Indian stock market, Dec. 21 -- Equity benchmarks extended their decline for a third straight week, mirroring subdued global cues. The Nifty closed the week at 25,966, slipping 80 points or 0.3%, as a weakening rupee dampened market sentiment.

The broader market fared relatively better, ending largely flat. On the sectoral front, IT, FMCG and PSU banks stayed in focus, while financials paused after recent gains. Technically, the weekly price action formed an inside bar, signalling a deceleration in downward momentum.

On Friday, both indices - Sensex and Nifty - snapped their four-day losing streak, ended the session with solid gains. Sensex surged 448 points, or 0.53%, to end the session at 84,929.36, while the Nifty 50 advanced 151 poi...