The Bombay Stock Exchange benchmark Sensex on Friday gained 55 points in early trade on fresh buying by funds ahead of the quarterly results of firms led by software major Tata Consultancy Services.

The 30-share index rose by 54.98 points to 17,639.85 in the first five minutes of trade, continuing with its gains for the third straight day. Yesterday the index had closed 75 points up at 17,584.87.