Mumbai, Jan. 2 -- The key benchmark indices traded with strong gains in mid-afternoon trade, as the Nifty traded above the 26,300 level. Market sentiment remained upbeat, supported by optimism over robust monthly auto sales data and sustained buying interest.

Metal stocks continued their rally for a fourth consecutive trading session.

At 14:25 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex advanced 491.58 points or 0.58% to 85,683.42. The Nifty 50 index gained 163.70 points or 0.63% to 26,310.25.

The broader market outperformed the frontline indices. The S&P BSE Mid-Cap index rose 0.86% and the S&P BSE Small-Cap index jumped 0.72%.

The market breadth was strong. On the BSE, 2,653 shares rose and 1,466 shares fell. A total of 183 shares ...