Mumbai, Sept. 21 -- The benchmark indices traded with major gains in afternoon trade, supported by easing crude oil prices and positive global cues. Nifty hovered above 23,400 level.

Realty, FMCG and pharma shares advanced while metal, PSU Bank and IT shares declined.

At 13:25 IST, the S&P BSE Sensex advanced 578.83 points or 0.77% at 74,878.75. The Nifty 50 index added 80.70 points, or 0.35%, at 23,427.10.

In the broader market, the BSE 150 Midcap index rose 0.02% while the BSE 250 Smallcap index added 0.12%.

The market breadth was mostly even. On the BSE, 2,150 shares were trading in green, while 2,156 shares were trading in red. A total of 279 shares were unchanged.

Gainers & Losers:

HDFC Life Insurance Company (up 2.37%), HCL T...