New Delhi, Oct. 31 -- Indian equity markets concluded Thursday's volatile session on a sharply negative note, driven by broad-based profit-booking and caution from global cues, including pressure from monthly derivatives expiry. Nifty 50 closed 162 points (0.62%) lower at 25,893, while Sensex fell over 544 points (0.64%) to settle at 84,452.

The overall market breadth was decisively weak, with the advance-decline ratio skewed heavily toward declines, reflecting broad-based selling pressure after a strong performance throughout October.

On the sectoral front, Nifty Pharma led the decline, alongside weakness in Metal and FMCG. Heavyweights like Dr. Reddy's Lab and Bharti Airtel were key laggards. Global sentiment was cautious, as the US F...