The BSE benchmark index Sensex rose by over 106 points in early trade today on sustained buying by funds and retail investors amid a firming trend in Asian markets.

The 30-share index, which had gained 135.36 points in the previous session, rose further by 106.58 points, or 0.58 per cent, to 18,396.31 points.

The wide-based Nifty of the National Stock Exchange moved up by 33.15 points, or 0.60 per cent, to 5,597.45.

Brokers said continued buying by funds as well as retail investors, tracking a firming trend on the other Asian bourses influenced the trading sentiment here.

In Asia, Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index rose by 0.47 per cent, while Japan's Nikkei was marginally down in morning trade today.

The US markets remained closed yesterday for a holiday.