MUMBAI: The benchmark BSE Sensex rebounded nearly 152 points in early trade as funds and investors indulged in enlarging positions ahead of the outcome of the Lok Sabha elections amidst a mixed trend in Asian markets.

The 30-share index, which had slipped from record-high levels by falling 56.11 points in trade, recovered by 151.78 points, or 0.64 per cent, to trade at 23,966.90.

All the sectoral indices, led by realty and consumer durables, were trading in the positive zone with gains up to 1.86 per cent.

On similar lines, the broader National Stock Exchange index Nifty rose by 43.80 points, or 0.61 per cent, to 7,152.55.

Brokers said the sentiment remained strong on continued capital inflows and widespread buying by retail investors ahead of the outcome of the Lok Sabha elections.

Besides, encouraging quarterly earnings by some more companies, including Tata Steel, also triggered buying activity, they said.

Stocks of Tata Steel spurted by 2.55 per cent to 463.70, its highest level since May 2012 after the company on reported 1,036 crore consolidated net profit for the January-March quarter.

Among other Asian markets, Hong Kong's Hang Seng index rose by 0.66 per cent, while Japan's Nikkei fell 0.88 per cent in early trade on Thursday.

The U.S. Dow Jones Industrial Average ended 0.61 per cent lower in trade.