Mumbai, Jan. 27 -- The domestic equity benchmarks traded with moderate gains in afternoon trade, buoyed by news that India and the European Union had clinched a landmark free trade agreement (FTA) after 18 years of stalled negotiations. Investor focus remained on key quarterly earnings from Asian Paints, Vodafone Idea, and Motilal Oswal Financial Services, while traders also monitored movements in the rupee and global geopolitical developments.

The Nifty traded above 25,100 level. Metal, oil & gas and FMCG shares advanced, while media, consumer durables and auto shares declined.

At 13:30 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex added 122.25 points or 0.16% to 81,649.34. The Nifty 50 index rose 59.90 points or 0.22% to 25,103.25.

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