Mumbai, June 5 -- The domestic equity barometers traded with strong gains in early afternoon trade, supported by buying interest amid positive global sentiment, expectations of a rate cut in the upcoming RBI policy meeting later this week, and continued foreign fund inflows. While investors await the policy outcome, they are also closely monitoring bond markets, Brent crude trends, and global trade developments. The Nifty climbed above the 24,800 level after hitting the day's low of 24,613.10 in the early trade.

IT stocks extend gains for second consecutive session

At 12:30 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, advanced 649.59 points or 0.80% to 81,639.62. The Nifty 50 index jumped 198.20 points or 0.81% to 24,816.40.

In the br...