New Delhi, May 8 -- The Indian equity benchmarks exhibited significant volatility during Thursday's session, ultimately finishing marginally lower as investors adopted a cautious stance. Nifty 50 concluded at 24,326.65, down 4.30 points, while S&P BSE Sensex ended flat at 77,844.52.

Despite muted headline indices, the broader market remained buoyant, evidenced by a robust advance-decline ratio of 2,290 stocks advancing and 999 stocks declining, signaling strong buying interest in mid and small-cap segments.

The session was heavily influenced by a 'hope vs fear' narrative surrounding West Asian geopolitics. While optimism initially grew over a potential U.S.-Iran memorandum aimed at easing Strait of Hormuz transit restrictions, the marke...