Mumbai, May 22 -- The key equity indices ended with decent gains on Friday amid positive global cues. Investor sentiment improved amid hopes of a possible peace agreement between the U.S. and Iran. Brent crude oil prices hovered around the $105-per-barrel mark, easing from recent high $110, further aided market optimism, while participants will track quarterly earnings and progress on the India-U.S. trade pact. Nifty settled above the 23,700 level.

Banking and metal stocks advanced while media, pharma and IT shares declined.

As per provisional closing data, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex advanced 231.99 points or 0.31% to 75,415.35. The Nifty 50 index added 64.60 points or 0.27% to 23,719.30.

In the broader market, the BSE 150...