Key benchmark indices are trading firm in early trade on buying demand in index pivotals. At 9:25 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was up 240.26 points or 0.47% at 50,892.16. The Nifty 50 index was up 72.75 points or 0.48% at 15,270.45. The moderation in daily new COVID-19 cases in India improved risk sentiments. Upbeat Asian stocks also boosted sentiment. The S&P BSE Mid-Cap index was up 0.66%. The S&P BSE Small-Cap index was up 0.78%. The market breadth, indicating the overall health of the market, is strong. On the BSE, 1755 shares rose and 511 shares fell. A total of 93 shares were unchanged. Stocks in news: