Mumbai, Aug. 21 -- The domestic equity benchmarks ended flat on Friday, as persistent geopolitical tensions surrounding Iran and elevated crude oil prices kept investor sentiment cautious. The Nifty settled above the 24,250 mark. Metal, private bank and realty shares advanced, while FMCG, auto and chemical shares declined.

As per provisional closing data, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, ended flat at 77,540.83, up 3.11 points or 0.00%. The Nifty 50 index rose 20.15 points or 0.08% to 24,252.

The broader market underperformed the frontline indices. The BSE 150 MidCap Index rose 0.12% and the BSE 250 SmallCap Index rallied 0.31%.

The market breadth was positive. On the BSE, 2,250 shares rose and 2,092 shares fell. A total of 243...