Mumbai, July 20 -- The domestic equity indices traded with major losses in the afternoon trade as Brent crude oil surged above $90 per barrel amid escalating US-Iran tensions, raising concerns over inflation, higher import costs and global economic uncertainty.

The Nifty traded below the 24,200 level. Realty shares declined after advancing in the past trading session.

At 12:30 ST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, tanked 624.32 points or 0.80% to 77,527.13. The Nifty 50 index fell 153.15 points or 0.63% to 24,180.45.

The broader market outperformed the frontline indices. The BSE 150 MidCap Index rose 0.29% and the BSE 250 SmallCap Index shed 0.01%.

The market breadth was negative. On the BSE, 1,902 shares rose and 2,087 shares ...