Mumbai : The BSE benchmark Sensex snapped 2-day losing streak by recovering 195 points in the late morning trade on fresh buying by investors.

Realty, banking, metals, consumer durables and PSU stocks attracted strong buying.

The 30-share index resumed higher at 17,117.41 and hovered in a range of 17,266.88 and 17,105.22 before quoting at 17,253.47 at 1015hrs, showing a net gain of 194.86 points, or 1.14 per cent, from its last close.

The NSE 50-share Nifty also shot up by 64.00 points, or 1.24 per cent, to 5,242.85 at 1015hrs.

The key benchmark indices surged in early trade and the market breadth was strong.

Interest rate sensitive banking stocks advanced on value buying after recent fall.

Brokers said emergence of buying by funds and retail investors at existing lower levels amid start of new monthly settlement in the derivatives segment, helped Sensex to trade in the positive zone.

Major gainers were Hindalco Ind, Sun Pharma, ICICI Bank, Tata Power, DLF, Tata Steel, RIL and SBI.

Asian markets were mixed early on Friday as investors eyed key events that could dictate market trends in coming months, and as the first quarter drew to a close after a stellar performance from equities.

Key benchmark indices in China and Singapore were up by between 0.09 per cent and 0.36 per cent.

However, key indices in Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan and Taiwan were down between 0.1 per cent and 0.59 per cent.