Barometers extend gains, Nifty above 24,800 mark; VIX drops to 13

The domestic stock market closed slightly higher today, driven by consumer durables and PSU banks. However, media and IT stocks pulled back. The Nifty50 ended above the 24,800 mark. Media and IT stocks, however, declined. Investors are now focused on U.S. economic data and Fed Chair Powells speech for clues on potential interest rate cuts. A dovish Fed stance could stabilize the market as uncertainty decreases.