The Sensex opened 76 points higher in opening trade today on emergence of buying in fundamentally strong shares at lower levels. The 30-share barometer, which lost 295 points in the past two sessions, rose by 76 points, or 0.41 per cent, to 18,250 in the first few minutes of trade. In a similar fashion, the wide-based National Stock Exchange Nifty index rose by 22 points, or 0.41 per cent, to 5,468. Brokers said investors indulged in buying select stocks available at cheaper rates after the market closed lower last week.