Mumbai, June 19 -- The domestic equity benchmarks trade near the flatline with some positive bias in mid-afternoon trade, amid ongoing escalating geopolitical tensions between Israel and Iran. Further impacting sentiment was the US Federal Reserve's decision to hold interest rates, with the central bank projecting elevated inflation and slower economic growth ahead. Market direction will likely continue to be shaped by these geopolitical developments, with investors closely tracking crude oil prices and broader global events. The Nifty traded above the 24,800 level.

Metal shares witnessed selling pressure for third consecutive trading session.

At 14:25 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex rose 51.85 points or 0.06% to 81,500.40....