Mumbai, May 8 -- The headline equity indices slipped into the red on Thursday, as rising geopolitical tensions and cautious global cues dampened investor sentiment. The Nifty ended below the 24,280 mark, weighed down by broad-based selling, with realty, metal, and auto stocks bearing the brunt. Barring IT and media, all NSE sectoral indices closed lower.

Tensions flared after Indian forces reportedly neutralised an air defence system in Lahore, keeping markets on edge. Adding to the nervousness, US Fed Chair Jerome Powell warned that persistent tariff hikes could slow economic growth and fuel long-term inflation. His comments on rising inflation and labour market risks further spooked global investors.

The market opened with a slight po...