Mumbai, Oct. 16 -- The key equity indices ended with strong gains today, marking their second consecutive session of advances. The rally was driven by stock-specific momentum amid the ongoing Q2 earnings season and renewed foreign fund inflows.

The Nifty closed above the 24,550 mark, led by gains in FMCG, realty, and consumer durables stocks. The Q2 FY26 earnings season boosted sentiment in banking and FMCG counters, while optimism over a possible India-US trade deal further lifted market mood.

Easing crude oil prices and expectations of monetary easing by the RBI also supported buying interest. Market breadth remained positive, indicating renewed investor appetite across large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap segments.

The S&P BSE Sensex s...