Mumbai, Sept. 3 -- The key equity benchmarks ended lower for the fourth consecutive session on Thursday, 3 September 2026, as gains in banking and realty stocks were offset by selling in IT, auto and other sectors.

The Nifty 50 opened at 23,997.95 and briefly climbed to an intraday high of 24,025.40 before gradually paring gains. The index slipped below 23,950 around noon and remained volatile through the afternoon, hovering near the 23,900 mark. Selling intensified in the final hour, pushing the index to a low of 23,873.45, where it closed, down 41 points or 0.17%.

Market sentiment remained cautious amid elevated crude oil prices and continued geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Brent crude climbed to around $96 a barrel as conce...