Mumbai, Feb. 1 -- The key equity indices ended near the flat line amid volatility after the Budget for 2025-26 was laid down in the Parliament by the finance minister. The Nifty settled below the 23,500 level after hitting the day's high of 23,632.45 in mid-morning trade. Realty, FMCG and consumer durables stocks were in demand. On the other hand, PSU bank, IT and oil & gas shares corrected.

As per provisional closing data, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, added 5.39 points or 0.01% to 77,505.96. The Nifty 50 index lost 26.25 points or 0.11% to 23,482.15.

In the broader market, the S&P BSE Mid-Cap index declined 0.49% and the S&P BSE Small-Cap index added 0.28%.

The market breadth was positive. On the BSE, 2,085 shares rose and...