Mumbai, Apr 26 - Paring all earlier losses, the BSE benchmark index Sensex today recovered by nearly 42 points in early trade on covering-up of short positions by speculators for end of monthly expiry in the derivatives segment.

Brokers said a firming trend on other Asian bourses after overnight gains on the US market amid strong corporate results and hopes for monetary easing, also buoyed the trading sentiment here.

The 30-share barometer, which had lost 56 points yesterday, rose by 41.96 points, or 0.24 per cent, to 17,193.25, with realty, consumer durables, IT, auto and metal sector stocks leading the recovery.

The wide-based National Stock Exchange index Nifty also moved up by 13.60 points, or 0.26 per cent, to 5,215.60.

Covering-up of pending short positions by participants as today being the last session of monthly expiry in the derivatives segment and selective buying by funds, helped Sensex to trade in the positive zone, they added.

In the Asian region, the Japan's Nikkei rose by 0.05 per cent, while the Hong Kong's Hang Seng index was up by 0.57 per cent in early trade today. The US Dow Jones Industrial Average ended 0.69 per cent higher in yesterday's trade. PTI