Mumbai, April 30 -- The key equity barometers ended with major losses on Thursday, amid heightened volatility, as escalating tensions between the US and Iran rattled investor sentiment. The mood worsened further the rupee weakening to an all-time low. Persistent selling by foreign institutional investors (FIIs) added to the pressure, while the monthly Sensex derivatives expiry amplified market swings. The Nifty closed below the 24,000 mark.

Metal, PSU Bank and consumer durables shares declined while IT and Pharma stocks advanced.

As per provisional closing data, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex dropped 582.86 points or 0.75% to 76,913.50. The Nifty 50 index declined 180.10 points or 0.74% to 23,997.55.

In the broader market, the...