Mumbai: The benchmark BSE Sensex climbed over 159 points in early trade today, extending its weekend rally on continued buying amid a firming trend at other Asian bourses on indications of additional central bank stimulus.

Besides, covering-up of short positions in view of an approaching January expiry in the derivatives segment on Thursday influenced mood.

The 30-share index rose 159.47 points, or 0.65 percent, to 24,595.13, with all sectoral indices led by auto, healthcare, capital goods, metal and banking trading higher by up to 1.12 percent.

The gauge had rallied 473.45 points in the previous session.

The NSE index Nifty too edged higher by  60.40 points , or 0.81 percent, to 7,482.85. 

Brokers said investors speculated over the possibility that central banks will unleash more stimulus measures to bolster financial markets, which led to a firm trend at other Asian markets, lifting spirits here.

Stock markets will remain closed tomorrow for the Republic Day.

Among other Asian markets, Hong Kong's Hang Seng was up 2.47 percent and Japan's Nikkei gained 0.67 percent while the Shanghai Composite index was trading higher 0.60 percent in early trade today.

The U.S. Dow Jones Industrial Average ended 1.33 percent higher in Friday's trade.

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