BENGALURU, Jan 4 Reuters India39;s benchmark indexes rose on Thursday after easing from near record highs in the past two sessions, aided by a rebound in financials, while realty extended gains on robust sales volumes.

The bluechip NSE Nifty 50 index climbed 0.54 to 21,631.85 points, while the SP BSE Sensex added 0.58 to 71,770.60, as of 1029 a.m. IST.

The consolidation over the last two sessions is healthy after the sharp rally. Besides, investors want to keep some cash in the portfolio ahead of quarterly earnings, said Deven Choksey, managing director of DR Choksey Finserv.

High weightage financials rose 0.85, after shedding 1.29 over the last four sessions.

Bajaj Finance advanced 4 and was among the top Nifty 50 gainers. The nonbank lender reported a 26 yearonyear increase in new loans and a 35 jump in assets under management in December quarter, according to a business update.

Realty stocks surged about 5.5 to a new record high.

Indian realty developers posted recordhigh sales and residential unit launches in the second half of 2023, aided by strong demand, Knight Frank Research said. The property consultant expects increased sales in 2024, with likely decline in inflation and interest rates.

The rebound in Indian shares is in contrast to Asian peers, which fell following the overnight decline in Wall Street equities. The comes after the Federal Reserve39;s last policy meeting minutes provided no clearcut clues on the timing of a potential rate cut.

Among…