Mumbai, Dec. 5 -- The key equity benchmarks traded near flat line in early trade ahead of the RBI's monetary policy announcement. The Nifty traded above the 26,000 level. Besides the RBI outcome, traders are tracking ongoing IPO activity, crude oil trends and global cues. Market participants are also looking ahead to the US Personal Consumption Expenditure data scheduled for release on Friday, which could influence Fed policy.

Consumer durables, media and oil & gas declined while IT, auto and realty shares advanced.

At 09:25 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex declined 11.29 points or 0.01% to 85,254.03. The Nifty 50 index rose 6.35 points or 0.02% to 26,040.10.

In the broader market, the S&P BSE Mid-Cap index rose 0.31% and ...