The benchmark BSE Sensex extended gains for the fifth straight session by rising nearly 43 points in early trade today on sustained buying by funds and retail investors amid a firming Asian trend.
The 30-share barometer, which had gained 167.30 points in the previous four sessions, rose further by 42.66 points, or 0.21 per cent, to 20,419.22 with realty, metal and auto sector stocks leading the rise.
The National Stock Exchange index Nifty moved up by 12.25 points, or 0.20 per cent, to 6,075.45.
