Mumbai, June 18 -- The key equity benchmarks traded with modest losses in mid-afternoon trade, amid ongoing geopolitical tensions between Israel and Iran. Market direction remains sensitive to geopolitical developments. Investors will closely monitor crude oil prices, developments from the G7 summit and the outcome of the upcoming U.S. Federal Reserve meeting.The Nifty traded below the 24,800 level after hitting day's high of 24,947.55 in early trade.

Metal shares declined for the second consecutive trading session.

At 14:25 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex declined 319.05 points or 0.39% to 81,264.25. The Nifty 50 index declined 96.15 points or 0.39% to 24,756.10.

The broader market underperformed the frontline indices. Th...