Mumbai, April 29 -- Domestic equity indices closed sharply higher on Wednesday, supported by strong corporate earnings and rising optimism about a possible early resolution to the ongoing Middle East conflict, among other positive cues that boosted investor sentiment. The Nifty 50 ended above the 24,150 level. Gains were led by FMCG, realty, and auto stocks, while media, PSU bank, and consumer durables shares lagged.

As per provisional closing data, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex jumped 609.45 points or 0.79% to 77,496.36. The Nifty 50 index surged 181.95 points or 0.76% to 24,177.65.

In the broader market, the BSE 150 MidCap Index shed 0.01% and the BSE 250 SmallCap Index rallied 0.54%.

The market breadth was positive. On the...