As predicted, the key Indian stock indices fell into the negative terrain during mid-morning trade after an optimistic beginning as capitalists booked some profits prior to this month's business earnings.

Also, fears over inflationary figures and its fallout on monetary plan have not departed. Even central banking institutions in the US as well as Europe are now mulling over an exit from stimulus.

Growing crude oil rates continue to be a reason for worry

At 10:35 a. m., the Sensex declined 72 points to trade at 19,614 over its previous close.

On the other hand, the NSE Nifty was ruling at 5,892, down 17 points as against its last closure.

In the meantime, the Mid-Cap and Small-Cap indices managed to keep hold of slight gains, leading to a favorable market breadth for the bulls.

Select consumer durables, real estate, power, oil & gas, pharmaceutical, metals and automobile scrips bucked the pessimistic trend in the Large-Cap counters.

In contrast, banking, IT, FMCG and capital goods indices remained in the negative zone.

The gainers in the Sensex and the Nifty comprised Sesa Goa, BPCL, GAIL, IDFC, Grasim, ACC, Sterlite, Hero Honda, Maruti, BHEL, Cipla, ONGC and Tata Power.