Mumbai, May 21 -- The key equity indices traded near flat line in mid-afternoon trade despite positive global cues. Positive global cues failed to sustain investor enthusiasm as crude oil prices climbed. However, investors remained focused on the ongoing quarterly earnings season. Nifty traded below the 23,700 level.

FMCG shares witnessed selling pressure for the four consecutive trading sessions.

At 14:25 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex declined 96.47 points or 0.12% to 75,227.12. The Nifty 50 index fell 3.55 points or 0.02% to 23,655.45.

The broader market outperformed the frontline indices. The BSE 150 MidCap Index rose 0.24% and the BSE 250 SmallCap Index jumped 0.72%.

The market breadth was positive. On the BSE, 2,43...