Sensex up 96pts in early trades

The Sensex opened 46 points higher at 9,023, and is now up 96 points at 9,074.

The BSE Realty index has surged 3.3% to 1,637, and the IT index has rallied over 2% to 2,234.

Jaiprakash Associates has soared 3.5% to Rs 82. ICICI Bank has rallied 2.5% to Rs 344.

Infosys, Sterlite, Reliance Communications and DLF have gained 2.3% each at Rs 1,308, Rs 309, Rs 164 and Rs 175, respectively.

Reliance Infrastructure and Wipro have advanced nearly 2% each to Rs 490 and Rs 235, respectively.

Hindustan Unilever however has dropped 2.5% to Rs 227.