The BSE benchmark Sensex rose for the seventh day in a row by adding nearly 43 points in early trade today on sustained buying by funds and retailers amid a firm trend in Asian markets.

The 30-share barometer, which has gained over 688 points in the past six sessions, added 42.56 points, or 0.24 per cent, to 18,024.86 with PSU, capital goods and auto sectors leading the gains.

The wide-based National Stock Exchange index Nifty traded marginally up by 1.65 points, or 0.03 per cent, to 5,432.65.

Brokers said sustained buying by funds amid a firming trend in Asian markets mainly influenced the trading sentiment.

In Asia, Tokyo Exchange led the gain as investors awaited the outcome of a US central bank policy meeting widely expected to see the announcement of further easing measures, they said.

Meanwhile, Japan’s Nikkei was up by 0.46 per cent and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index by 0.10 per cent.

The US Dow Jones Industrial Average ended 0.07 per cent higher in yesterday’s trade.

Indian stocks to watch-Sept 13

GLOBAL MARKETS

Nifty futures on Singapore Exchange fell 0.1 percent while the MSCI-Asia Pacific index excluding Japan was flat.

Wall Street ended little changed on Wednesday, erasing early gains, as investors turned cautious before a Federal Reserve decision on another round of monetary stimulus to boost the economy.

Asian shares steadied in choppy trade ahead of the U.S. Federal Reserve’s decision later in the day.

FACTORS TO WATCH

India RBI deputy governor H.R. Khan to attend the launch of interbank mobile payment service of Punjab & Maharashtra Co-operative Bank Ltd.