Sensex climbs 211 points in opening trade

Mumbai, Feb 14 (PTI) The Sensex gained over 211 pointsin opening trade on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) today onfresh buying by funds, tracking a firming trend on other Asianbourses.

The 30-share index of the Bombay Stock Exchange, whichgained 265.57 points in the previous session, gained another211.55 points, or 1.19 per cent, to 17,940.16 points today,with auto, metals, banking and realty stocks leading the rise.

Similarly, the broad-based National Stock Exchange Niftyindex also moved up by 63.10 points, or 1.18 per cent, to5,373.10.

Brokers said the investor sentiment was boosted by afirming trend in Asia following a higher close in the USmarket on the weekend.

They said prevailing low levels also attracted buyingactivity. Furthermore, covering up of pending short positionshelped the Sensex rise.

Among banking stocks, State Bank of India rose 1.79 percent to Rs 2,631, while ICICI Bank gained 1.81 per cent to Rs1,019.75 in opening trade today.

Meanwhile, Japan''s Nikkei index was up by 0.86 per centand Hong Kong''s Hang Seng Index by 0.73 per cent in earlytrade today.

In the US, the Dow Jones Industrial Average ended 0.36per cent higher in the previous session on Friday.