Mumbai, Feb. 19 -- The domestic equity benchmark indices closed near the flat line with a slight negative bias on Wednesday, as investor sentiment was weighed down by growing anxieties over potential US tariffs. The Nifty settled below the 22,950 mark after hitting the day's high of 23,049.95 in morning trade, reflecting a cautious mood among market participants.

The primary driver of this market hesitancy was the increasing concern surrounding potential US tariffs targeting key Indian export sectors, including automobiles, pharmaceuticals, and semiconductors. These anxieties triggered a sell-off in related sectors, leading to declines in IT, pharma, and auto stocks. Conversely, the realty, media, and PSU bank sectors saw gains.

Despite...