Sensex put on 31 pts in opening trade

Mumbai, December 21: The Bombay Stock Exchange benchmark Sensex today gained 31 points, or 0.14 per cent, in opening trade on selective buying by funds and retail investors.

The 30-share index rose by 31.16 points to 16,750.99 points. It had lost 191.92 points in the past two sessions.

The wide-based National Stock Exchange index Nifty moved up by 9.60 points, or 0.09 per cent, to 4,997.30 points.

IT, auto and metal stocks were the major gainers helping Sensex trade in the positive zone.

Brokers said fresh buying by funds and retail investors amid mixed trends on the other Asian bourses, influenced trading sentiments here.

They said cautious approach adopted by majority of market participants in view of approaching year-end, however, restricted gains.

Among technology stocks, Wipro Ltd rose by 1.62 per cent to Rs 685.95, TCS by 0.72 per cent to Rs 732.75 and Infosys by 0.

—-Agencies