The sensex recovered by over 54 points in early trade today. The recovery was largely based on covering-up of pending short positions in view of monthly expiry in the derivatives segment amid a firming trend in theAsian region.The 30-share index rose by 0.25 per cent,to trade at 21,087 points. Stocks of healthcare, capital goods, power and consumer durable companies were the gainers.The Sensex had lost 68 points in the previous session on Tuesday. The market remained closed yesterday on account of "Christmas".The National Stock Exchange index Nifty recovered by 11 points to 6,279.45.In the Asian region, Japan's Nikkei Index was up 0.91 per cent in early trade today, while Hong Kong's markets are closed today for a public holiday.