New Delhi, April 10 -- The equity benchmark indices closed lower on Thursday, April 9 with the Sensex plummeting by 931 points following a remarkable rally in the prior session, as escalating tensions in West Asia dampened the optimism surrounding the ceasefire.

The ceasefire agreement seemed jeopardized after Iran once again shut the Strait of Hormuz in response to Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon.

Declining trends in Asian and European markets, a surge in crude oil prices, and consistent foreign fund outflows also created unease among investors in the domestic market.

The Sensex fell by 931.25 points, or 1.20%, to finish at 76,631.65. At one point during the day, it dropped by 1,215 points, or 1.5%, to reach 76,347.90. Nifty 50 decrease...