Sensex extends gains for third day, up 54 points in early trade

The benchmark BSE Sensex gained for the third straight session by adding 54 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 nearly 52 points in the previous two sessions, rose further by 54.07 points, or 0.27%, to 20,315.10 with consumer durable, healthcare, metal and oil and gas sector stocks leading the rise.

 The National Stock Exchange index Nifty moved up by 17.85 points, or 0.30%, to 6,040.25.

 Brokers said sustained buying by funds as well as retail investors amid a firming trend on other Asian bourses mainly influenced the trading sentiment here. Among other Asian markets, Hong Kong's Hang Seng rose by 0.34% while Japan's Nikkei gained 0.37% in early trade today.