Indian equity benchmarks settled with minor gains on Wednesday, recovering partially from a sharp sell-off in the previous session. The **Nifty 50** advanced **57.70 points** or **0.23%** to close at **25,482.35**, while the **S&P BSE Sensex** added **50.15 points** or **0.06%** to end at **82,276.07**. The session was characterized by high volatility, as early morning gains of over **700 points** on the Sensex were largely erased by afternoon profit-booking. Market sentiment remains cautious as investors prepare for the release of third-quarter GDP data on February 27, with growth projected at **8.1%**. The **Nifty Metal** index led the recovery, surging **2.70%** on the back of strong performances from major players. The **Nifty Auto** and **Nifty Pharma** indices also outperformed the broader market, each gaining **1.85%**. The automotive sector continues to show domestic resilience, with the sectoral index nearing its record high of **29,179.10**. Buying interest in the IT sector provided additional support, with the **Nifty IT** index rising **1.57%** as value buying emerged following recent concerns regarding automation and project timelines. Upside remained capped by weakness in heavyweights and selective selling in other sectors. The **Nifty PSU Bank** index fell **0.39%**, while **FMCG** and **Realty** also traded in the red, declining **0.25%** and **0.19%** respectively. Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) have shown mixed activity, recording a net sell-off of **102.53 crore** in the most recent session, while Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) provided a cushion with net purchases worth **3,161.20 crore**. Volatility showed signs of cooling as the **India VIX** dropped **4.68%** to settle at **13.49**. Despite this stabilization, the market breadth remained negative, indicating a defensive stance among participants. In the currency and commodity markets, the Indian rupee strengthened slightly to **90.88** against the US dollar. **MCX Gold** for April delivery rose **0.71%** to reach **161,110**, reflecting a continued preference for safe-haven assets amid global macroeconomic shifts.