Indian benchmark indices ended largely flat on Thursday after trading in a narrow range throughout the session, even as broader markets outperformed and auto stocks witnessed buying interest.
The Nifty slipped 4.30 points, or 0.02 per cent, to close at 24,326.65, while the Sensex declined 114 points, or 0.15 per cent, to settle at 77,844.52.
Among the top drags on the Nifty were Hindustan Unilever, Tata Consultancy Services, and Titan Company, which weighed on the frontline indices.
Despite the muted performance in benchmark indices, broader markets remained upbeat. The Nifty MidCap index advanced 1.20 per cent, while the Nifty SmallCap index gained 0.97 per cent.
On the sectoral front, the Nifty Consumer Durable, Nifty IT, and Nifty FMCG indices underperformed, whereas the Nifty Auto index emerged as the top sectoral gainer during the session.
Meanwhile, global crude oil prices witnessed a sharp decline. Brent crude futures dropped 2.74 per cent to $98.50 per barrel after reports suggested that the US and Iran are showing positive developments paving the way for the gradual reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
(IANS)
