Stock Markets End Lower as Profit Booking Hits Financial Shares

Apr 16 (BNP): Indian equity markets ended lower on Thursday after a volatile trading session, as investors booked profits in banking and financial stocks following a recent rally.

The Sensex closed 122.56 points, or 0.16%, lower at 77,988.68. During the day, the index swung sharply, touching an intraday high of 78,730.32 before slipping to a low of 77,674.93, reflecting strong volatility.

Similarly, the Nifty 50 declined 34.55 points, or 0.14%, to close at 24,196.75, as selling pressure emerged at higher levels.

Market participants said the fall was mainly driven by profit-taking after recent gains, particularly in banking and financial stocks, while broader sentiment remained cautious amid global cues.