Mumbai, Feb. 6 -- The domestic equity benchmarks declined for the second consecutive day on Thursday as investors awaited the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) interest rate decision amid ongoing global trade tensions. The Nifty index closed below the 23,650 mark, with volatility fueled by the expiry of Nifty options contracts. While realty, consumer durables, and FMCG sectors faced losses, pharma and IT stocks bucked the trend and registered gains. Globally, fears of an escalating trade war subsided, and US Treasury yields softened. The upcoming RBI policy outcome on Friday remains a key focus for investors, who are weighing the potential for a rate cut against the backdrop of global economic uncertainties.

The S&P BSE Sensex slipped 213.12...