Mumbai, Aug. 25 -- The domestic equity indices ended with modest gains today, driven by strong performance in IT stocks. Sentiment improved further after U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell signaled a potential interest rate cut next month. Investors are also closely tracking the upcoming manufacturing PMI, services PMI and composite PMI values scheduled for later this week. The Nifty settled above the 24,950 mark.

IT, realty and metal shares advanced, while media, PSU Bank and FMCG shares corrected.

As per provisional closing data, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex advanced 329.06 points or 0.40% to 81,635.91. The Nifty 50 index rose 97.65 points or 0.39% to 24,967.75.

The broader market underperformed the frontline indice...