Sensex up 26 pts in early trade

The BSE benchmark Sensex gained over 26 points in early trade on Thursday after Wednesday's losses on emergence of buying by funds and retailers.

The 30-share barometer, which had lost 162.26 points in the previous session, recovered by 26.55 points, or 0.14%, to 18,657.65 in the first five minutes of trade.

Stocks of realty, oil and gas, and metal led the recovery.

Similarly, the wide-based National Stock Exchange index Nifty was up 10.05 points, or 0.18%, at 5,662.20.

Brokers said fresh buying by funds and retail investors at existing lower levels mainly influenced the trading sentiment.