New Delhi, April 17 -- The main domestic stock indices closed slightly lower on Thursday, April 16, as investors took profits after significant recent increases, even as global markets climbed for the 10th consecutive day to reach record levels due to optimism about a potential resolution to the Middle East conflict.

The Nifty 50 decreased by 0.14% to 24,196.75 points, while the Sensex dropped by 0.16% to 77,988.68. Earlier in the day, the indices had increased by approximately 0.8%, building on a 1.6% rise in the prior session.

Out of 16 major sectors, six ended the day in the red, whereas the broader small-cap and mid-cap indices rose by 0.9% and 0.6%, respectively.

Investors are optimistic that the conflict in the Middle East may so...