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Stock Market Closing Bell: Indian equities ended higher on Wednesday, mirroring positive cues from Asian markets, as investors awaited the US Federal Reserve’s policy outcome later in the day.

The BSE Sensex gained 368.97 points or 0.44 per cent to close at 84,997.13, while the Nifty50 advanced 117.70 points or 0.45 per cent to end at 26,053.90.

Market sentiment remained upbeat, with most sectoral indices finishing in the green. The rally was led by Nifty Oil & Gas (+2.12 per cent), Nifty Energy (+1.93 per cent), Nifty Metal (+1.71 per cent), and Nifty Media (+1.63 per cent), reflecting broad-based buying interest.

Gains were also seen in FMCG (+0.90 per cent), Pharma (+0.81 per cent), and IT (+0.64 per cent) stocks. However, Nifty Auto (-0.73 per cent) was the major laggard, witnessing profit booking after recent gains.

Among Sensex constituents, NTPC (+3.05 per cent), Power Grid (+2.81 per cent), Adani Ports (+2.78 per cent), HCL Tech (+2.38 per cent), and Tata Steel (+1.68 per cent) were the top performers. Other key gainers included Sun Pharma, Trent, Asian Paints, Reliance Industries, and SBI.

On the downside, Maruti (-0.98 per cent), M&M (-1.05 per cent), BEL (-1.43 per cent), Bajaj Finance (-0.93 per cent), and L&T (-0.45 per cent) saw mild selling pressure.

The broader markets also ended in positive territory. The Nifty Next 50 jumped 1.42 per cent, while Nifty Midcap 100 and Nifty Smallcap 100 gained 0.64 per cent and 0.43 per cent, respectively, showing strong participation beyond largecaps.

Overall market breadth was positive, with 1,984 stocks advancing, 1,128 declining, and 91 remaining unchanged. Notably, 85 stocks hit new 52-week highs, while 42 stocks touched new 52-week lows.

Additionally, 87 stocks were locked in the upper circuit, whereas 47 stocks hit the lower circuit, indicating a bullish undertone in the market.

Anubhav Maurya is a Senior Sub-Editor at Zee Business, focusing on the stock market, personal finance, corporate news, and related sectors.

He has previously worked wi