Mumbai, Aug. 13 -- The key equity barometers traded sideways in the early afternoon trade as investors remained cautious ahead of the weekly expiry of BSE derivatives contracts. Market participants are also assessing a slew of Q1 FY27 earnings announcements, with sector- and stock-specific movements remaining in focus amid the ongoing earnings season. Investors are also keeping a close watch on the progress of the monsoon, which remains an important factor for the broader economic outlook.

The Nifty traded tad below the 24,400 level. Metal shares declined after advancing in the past trading session.

At 12:30 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, rose 16.07 points or 0.02% to 77,984.46. The Nifty 50 index lost 40.45 points or 0.1...