Sensex surges over 190 points on firm Asian cues

The benchmark BSE Sensex climbed over 190 points in early trade on Monday, extending its weekend rally on continued buying amid a firming trend at other Asian bourses on indications of additional central bank stimulus.    

Besides, covering-up of short positions in view of an approaching January expiry in the derivatives segment on Thursday influenced mood.

The 30-share index rose 199.90 points, or 0.82%, to 24,635.56, with all sectoral indices led by auto, healthcare, capital goods, metal and banking trading higher by up to 1.12%. The gauge had rallied 473.45 points in the previous session. At 1013 hours, the Sensex  was trading slightly lower from the day's high at 178.98 points, or 0.73%, to 24,614.64 on the BSE.

The NSE Nifty index, too, edged higher by 57.20 points, or 0.77%, to 7,479.65.  

Brokers said investors speculated over the possibility that central banks will unleash more stimulus measures to bolster financial markets, which led to a firm trend at other Asian markets, lifting spirits in Indian markets.

Stock markets will remain closed tomorrow for the Republic Day.

Among other Asian markets, Hong Kong's Hang Seng was up 2.47% and Japan's Nikkei gained 0.67% while the Shanghai Composite Index was trading higher 0.60% in early trade on Monday. The US Dow Jones Industrial Average ended 1.33% higher in Friday's trade.