Indian benchmark equity indices ended lower on Friday as late-session selling pressure dragged the markets down due to rise in crude oil prices.
The benchmark Nifty closed 46.10 points, or 0.19 per cent, lower at 23,643.50, while the Sensex declined 160.73 points, or 0.21 per cent, to settle at 75,237.99.
The surge in global crude oil prices further weighed on investor sentiment, especially in energy-sensitive sectors.
Among the top laggards on the Nifty index were Hindalco Industries, Eternal and UltraTech Cement.
Broader markets also witnessed selling pressure, with the Nifty MidCap index ending 0.45 per cent lower and the Nifty SmallCap index falling 0.61 per cent.
Sectoral performance remained largely weak, with the Nifty Metal, Nifty Realty and Nifty Oil and Gas indices emerging as the worst-hit segments during the session.
However, buying interest in technology and media stocks helped the Nifty IT and Nifty Media indices close in positive territory.
Meanwhile, global oil prices rose sharply, with Brent crude’s May futures contract climbing 2.9 per cent to $108.8 per barrel on the Intercontinental Exchange, raising concerns about higher fuel costs and their potential impact on inflation and corporate margins.
(IANS)
