Sensex rises 87 points ahead of March derivatives expiry

The benchmark BSE Sensex rose over 87 points in early trade on Wednesday as stocks of healthcare, IT and realty sectors saw heavy buying on covering-up of short positions by speculators ahead of Thursday's monthly expiry in derivatives segment amid a mixed trend at other Asian bourses.

The 30-share index, which had lost 574.66 points in the previous five consecutive sessions, gained 87.88 points, or 0.31%, to 28,249.60.

On similar lines, the National Stock Exchange index Nifty edged up by 30.80 points, or 0.36%, to 8,573.75.

Brokers said apart from value buying in some bluechip stocks, covering-up of short positions by speculators in view of March's derivatives expiry tomorrow and a mixed trend at other Asian markets influenced the sentiments.

Among other Asian markets, Hong Kong Hang Seng was up by 0.51%, while Japan's Nikkei shed 0.73% in early trade on Wednesday.

The US Dow Jones Industrial Average ended 0.58% lower in Tuesday's trade.