Mumbai, Jan. 28 -- The key equity benchmarks remained firmly higher in mid-morning trade, buoyed by optimism surrounding the conclusion of the India-EU free trade agreement (FTA) and FII inflows. Investors are closely tracking rupee movements, ongoing Q3 earnings announcements, and geopolitical developments, with attention also on upcoming Q3 results from Larsen & Toubro, Maruti Suzuki India, and BHEL. Meanwhile, the Nifty traded above the 25,300 level.

Metal stocks extend gains for second straight session.

At 11:25 ST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex advanced 511.04 points or 0.62% to 82,368.52. The Nifty 50 index rose 159.50 points or 0.63% to 25,335.30.

In the broader market, the S&P BSE Mid-Cap index added 0.95% and the S&P...