Sensex rises; lenders lead ahead of inflation data

Reuters Market Eye - The BSE Sensex rises 0.28 pct, while the Nifty gains 0.27 pct. Rate-sensitive stocks rise on hopes lower retail inflation data, due on Wednesday, will help RBI unveil early rate cuts.

HDFC Bank gains 1 pct, while ICICI Bank is up 0.6 pct.

Also, non-banking finance companies rise after RBI tightens rules as expected.

Housing Development Finance Corporation gains 1.1 pct, while IDFC is up 2.9 pct.

(Reporting by Abhishek Vishnoi)