The BSE benchmark Sensex today rose by over 66 points in early trade on selective buying by funds, amid an improving trend on other Asian bourses.         The 30-share barometer gained 66.27 points, or 0.33 per cent, to 19,757.94, with IT, PSUs, healthcare and oil and gas sector stocks leading the recovery. The index had lost over 430 points in yesterday's session.        

Similarly, the wide-based National Stock Exchange index Nifty moved up by 15.35 points, or 0.26 per cent, to 5,995.80. Brokers said emergence of buying by funds in select stocks amid a better trend in the Asian region mainly influenced the trading sentiment.        

Meanwhile, in Asia, Japan's Nikkei up by 0.09 per cent, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng index rose 0.03 per cent in early trade. The US Dow Jones Industrial Average ended 0.18 per cent lower in previous session.