Snapping a two-day losing streak, the BSE benchmark Sensex recovered by over 27 points in early trade on Thursday on emergence of buying by funds and retail investors in select stocks at existing levels amid a firming trend at other Asian bourses.

The 30-share barometer, which had lost over 517 points in the previous two sessions, rose 27.35 points, or 0.15 percent, to 18,692.23 on the back of recovery in auto, realty and consumer durable stocks.

Similarly, the broad-based National Stock Exchange index Nifty, gained 6.30 points, or 0.11 percent, to 5,525.40.

Brokers said selective buying by participants at prevailing lower levels amid a firm trend in other Asian bourses, helped sentiments to improve.

Besides, covering-up of short positions by speculators also supported the recovery, they said.

Meanwhile in the Asian region, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index was up by 0.51 percent and Japan’s Nikkei by 0.73 percent in early morning trade.

The US Dow Jones Industrial Average ended 0.31 percent lower in Wednesday’s trade.