Mumbai, April 24 -- Domestic equity benchmarks ended in the red today, breaking a seven-session winning streak as global cues and geopolitical tensions weighed on investor sentiment. The Pahalgam terror attack cast a shadow over the markets, with escalating tensions between India and Pakistan prompting a risk-off mood.

Adding to the market nerves was the monthly expiry of Nifty50 F&O contracts, which further amplified volatility. After touching an intraday high of 24,347.85, the Nifty slipped to close below the 24,250 mark. Realty, FMCG and IT shares were under pressure. On the other hand, pharma and metal shares bucked the trend.

Sentiment turned especially cautious after India announced a series of stern diplomatic and economic action...