Mumbai, April 15 -- The headline equity benchmarks surged on Wednesday, tracking firm cues from other Asian markets amid renewed optimism over the resumption of US-Iran peace talks. Sentiment strengthened as crude oil prices slipped decisively below the $100 per barrel mark, while the rupee appreciated against the US dollar, supported by softer crude and a weaker greenback. The Nifty closed firmly above the 24,200 level, led by strong buying in consumer durables and IT stocks.

The S&P BSE Sensex surged 1,263.67 points or 1.64% to 78,111.24. The Nifty 50 index jumped 388.65 points or 1.63% to 24,231.30.

Larsen & Toubro (up 3.08%), Reliance Industries (up 2.26%) and HDFC Bank (up 1.97%) boosted the indices higher today.

The broader marke...