The BSE benchmark Sensex recovered by 174 points in early trade today on fresh buying by funds and retailers at attactive lower levels. The 30-share Sensex, which had lost over 977 points in the past four sessions, recovered by 174 points, or 1 per cent to 17,620.The wide-based index of National Stock Exchange Nifty moved up by 43.25 points, or 0.82 per cent, to 5,324.45points.