Sensex trims initial gains, still up 42 pts

The S&P BSE benchmark Sensex trimmed initial gains but was still quoted higher by 42 points on the back of buying in consumer durables, capital goods, banking, refinery and auto sectors ahead of the expiry of futures and option contract on coming Thursday amid firm global cues.
However, shares of FMCG sector declined on profit booking.
Persistent capital inflows by foreign funds into the equity market also boosted the sentiment. FIIs bought shares worth a net Rs 626.99 crore on last Friday as per provisional data from the stock exchanges.
The BSE Sensex opened slightly higher at 20,696.51 and hovered in a range of 20,771.36 and 20,689.08 before quoting at 20,725.36 (1030hrs), showing a gain of 41.84 points or 0.20 per cent from its weekend's level.

The NSE 50-share Nifty also moved up 8.80 points or 0.14 per cent to 6,153.70 at 1030hrs.
Major gainers were Larsen (1.89 pct), HUL (1.57 pct), Reliance Ind (1.37 pct), Gail India (1.15 pct) and ICICI Bank (1.14 pct).

Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) bought shares worth a net Rs 626.99 crore on last Friday as per provisional data from the stock exchanges.
Asian stocks rose in their early trade after weaker-than-forecast US consumer confidence spurred bets that Federal Reserve will maintain stimulus.
Key benchmark indices in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, Indonesia and South Korea rose between 0.23 pct and 1.49 pct. China's Shanghai Composite fell 0.22 pct.