The domestic equity benchmark indices declined in the initial trade on Monday amid escalating tensions between USA and Iran that have caused a spike in the global crude oil prices. The heightened activity in the primary market has also impacted the benchmark indices, according to analysts.

Market movement in early trade

The 30-share BSE Sensex shed 248.48 points or 0.32 per cent at 76,266.95 in the early trade. The 50-share NSE Nifty lost 72.35 points or 0.30 per cent at 23,825.35 in the early deals.