Mumbai, April 21 -- Domestic benchmark indices powered ahead for a third straight session on Tuesday, driven by broad-based buying and firmer global cues. Sentiment lifted sharply after reports of fresh US-Iran talks rekindled hopes of easing geopolitical tensions, while cooling crude oil prices added fuel to the rally.

The Nifty surged past the 24,550 mark, with FMCG and private banking stocks leading the charge. Banking stocks advanced after the RBI relaxed forex restrictions. Small-cap stocks outpaced the broader market.

Investors are now turning their attention to Q4 earnings, while closely monitoring developments in the US-Iran conflict, crude oil prices and currency trends for near-term cues.

The S&P BSE Sensex jumped 753.03 poin...