Closing Bell: Sensex ends 410 pts higher after volatile session, Nifty tops 24,700;

TATASTEEL

rallies 6%,

HINDALCO

gains 3%

Indian benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty, closed on a positive note Wednesday, led by strength in banking and metal counters, even as investors awaited key announcements from the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council meeting expected to consider duty reductions across multiple categories. The NSE Nifty climbed 135.45 points, or 0.55%, to close at 24,715.05, while the BSE Sensex advanced 409.83 points, or 0.51%, finishing at 80,567.71. Top Movers On the 30-stock Sensex,

Steel, , a & Mahindra, , and stood out as key gainers, rising between 1% and 6%. Tata Steel surged 6%, topping the charts on both indices. The Nifty Metal index spearheaded sectoral strength with a 3.1% rally, buoyed by a CLSA report suggesting that Indian steel prices are set to firm up, backed by global cues and seasonal demand. Analysts pointed to China’s “anti-involution” policy—designed to curb steel output—as an additional tailwind for Indian producers. Auto and FMCG stocks edged higher by around 0.7% each, supported by expectations of consumption-friendly tax cuts at the GST Council. The IT index, however, slipped 0.7%, weighed down by weak U.S. manufacturing data that marked a sixth straight month of contraction, stoking concerns for Indian IT exporters reliant on U.S. business. Broader Market Action The broader indices also ended in the green, with small-caps advancing 0.9% and mid-caps up 0.7%. Stocks in Focus Amanta Healthcare IPO subscribed 23x on Day 3; GMP holds at 8%—Should you apply? Vikran Engineering lists at 3% premium over IPO price. Zerodha suffers tech glitch; traders face login & price feed issues. Jefferies weighs in on GST rate cut implications for 36 lakh ITC shareholders. CG Power surges 14% in 4 sessions; here’s what’s fueling the rally.