Mumbai, April 10 -- The key equity benchmarks ended with strong gains on Friday, supported by improving risk sentiment. Optimism around a potential US-Iran ceasefire, softer oil prices below $100, a rally in global markets, and a strengthening rupee lifted investor confidence.

The Nifty settled at 24,050.60 mark, led by gains in auto and financial services stocks. However, the upside remained partly capped due to weakness in IT shares. Despite the strong close, investors remained cautious ahead of the upcoming Q4 earnings season.

The S&P BSE Sensex surged 918.60 points or 1.20% to 77,550.25. The Nifty 50 index jumped 275.50 points or 1.16% to 24,050.60.

ICICI Bank (up 3.22%), HDFC Bank (up 1.65%) and Reliance Industries (up 1.56%) boos...