Mumbai, Aug. 18 -- The equity markets extended their decline on Tuesday, with both benchmark indices closing in the red as elevated crude oil prices, rising US bond yields and weak global cues kept investors cautious.

The Nifty 50 index closed at 24,154.90, down 132.75 points or 0.55 per cent, while the BSE Sensex closed at 77,235.46, lower by 492.70 points or 0.63 per cent.

Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Investments Limited, said crude oil remained the main factor weighing on market sentiment, while higher US bond yields and weak global markets added to the pressure.

"Crude oil remained the primary drag on market sentiment, while rising US bond yields and weak global cues prolonged the risk-off trend in Indian equities," Nair sa...