Mumbai, Jan. 7 -- Domestic equity benchmarks ended lower on Wednesday, extending losses for a third consecutive session, as persistent selling pressure in heavyweight stocks weighed on sentiment. The Nifty ended below the 26,150 level amid mixed global cues, following geopolitical concerns linked to developments in Venezuela. Market participants also remained cautious as technical indicators pointed to a phase of consolidation. Auto and energy stocks declined, while IT and consumer durables stocks bucked the broader market weakness.

The S&P BSE Sensex declined 120.20 points or 0.12% to 84,961.14. The Nifty 50 index dropped 37.95 points or 0.14% to 26,140.75. In three consecutive sessions, the Sensex declined 0.93% while the Nifty fell 0....