Mumbai, April 23 -- The domestic equity benchmarks ended with sharp losses today, extending sell-off for second consecutive trading session, as investor sentiment stayed cautious due to uncertainty over the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and crude oil prices rising above $100 per barrel. Investors are also closely monitoring Q4 earnings for further cues. The Nifty settled below 24,200 level.

Pharma and media shares advanced while auto, PSU Bank and realty shares declined.

As per provisional closing data, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex declined 852.49 points or 1.09% to 77,664. The Nifty 50 index slumped 205.05 points or 0.84% to 24,173.05. in the two consecutive trading session, the Sensex, and Nifty plunged 2.03% and 1.64%,...