The BSE benchmark Sensex today rose by over 72 points in early trade on the back of gains in stocks of realty, metal, oil and gas and banking sectors, amid a mixed Asian trend.        

The 30-share barometer, which had lost 120.25 points yesterday, recovered by 72.40 points, or 0.36 per cent, to 20,053.97 in early trade.        

Similarly, the wide-based National Stock Exchange index Nifty moved up by 21.30 points, or 0.35 per cent, to 6,069.80.        

Brokers said fresh buying by major players after yesterday's profit-booking amid a mixed trend in Asian markets, following overnight gains on the US markets on stronger-than-expected earnings results, influenced the trading sentiment here.         Meanwhile, in Asia, Hong Kong's Hang Seng index rose by 0.19 per cent, while Japan's Nikkei shed 0.88 per cent in early trade today.        

The US Dow Jones Industrial Average ended 0.46 per cent higher in yesterday's trade.