Mumbai, May 15 -- The domestic equity benchmarks ended moderately lower on Friday, snapping a two-day winning streak. Investors booked profits at higher levels amid concerns over inflation and uncertainty around the pace of global economic recovery.

Sentiment remained cautious due to the weakening rupee, which slipped past the Rs 96-per-dollar mark. Elevated crude oil prices, inflationary pressures, and persistent geopolitical tensions also weighed on markets.

The Nifty closed below the 23,650 mark, dragged lower by metal and PSU bank stocks. However, IT shares witnessed value buying during the session.

The S&P BSE Sensex declined 160.73 points or 0.21% to 75,237.99. The Nifty 50 index lost 46.10 points or 0.19% to 23,643.50. In the pa...