Mumbai, July 27 -- The key equity barometers traded with modest gains in the early afternoon trade as positive global cues boosted investor sentiment. Easing tensions in West Asia led to a sharp decline in crude oil prices, improving risk appetite across global markets. The Nifty traded above the 23,950 mark. Auto shares advanced after declining in the past trading session.

At 12:30 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, soared 669.99 points or 0.88% to 76,729.76. The Nifty 50 index rallied 195.55 points or 0.82% to 23,961.35.

The broader market outperformed the frontline indices. The BSE 150 MidCap Index surged 1.06% and the BSE 250 SmallCap Index climbed 1.15%.

The market breadth was strong. On the BSE, 2,764 shares rose and 1...