MUMBAI: The benchmark BSE Sensex gained over 44 points in early trade on emergence of buying by funds and retail investors in select stocks.       

The 30-share index, which had lost 244.48 points in the previous session, recovered by 44.73 points, or 0.16 per cent, to 26,861.29, with realty, healthcare, capital goods, power, infrastructure and consumer durables shares leading the recovery.   

Also, the National Stock Exchange index Nifty rose 2.90 points, or 0.03 per cent, to 8,044.90. 

Brokers said emergence of buying, though selective, by funds and retail investors after remaining sellers in yesterday helped trading sentiments to improve.    

Major gainers which supported the Sensex were Cipla, Dr Reddy, Sun Pharma, SBI, Maruti, L&T and Hindalco Industries.          

Among other Asian markets, Japan's Nikkei fell by 0.33 per cent in early trade today, while Hong Kong's financial markets were closed today after a typhoon warning.         

The U.S. Dow Jones Industrial Average ended 0.26 per cent higher in trade.