Mumbai, Feb. 12 -- Benchmark indices closed sharply lower on Thursday, weighed down by intense selling in IT stocks amid rising concerns over AI-led disruption and an uncertain global environment. Weekly expiry-related volatility in BSE derivatives reinforced the risk-off mood. Sentiment deteriorated further after stronger-than-expected US jobs data tempered hopes of near-term rate cuts. The Nifty regained the 25,800 mark after hitting an intraday low of 25,752.40 in late trade, with technology stocks at the forefront of the decline.

The S&P BSE Sensex declined 558.72 points or 0.66% to 83,674.92. The Nifty 50 index fell 146.65 points or 0.57% to 25,807.20.

In the broader market, the BSE 150 MidCap Index dropped 0.46% and the BSE 250 Sm...