Mumbai, Sept. 11 -- The key equity indices traded near flat line with small gains in mid-morning amid positive global cues. Investor sentiment stayed buoyant on hopes of easing India-U.S. diplomatic tensions and rate-cut expectations from the U.S. Federal Reserve next week. The Nifty traded above the 24,950 mark.

Oil & gas stocks witnessed buying demand for the second consecutive trading session.

At 11:25 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex gained 18.32 points or 0.03% to 81,447.49. The Nifty 50 index rose 2.25 points or 0.01% to 24,975.85.

The broader market outperformed the frontline indices. The S&P BSE Mid-Cap index rose 0.16% and the S&P BSE Small-Cap index jumped 0.36%.

The market breadth was strong. On the BSE 2,321 sh...