Buy or sell stocks, Sept. 1 -- Indian equity markets ended lower on Monday, 31 August, led by selling pressure in utility, IT and FMCG stocks. Renewed tensions in West Asia pushed crude oil prices higher, raising concerns over inflation and the possibility of interest rates staying elevated for longer.

The 30-share BSE Sensex fell 307.24 points, or 0.40%, to close at 76,957.27. Of its 30 constituents, 20 ended in the red, while 10 posted gains. During the session, the index declined as much as 513.19 points, or 0.66%, to hit 76,751.32.

The 50-share NSE Nifty also ended lower, declining 95.25 points, or 0.39%, to settle at 24,080.40.

Nifty 50 closed lower at 24,080.40, declining 95.25 points (-0.39%), after opening at 24,117.55, with an...