Mumbai, Nov. 12 -- The key equity benchmarks traded nearly flat in afternoon trade as weakness across Asian markets weighed on domestic sentiment and prompted profit booking. Asian shares were under pressure amid concerns over the technology sector following a sharp fall in Nvidia shares and rising expectations of a US Federal Reserve rate hike. The Nifty hovered below the 25,250 mark after surrendering most of its morning gains. The index opened higher at 25,213.50 and climbed to an intraday high of 25,384.80 before gradually retreating to a low of 25,142.95 in early afternoon trade.

At 13:30 IST, the S&P BSE Sensex declined 78.11 points or 0.10% to 81,801.29. The Nifty 50 index fell 23.15 points or 0.09% to 25,231.90.

The broader mark...