Mumbai, Dec. 19 -- Domestic equity benchmarks ended Friday with solid gains, snapping a four day losing streak as sentiment turned upbeat. Global risk appetite improved after softer than expected U.S. inflation data revived hopes of Federal Reserve rate cuts.

Markets also drew support from fresh foreign institutional investor buying, a firmer rupee against the US dollar and the signing of the India Oman Free Trade Agreement. The Nifty closed above the 25,950 mark, led by strength in auto and healthcare stocks.

The S&P BSE Sensex climbed 447.55 points or 0.53% to 84,929.36. The Nifty 50 index added 142.55 points or 0.55% to 25,958. In the previous four sessions, the Sensex slipped 0.92% while the Nifty declined 0.89%.

Bharat Electronics...