Mumbai, Sept. 30 -- The key equity benchmarks traded with moderate gains in early trade, supported by positive global cues, easing crude oil prices from elevated levels and a moderation in US Treasury bond yields. The Nifty traded above the 22,700 level.

Media, IT and PSU Bank shares advanced while pharma and metal shares declined

At 09:25 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex advanced 203.16 points or 0.29% to 72,737.35. The Nifty 50 index added 16.80 points or 0.07% to 22,732.40.

The broader market outperformed the frontline indices. The BSE 150 MidCap Index jumped 0.74% and the BSE 250 SmallCap Index rose 0.88%.

The market breadth was strong. On the BSE, 2,364 shares rose and 735 shares fell. A total of 196 shares were uncha...