Sensex extends gains, up 168 points in early trade

Rising for the seventh straight day, the benchmark BSE Sensex rose 168 points in early trade as participants engaged in enlarging positions tracking a firm global cues amid steady progress in monsoon. 

Moreover, strengthening of rupee, which appreciated by another six paise to 63.49 a dollar at the forex market too had positive impact. 

The 30-share index was trading higher by 168.39 points or 0.62% at 27,484.56, with all the sectoral indices, led by realty and banking, trading in positive zone, rising up to 1.49 per cent. 

The Sensex had gained 945.19 points in the previous six days. 

Also, the National Stock Exchange Nifty edged higher by 54.30 points or 0.66% to 8,279.25. 

Asian markets were firm after Greece presented new proposals on reforming its bailout, fuelling hopes of an end to a five-month deadlock, averting a default and possible exit from the euro zone. Further, reports of steady progress in monsoon so far, influenced trading sentiments, they added. 

Among other Asian markets, Hong Kong's Hang Seng was up by 0.41%, while Japan's Nikkei gained 0.80% in early trade.