Mumbai, April 24 -- Domestic equity benchmarks ended sharply lower on Friday, extending their losing streak to a third straight session as global uncertainty kept investors on edge. Sentiment remained fragile amid stalled US-Iran negotiations and lingering concerns over the Strait of Hormuz, pushing crude oil prices above the $107-per-barrel mark and sustaining pressure on the rupee and institutional flows.

The S&P BSE Sensex plunged 999.79 points or 1.29% to close at 76,664.21, while the Nifty 50 fell 275.10 points or 1.14% to settle at 23,897.95, slipping below the crucial 23,900 level. Over the three straight sessions, the Sensex and Nifty have declined 3.29% and 2.76%, respectively.

Through the day, the Nifty showed a clear downward...