Mumbai, Nov. 12 -- The key equity benchmarks traded with modest gains in early trade, supported by softer crude oil prices, raising hopes of a potential de-escalation in the Iran conflict. The Nifty traded above the 25,300 level.

Media, consumer durables and private bank shares advanced while pharma, IT and auto shares declined.

At 09:25 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex advanced 201.88 points or 0.23% to 82,074.13. The Nifty 50 index rose 60.25 points or 0.25% to 25,319.30.

In the broader market, the Nifty MidCap 150 Index rose 0.35% and the Nifty SmallCap 250 Index added 1%.

The market breadth was strong. On the BSE, 2,159 shares rose and 750 shares fell. A total of 98 shares were unchanged.

Foreign portfolio investors (...