<h1>Markets end slightly higher as US jobs data lifts rate cut hopes; autos, oil lead early gains, IT retreats</h1> Benchmark indices closed modestly higher, tracking firmer global markets amid renewed hopes for a US rate cut after soft US jobs data. Early gains were driven by auto, oil and private bank stocks but late-session profit-taking, particularly in IT and consumer sectors, trimmed advances. Market commentary attributed the intraday reversal to cautious 'buy-on-dips, sell-on-rallies' behavior. Foreign institutional investors were net sellers while domestic institutions were net buyers. Crude oil strengthened, supporting energy-related stocks. Overall activity reflected sensitivity to US macro cues, sector-specific GST and demand expectations, and mixed investor flows.