Mumbai, Jan. 28 -- The key equity benchmarks traded with strong gains in early trade, buoyed by optimism over the conclusion of the India-EU free trade agreement (FTA). Investors are closely tracking rupee movements, ongoing Q3 earnings announcements, and geopolitical developments. Market participants are also awaiting Q3 results from Larsen & Toubro, Maruti Suzuki India, and BHEL. Meanwhile, the Nifty traded above the 25,350 mark.

Oil & Gas, media and realty shares advanced while FMCG and PSU Bank shares declined.

At 09:25 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex advanced 598.24 points or 0.73% to 82,459.68. The Nifty 50 index rose 184.15 points or 0.74% to 25,362.35.

In the broader market, the S&P BSE Mid-Cap index rose 0.81% and...