Mumbai, May 21 -- The equity markets witnessed a highly volatile trading session on Thursday, with benchmark indices recovering from steep intraday losses but eventually ending slightly lower amid geopolitical concerns, elevated crude oil prices and expiry-related volatility.

The NSE Nifty 50 index closed at 23,654.70 with a decline of 4.30 points or 0.02 per cent, while the BSE Sensex settled at 75,183.36, down by 135.03 points or 0.18 per cent.

Market experts said investor sentiment remained cautious due to concerns related to the Middle East situation, crude oil prices, currency movements and bond yield pressures.

Vikram Kasat, Head Advisory at PL Capital, said, "In today's trading session, Indian markets have had a highly volatile ...