The BSE benchmark Sensex extended its gains by adding 90 points in opening trade today on continued buying by foreign funds and retail investors. The 30-share index of the Bombay Stock Exchange,which rallied by over 975 points in the previous four sessions,rose by another 89.70 points,or 0.47 per cent,to 18,905.34 points in the first few minutes of trade today. Likewise,the wide-based National Stock Exchange Nifty index moved up by 22.70 points,or 0.40 per cent,to 5,676.95. Brokers said sustained buying by funds and retail investors in stocks with strong fundamentals amid expectations of better Q4 earnings mainly influenced the trading sentiment. Auto,capital goods,banking,consumer durables and PSU stocks were in keen demand and contributed the major support to the Sensex. Stocks of most-weighted firm Reliance Industries evoked increased buying support and traded nearly 1 per cent higher at Rs 1,036.90 after company said it will set up a joint venture with D E Shaw group for the financial services business in India.
