Mumbai, Nov. 5 -- The key equity benchmarks ended sharply higher on Thursday, extending their winning streak to six consecutive sessions. Improving global cues, a sharp decline in crude oil prices and easing bond yields lifted investor sentiment. Hopes of an early resolution to the US-Iran conflict, sustained foreign investor buying and reduced concerns over US tariffs further strengthened the rally. Broader market joined the upmove, with most sectoral indices ending higher. The Nifty climbed above the 24,500 mark. Auto and private bank stocks led the gains, reflecting broad-based buying interest, while media shares were among the few laggards.

The S&P BSE Sensex jumped 2,008.61 points or 2.60% to 79,310.01. The Nifty 50 index rose 576 p...