Sensex hits 2-year high; up 25 points in early trade

The 30-share index, which had gained nearly 284 points in the previous three sessions, rose by 26.76 points, or 0.13 per cent, to trade at a new two-year high of 20,128.58.

Similarly, the wide-based National Stock Exchange index Nifty rose by 6.80 points, or 0.11 per cent, to 6,089.10.

Brokers said sustained buying by funds as well as retail investors driven by announcement of encouraging third quarter results by blue-chip companies, buoyed the trading sentiments.

However, stocks of gold trading companies such as Titan Industries, P C Jewellers, Rajesh Exports and Gitanjali Gems were under pressure and lost up to two per cent, after the government hiked the import duty on gold and platinum to six per cent from 4 per cent yesterday.

In the Asian region, Hong Kong's Hang Seng index and Japan's Nikkei were marginally up in the morning trade today.