Mumbai, June 17 -- The key equity benchmarks traded with minor losses in early trade, driven by rising geopolitical tensions between Israel and Iran. Geopolitical developments are expected to continue influencing the market direction, as investors closely track crude oil prices, the G7 summit, Bank of Japan's policy decision and the outcome of the upcoming U.S. Federal Reserve meeting later this week. The Nifty slipped below the 24,900 level.

Pharma, auto and consumer durables shares declined while realty, media and PSU Bank shares advanced.

At 09:25 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex declined 165.48 points or 0.20% to 81,630.67. The Nifty 50 index fell 66.55 points or 0.26% to 24,880.30.

In the broader market, the S&P BSE Mi...