Stock market today, Sept. 30 -- Indian equity benchmarks recorded their steepest monthly decline since March, while the rupee and benchmark bond also weakened as foreign investors moved away from riskier assets. Rising crude oil prices kept inflation concerns elevated, while interest-rate hikes by major global central banks added to pressure on emerging-market assets.

The US Federal Reserve raised its key policy rate in September, alongside rate hikes by central banks in Australia, Europe and Japan. Higher US interest rates typically make the dollar and US bonds more attractive, putting pressure on emerging-market equities and currencies.

On Wednesday, 30 September, the Nifty 50 and Sensex ended marginally lower, declining 0.42% and 0.0...