Mumbai, July 14 -- Domestic equity benchmarks ended sharply lower on Tuesday as rising crude oil prices, escalating Middle East tensions and weak global cues dampened investor sentiment. The Nifty 50 fell below the 24,100 level. Selling pressure was broad-based, with IT, auto and banking stocks leading the decline, while pharma and metal shares outperformed. Geopolitical developments, crude oil prices and the ongoing Q1 earnings season are likely to drive near-term market direction.

The S&P BSE Sensex declined 561.46 points or 0.72% to 77,054.94. The Nifty 50 index fell 158.95 points or 0.66% to 24,052.05. In three consecutive sessions, the Nifty has lost 1.38%, while the Sensex has fallen 1.45%.

State Bank of India (down 2.34%), Larsen...