Stock market recap, May 18 -- Indian equity benchmarks ended the week on a subdued note on Friday, 15 May, as early gains were erased by late-session selling pressure. The Nifty 50 closed 0.19% lower at 23,643.50 after failing to sustain its intraday high of 23,839.30.

Sentiment was weighed down by a Rs.3 per litre fuel price hike-the first in four years-which raised concerns over cost-push inflation. Persistent geopolitical tensions in West Asia and a weaker rupee, which hit a record low of 95.73 against the US dollar, further dampened investor appetite.

Broader market breadth was weak, with 1,219 stocks advancing against 2,028 declining, signalling widespread profit-booking beyond the benchmark indices.

On the sectoral front, Nifty I...