Markets end flat as focus shifts to US Fed minutes; Smallcap index up 1%

The benchmark indices ended flat on Wednesday tracking positive trade in global markets after focus shifted from geopolitical tensions around North Korea to minutes from the US Federal Reserve's last policy meeting.

The S&P BSE Sensex closed at 31,245, up 35 points, while the broader Nifty50 ended at 9,637, up 24 points. 

In the broader market, the S&P BSE Midcap and the S&P BSE Smallcap indices outperformed to gain 0.9% and 1%, respectively. 

The breadth, indicating strength of the market was strong. On BSE, 1,695 shares rose and 978 shares fell. A total of 143 shares were unchanged.

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