Sensex up 162 points ahead of IIP data, recovery in rupee

The BSE benchmark Sensex today gained 162 points in early trade on buying by funds and retailers ahead of industrial output data amid recovery in the rupee.
The 30-share barometer rose by 162.65 points, or 0.86 per cent, to 18,951.99 points in early trade.
Healthcare, metal, consumer durables, auto and capital goods stocks were major gainers. The index had gained 124.46 points in the previous session on Thursday. The market remained closed on Friday on account of 'Eid-ul-Fitr'.
The wide-based National Stock Exchange index Nifty moved up by 45.00 points, or 0.80 per cent, to 5,610.65.
Brokers said increased buying by participants ahead of industrial production (IIP) data to be released later today mainly influenced the trading sentiments.

Besides, further recovery in the rupee against the dollar on the back of more measures announced by RBI also supported the uptrend.
In the Asian region, Hong Kong's Hang Seng rose by 1.81 per cent, while Japan's Nikkei was down by 0.32 per cent in early trade.