Sensex rises by 87 points ahead of March derivatives expiry

Mumbai: The benchmark BSE Sensex rose over by 87 points in early trade on March25, as stocks of healthcare, IT and realty sectors saw heavy buying on covering-up of short positions by speculators ahead on March 24, monthly expiry in derivatives segment amid a mixed trend at other Asian bourses.

The 30-share index, which had lost 574.66 points in the previous five consecutive sessions, gained 87.88 points, or 0.31 per cent, to 28,249.60. On similar lines, the National Stock Exchange index Nifty edged up by 30.80 points, or 0.36 per cent, to 8,573.75. Brokers said apart from value buying in some bluechip stocks, covering-up of short positions by speculators in view of March's derivatives expiry on March 24 and a mixed trend at other Asian markets influenced the sentiments.

Among other Asian markets, Hong Kong Hang Seng was up by 0.51 per cent, while Japan's Nikkei shed 0.73 per cent in early trade on March 25. The US Dow Jones Industrial Average ended 0.58 per cent lower in on Tuesday’s trade.