Mumbai, April 16 -- The key equity indices ended with modest gains today, rising for the third consecutive trading session. The rally was supported by strong buying in banking stocks. The Nifty ended above the 23,400 level. Banking stock and media shares advanced, while auto and pharma shares declined.

As per provisional closing, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, advanced 309.40 points or 0.40% to 77,044.29. The Nifty 50 index added 108.65 points or 0.47% to 23,437.20.

The broader market outperformed the frontline indices. The S&P BSE Mid-Cap index advanced 0.62% and the S&P BSE Small-Cap index rallied 0.91%.

The market breadth was strong. On the BSE, 2,640 shares rose and 1,306 shares fell. A total of 132 shares were unchanged....