Sensex up 171pts in early trades; Reliance up 3%

The Sensex opened 34 points higher at 8,971, and is now up 171 points at 9,108.

Tata Steel has surged 3.5% to Rs 171.

Jaiprakash Associates, Reliance and Reliance Infrastructure have rallied 3% each to Rs 70, Rs 1,176 and Rs 489, respectively.

ITC, ICICI Bank, Sterlite and HDFC Bank have gained around 2.5% each at Rs 165, Rs 370, Rs 224 and Rs 940, respectively.