The BSE benchmark sensex gained 87 points in early trade on Thursday on the back of covering-up of short positions by participants following monthly expiry in the derivatives segment amid government announcing incentives for exporters. The 30-share index moved up by 86.94 points, or 0.44%, to 19,504.40 with realty, healtchare, auto and metal sector stocks leading the rally.

Similarly, the wide-based National Stock Exchange index Nifty was up 25.20 points, or 0.42%, to 5,930.80.

Brokers said apart from covering-up of pending short positions by participants as today is the last session of current month's expiry in the derivatives segment, government announcing sops for exporters and hopes of more steps from RBI to ease the liquidity situation influenced the trading sentiments.

Besides, a slightly better trend at Asian bourses also supported the upside in stock prices here, they said.

In Asia, Hong Kong market gained 0.46%, while Japan's Nikkei Index was up by 1.36%.

The US dow Jones Industrial Average, however, ended 0.19% lower in Wednesday's trade.