The 30-share barometer advanced by 137.56 points, or 0.48%, at 28,654.15 with all sectoral indices, led by healthcare, IT, power and auto, trading in positive zone with gains up to 0.88%.

On similar lines, the National Stock Exchange index Nifty reclaimed the psychological 8,700-mark by rising 54.65 points, or 0.63%, at 8,714.95.

Brokers said sustained buying by funds and retailers amid a firming trend at other Asian markets boosted market sentiments.

Besides, lowering of base rates by SBI, ICICI Bank and HDFC Bank influenced trading sentiments, they added. Among other Asian markets, Hong Kong's Hang Seng index was up by 1.71%, while Japan's Nikkei gained 0.45% in early trade.

The US Dow Jones Industrial Average, however, ended 0.03% lower in Tuesday's trade.