Mumbai, April 21 -- The key equity benchmarks traded with decent gains in early afternoon trade, supported by optimism over potential peace talks between the US and Iran. Investor sentiment also remained upbeat amid easing crude oil prices. However, market participants shifted their focus to Q4 earnings.

The Nifty traded above the 24,550 mark. Private sector bank shares gained after declining in the previous trading session.

At 12:28 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex jumped 701.67 points or 0.89% to 79,225.06. The Nifty 50 index added 194.90 points or 0.80% to 24,559.75.

The broader market outperformed the frontline indices. The BSE 150 MidCap Index gained 0.78% and the BSE 250 SmallCap Index added 1.05%.

The market breadt...