Mumbai, Sept. 3 -- The key equity benchmarks ended with modest losses today, extending their decline for the fourth consecutive trading session, despite positive economic data including, robust inflows through Foreign Currency Non-Resident Bank (FCNRB) deposits, which reportedly exceeded $120 billion, along with continued buying by foreign institutional investors (FIIs). However, profit-booking at higher levels emerged as the session progressed, limiting the early gains. The Nifty settled below the 23,900 mark at the close after touching an intraday high of 24,025.40 in early trade.

IT, FMCG and auto shares declined while realty, media and private bank shares advanced.

As per provisional closing data, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Se...