Mumbai, April 1 -- The key equity benchmarks ended sharply higher on Wednesday, snapping a two-day losing streak, as risk sentiment improved after Donald Trump indicated that the U.S. could wind down its military operations involving Iran within two to three weeks.

Hopes of a potential de-escalation in Middle East tensions eased geopolitical concerns, boosting investor confidence and supporting broad-based buying across markets. Meanwhile, oil prices declined, with Brent crude slipping closer to the $100-per-barrel mark, further aiding sentiment.

The Nifty settled above the 22,650 mark. Barring pharma index while all other sectoral indices on the NSE closed in the green, with PSU bank, media, and metal leading the most.

As per provisi...