Sensex up by 260 points; August series begins on positive note

Mumbai: The benchmark BSE Sensex spurted by over 260 points to 27,965.52 in early trade on continued across-the-board buying by participants as the August series in the derivatives segment began on a positive note.

The 30-share index, which had gained 246.12 points in the previous two sessions, was up by 260.17 points or 0.93 per cent to 27,965.52 with all the sectoral indices led by realty, healthcare and auto, were trading in positive zone. On similar lines, the NSE Nifty was trading higher by 83.85 points or 1.00 per cent at 8,458.90.

Brokers said widening of positions by participants, following beginning of the August F&O series and a firming trend at other Asian markets influenced trading sentiments. Among other Asian markets, Japan's Nikkei gained 0.12 per cent while Hong Kong's Hang Seng was up 0.44 per cent in early trade.

The US Dow Jones Industrial Average ended 0.03 per cent lower in yesterday's trade.