Indian equity benchmarks closed higher on Friday, logging a weekly gain, boosted by a rise in heavyweight financial and IT stocks, and as easing inflation data raised hopes of a slowdown in rate hikes.

Dear Trader… Nifty traded negative in the first half, despite positive US and India inflation data. Buying emerged in the second half taking the Nifty future higher to end with gains of 106 points (0.59%) at 18025 levels. Broader markets however closed on a mixed note. Except FMCG and consumer