Mumbai, July 16 -- The key equity barometers traded with minor gains in early afternoon trade, supported by buying in IT and select heavyweight stocks amid optimism over the ongoing June-quarter earnings season. The Nifty traded above the 24,150 mark. Consumer Durables extended gains for sixth consecutive trading sessions.

At 12:30 IST, the S&P BSE Sensex advanced 256.41 points or 0.33% to 77,441.84. The Nifty 50 index added 73.20 points or 0.30% to 24,151.95.

In the broader market, the BSE 150 MidCap Index rose 0.12% and the BSE 250 SmallCap Index climbed 0.19%.

The market breadth was positive. On the BSE, 2,143 shares rose and 1,841 shares fell. A total of 232 shares were unchanged.

Economy:

The India-United Kingdom Comprehensive E...