Stock market today, Dec. 4 -- The Indian benchmark indices retreated further from their record highs earlier this week, marking a fourth consecutive day of decline on Wednesday, December 3.

Although late buying provided some support after a largely subdued session, it wasn't enough to lift the markets into positive territory. The Sensex slipped by 31 points, or 0.04%, to close at 85,107, while the Nifty 50 ended 46 points lower, down 0.18%, at 25,986.

"Markets witnessed a volatile session and ended marginally lower, extending the ongoing consolidation phase. After a flat start, the Nifty drifted gradually lower in early trade and then remained range-bound for most of the session. A late rebound in the last half hour helped trim losses, ...