New Delhi, July 25 -- Escalating geopolitical tensions and a sustained rally in crude oil prices continued to unsettle investors, dragging Indian equities lower for a fifth straight trading session on Friday, July 24.

For the week, the damage was significant. Both the Nifty 50 and the BSE Sensex fell more than 2.5%, registering their worst weekly performance in four months as risk appetite weakened amid mounting concerns over global energy supplies.

Benchmark indices finished firmly in the red. The Nifty 50 declined 0.43% to 23,767, extending losses after a 0.53% fall in the previous session and slipping below the 23,800 level. The Sensex also dropped 0.43% to close at 76,408. Selling pressure extended across the broader market as well,...