New Delhi: Equity benchmark indices climbed in early trade on Wednesday in tandem with firm global market trends and buying in Reliance Industries and ITC.

The 30-share BSE Sensex climbed 212.21 points to 74,165.52 in early trade. The NSE Nifty went up by 48.35 points to 22,577.40.

Among the Sensex firms, Reliance Industries, NTPC, Hindustan Unilever, Asian Paints, Nestle and ITC were the major gainers.

State Bank of India, Power Grid, JSW Steel and Mahindra & Mahindra were among the laggards.

Global oil benchmark Brent crude declined 0.69 per cent to USD 82.31 a barrel.

The BSE benchmark declined 52.63 points or 0.07 percent to settle at 73,953.31 on Tuesday. The Nifty, however, ended higher by 27.05 points or 0.12 percent to 22,529.05.

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