Mumbai, June 8 -- The key equity barometers traded with major losses in early afternoon trade amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and a sharp rise in crude oil prices. Concerns were further amplified after the central bank trimmed its FY27 GDP growth forecast to 6.6% from around 6.9% and raised its inflation projection to about 5.1%. Nifty traded below the 23,250 mark.

Auto shares witnessed profit booking after advancing in the past four trading sessions.

At 12:25 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex declined 447.42 points or 0.60% to 73,795.92. The Nifty 50 index fell 146.60 points or 0.63% to 23,218.75.

In the broader market, the BSE 150 MidCap Index dropped 0.66% and the BSE 250 SmallCap Index slumped 0....