Mumbai, Oct. 29 -- The key equity benchmarks closed with modest gains today, supported by positive global cues and optimism ahead of the U.S. Federal Reserve's policy decision. The Nifty settled a tad above the 26,050 mark. Media, FMCG and pharma shares advanced, while auto stocks declined.

As per provisional closing data, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, surged 368.97 points or 0.44% to 84,997.13. The Nifty 50 index added 117.70 points or 0.45% to 26,053.90.

The broader market outperformed the frontline indices. The S&P BSE Mid-Cap index added 0.68% and the S&P BSE Small-Cap index rose 0.56%.

The market breadth was positive. On the BSE, 2,495 shares rose and 1,657 shares fell. A total of 173 shares were unchanged.

The NSE's I...