Mumbai, July 3 -- Benchmark equity indices ended higher on Friday, as supportive global cues, easing crude oil prices, optimism over a softer global interest rate environment and positive outcomes from the India-Japan Summit lifted investor sentiment.

The Nifty 50 gained 95.15 points, or 0.39 per cent, to close at 24,270.85, while the BSE Sensex rose 261.79 points, or 0.34 per cent, to settle at 77,763.91. The Nifty 50 has surged nearly 1 per cent during this week.

Market experts said positive global cues and easing crude oil prices continued to support investor sentiment.

Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Investments Limited, said the domestic markets ended higher as they were supported by "supportive global cues and growing expe...