Mumbai, Aug. 12 -- The domestic equity markets closed lower on Wednesday, with the benchmark Sensex falling 187.90 points, or 0.24 per cent, to 77,966.35, while the Nifty 50 declined 35.75 points, or 0.15 per cent, to 24,435.95, as elevated crude oil prices and caution ahead of key inflation data weighed on investor sentiment.

Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Investments, said markets remained cautious ahead of inflation readings in India and the US, while crude oil prices remained a key concern.

"Markets remained on edge ahead of key inflation readings in India and the U.S., with policymakers on both sides underscoring a data-driven approach amid heightened global uncertainty. Against this backdrop, elevated crude oil prices, which...