Sensex up by 151 points to regain 19K level

The BSE benchmark Sensex on regained the psychological 19,000 level, by rising over 151 points in early trade on widespread buying by funds and retailers amid a firming Asian trend.

The 30-share barometer gained 151.39 points, or 0.80 per cent, to 19,029.35, for the first time since February 28. The index had lost 40.56 points in the previous session.

All sectoral indices, led by realty, FMCG and banking, were trading in the positive zone with gains up to 1.18 per cent.

Similarly, the wide-based National Stock Exchange index Nifty moved up by 32.15 points, or 0.56 per cent, to 5,730.65.

Brokers said a firming trend in the Asian region after U.S. stocks rose to over five-year high in Monday’s trade, mainly buoyed the trading sentiments.

Meanwhile in the Asian region, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index rose by 0.30 per cent, while Japan’s Nikkei up by 0.75 per cent in early trade.

The U.S. Dow Jones Industrial Average ended 0.27 per cent higher to close over five-year high in Monday’s session.