The Bombay Stock Exchange benchmark Sensex today opened higher by 33 points as funds and retail investors made fresh purchases in selective stocks. The 30-share index rose by 33.49 points, or 0.18 per cent, to 18,206 points. The wide-based National Stock Exchange's Nifty also moved up by 9.55 points, or 0.18 per cent, to 5,456.05 points. Brokers said fresh buying in auto, metals and banking stocks helped the Sensex to recover from yesterday's losses.