CLOSING BELL: Sensex Jumps 598 Points, Nifty Ends Above 24,450

Indian benchmark equity indices traded higher for the third consecutive session, supported by gains in metal and financial stocks. Positive cues from Asian markets and expectations of a 25 basis-point rate cut by the U.S. Federal Reserve later this month boosted sentiment. Sensex surged 598 points, closing at 80,846, while the Nifty settled above 24,450, powered by HDFC Bank and Reliance Industries.