The BSE benchmark Sensex on Thursday regained the 20,000-level by rising over 104 points in early trade on increased buying by funds in healthcare, realty, capital goods and banking stocks amid a mixed Asian trend.

The 30-share barometer rose by 104.12 points, or 0.52 per cent, to trade above 20,000 points level at 20,052.85. The index had gained 97.50 points in the previous session.

Similarly, the wide-based National Stock Exchange index Nifty too moved up by 28.25 points, or 0.47 per cent, to 6,001.55.

Brokers said increased buying by funds amid a mixed trend in the Asian region following overnight gains on the US market after US Federal Reserve chief Ben Bernanke said the bank had no plan to wind down its stimulus until the economy was back on track, mainly influenced the trading sentiment .

Besides, expectations of encouraging earnings from corporates also generated buying activity, they said.

Meanwhile, Japan’s Nikkei was up by 0.82 per cent, while Hong Kong’s Hang seng index was down 0.06 per cent in early trade on Thursday.

The US Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.12 per cent in Wednesdaytrade.