Mumbai: The benchmark BSE Sensex rose over 73 points at 25,936.89 in early trade on Monday as investors indulged in widening their positions on the first session of October series in the derivatives segment.

However, caution prevailed ahead of RBI policy review tomorrow and continued fund outflows by foreign investors amid weakness at other Asian markets as investors await U.S. jobs data.

The 30-share index, which had gained 211.66 points in the previous two sessions, rose by 73.39 points, or 0.28 percent, at 25,936.89 with consumer durables, banking, FMCG and IT sector stocks, trading in positive zone.

Also, the NSE Nifty was trading higher by 25.45 points, or 0.32 percent, at 7,893.95.

Brokers said continued buying by participants following beginning of the October F&O series influenced trading sentiments but a weak trend at other Asian markets, limited the gains.

Among other Asian markets, Japan's Nikkei lost 1.14 percent while Shanghai's Composite index shed 0.22 percent in early trade.

Hong Kong's stock market will remain closed on Monday for a public holiday.