Sensex trades firm after early loss

The 30-share sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 19,836.43, was at 19,968.33 points, up 107.32 points or 0.54 percent, from its previous close at 19,861.01 points.

At the National Stock Exchange (NSE), the 50-share S&P CNX Nifty was ruling at 5,989.55 points, up 0.5 percent. Broader markets showed better buying appetite. The BSE midcap was trading 0.81 percent up and the BSE smallcap index 1.04 percent higher.

The market breadth was positive with 1,899 scrips advancing, compared to 727 stocks declining and 94 remaining unchanged. FMCG, consumer durables and healthcare stocks saw gains. Selling was seen in some IT stocks.

Among top Sensex gainers at this time were HUL, Bharti Airtel and RCom, while Jindal Steel and Sterlite Industries led the losing pack.Other Asian markets were ruling mixed, after the job data from the US showed a rise in number of unemployment claims. Some other bourses like the Chinese, remaining closed for mid-autumn festival holidays. The Japan's Nikkei closed 0.99 percent lower at 9,471.67 points. Hong Kong's Hang Seng was ruling 0.49 percent up at 22,155.67 points.