Mumbai, July 21 -- The domestic equity benchmarks ended higher today, reversing a two-day decline. Gains were driven largely by robust Q1 earnings from major private lenders HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank, which helped offset persistent global trade challenges. The Nifty closed above the 25,050 level, buoyed by private banks, financial services, and metals.

The S&P BSE Sensex advanced 442.61 points or 0.54% to 82,200.34. The Nifty 50 index added 122.30 points or 0.49% to 25,090.70.

In the broader market, the S&P BSE Mid-Cap index rallied 0.55% and the S&P BSE Small-Cap index shed 0.01%.

The market breadth was negative. On the BSE, 1959 shares rose and 2188 shares fell. A total of 180 shares were unchanged.

The NSE's India VIX, a gauge of th...