<h1>Benchmark equity index rises 0.4% as IT and auto stocks lead rally on US rate cut hopes and tax reform</h1> The benchmark domestic equity index rebounded about 0.4% after heavy buying in information-technology and auto stocks and positive global cues tied to expectations of an imminent US central bank rate cut. The broader index gained modestly with two-thirds of constituents rising; the large-cap technology cohort led gains while select industrials and financials lagged. Market participants attributed the rally to easing rate concerns abroad, stronger risk appetite in emerging markets, and supportive domestic factors such as proposed tax rationalisation and favorable weather, even as foreign institutional investors recorded net equity outflows in recent sessions.