-- Indian benchmark indices ended sharply higher on Wednesday as reports of a possible U.S.-Iran deal supported global risk sentiment.
The BSE Sensex rose 940.73 points, or 1.22%, to close at 77,958.52, while the NSE Nifty 50 gained 298.15 points, or 1.24%, to settle at 24,330.95.
Markets advanced on expectations that the U.S. and Iran may be close to resolving their conflict, which had pushed energy prices higher in recent sessions. Hopes of easing geopolitical risks supported sentiment and helped drive broad-based buying.
In economic news, Services activity in Indian strengthened in April, with the HSBC India Services PMI rising to 58.8 from 57.5, supported by firm domestic demand and e-commerce growth. New orders saw the fastest expansion in five months, aided by pricing strategies and demand for logistics and relocation services. However, export growth slowed to a five-month low amid Middle East tensions and weak tourism.
In earnings news, Aditya Birla Real Estate (NSE:ABREL, BOM:500040) gained nearly 5% after reporting a profit of 108.4 million rupees in Q4, compared with a loss of 1.31 billion rupees a year earlier, according to a filing. Revenue from operations declined to 981.9 million rupees from 4.08 billion rupees.
Zydus Lifesciences (NSE:ZYDUSLIFE, BOM:532321) rose over 3% after receiving seven observations from the US FDA following an inspection of its Ahmedabad facility, according to a Wednesday filing.