The BSE benchmark index Sensex today declined by 70 points in early trade as funds and retail investors booked profits after yesterday's gains. Later it recovered in the noon trade and was trading 14 points up at 16,236 points a shortwhile ago. The 30-share index had gained 274 points yesterday.Similarly, the wide-based National Stock Exchange index Nifty was also trading 2 points up at 4,923 points a shortwhile ago.