Mumbai, Sept. 23 -- The benchmark indices traded near the day's high in afternoon trade as crude oil prices fell below the $99-per-barrel mark, easing concerns over inflation and the country's import bill. Investors also remained focused on global developments, including the ongoing talks between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The Nifty, however, failed to hold above the 23,450 mark.

At 13:28 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex advanced 371.15 points or 0.50% to 74,900.23. The Nifty 50 index added 111.95 points or 0.48% to 23,440.95.

In the broader market, the BSE 150 MidCap Index rose 0.60% and the BSE 250 SmallCap Index jumped 0.59%.

The market breadth was positive. On the BSE, 2,695 shares rose ...