Mumbai, May 22 -- The key equity indices ended with significant losses today weighed down by global risk aversion. Market sentiment remained subdued amid concerns that the U.S. budget bill could significantly increase the national debt, potentially threatening the country's status as a global safe haven. Traders are expected to monitor global bond markets and fiscal developments closely in coming days. The Nifty settled below the 24,650 mark. The market was volatile due to the weekly expiry of the Nifty F&O series today.

Barring media index al the sectoral indices on the NSE were ended in red with FMCG, IT and oil & gas shares declining the most.

As per closing provisional data, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex tanked 644.64 poin...