Benchmark equity indices close higher; Sensex rises 347 Points, Nifty gains 97 Points

Benchmark domestic equity indices ended today’s choppy trading session with gains of almost half a per cent. The Sensex rose 347 points to close at 77 thousand 156, while the Nifty advanced 97 points to settle at 24 thousand and 86. 
 
In the broader market on the National Stock Exchange, the Midcap 100 index gained half a per cent, while the Smallcap 100 index climbed 0.8 per cent. 
 
Investor sentiment remained upbeat as Brent crude oil prices fell below the 80 US dollars per barrel mark and the recovery in the rupee boosted confidence, helping the market extend gains for the fourth consecutive trading session.