BSE Sensex rises 0.5%

The BSE Sensex gained 0.5 percent in early trade on Thursday, with financials leading the rise, taking cues from firm Asian markets.

At 9:17 a.m., the 30-share BSE index was up 0.53 percent at 18,792.02 points, with 28 components advancing.

The 50-share NSE index was up 0.5 percent at 5,630.35.