The BSE benchmark Sensex rose by over 18 points in early trade today, led by recovery in stocks of consumer durables, power and healthcare sectors amid emergence of buying by funds.

The 30-share barometer recovered by 18.29 points, or 0.09 per cent, after yesterday’s losses, to 18,864.55.

Similarly, the wide-based National Stock Exchange index, Nifty moved up by 5.50 points, or 0.09 per cent, to 5,744.25.

Brokers said fresh buying by participants at select counters helped sentiments to improve but a weak trend in the in the Asian markets following overnight losses on the US market on worries over looming fiscal crisis restricted the gains.

Stocks of United Spirits shot up by 5.23 per cent to Rs 1,414 after reports that the Vijaya-Mallya led UB Group is understood to have reached a deal with world’s largest spirit maker Diageo for a stake sale in the company.

In the Asian region, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index fell by 0.33 per cent, while Japan’s Nikkei shed 0.86 per cent in early trade today. The US dow Jones Industrial Average ended 0.94 per cent lower in yesterday’s trade.