Mumbai, July 31 -- Key equity benchmarks recovered from early losses to end higher on Friday, with the Nifty closing above the 24,350 mark. Auto and financial services stocks led the rally, while IT, FMCG and consumer durables shares came under pressure. The rebound was driven by strong June-quarter earnings from heavyweight companies and supported by renewed FII inflows, softer crude oil prices, positive global cues and a firmer rupee. Technically, the Nifty faces immediate resistance in the 24,367-24,530 zone.

The S&P BSE Sensex advanced 166.49 points or 0.21% to 78,094.64. The Nifty 50 index added 66.45 points or 0.27% to 24,383.60. In three consecutive sessions, the Sensex rose 1.73% while the Nifty gained 1.66%.

Bajaj Finance (up 8...