Mumbai, Aug. 13 -- The domestic equity benchmarks advanced on Wednesday, tracking positive global cues and buoyed by upbeat domestic inflation data. The Nifty closed above the 24,600 mark, with gains led by healthcare and metal stocks. Sentiment was lifted after India's retail inflation eased to an eight-year low, stoking hopes of a revival in discretionary spending, while softer U.S. retail inflation strengthened expectations of a Federal Reserve rate cut in September. Globally, optimism improved on the extension of China's tariff deadline and easing crude oil prices. Investors remained watchful of uncertainties surrounding U.S. trade policy and the Trump-Putin meeting on August 15.

The S&P BSE Sensex advanced 304.32 points or 0.38% to ...