New Delhi, Aug. 11 -- The Nifty 50 closed sharply lower on Friday, declining 232.85 points (0.95%) to settle at 24,363.30, tracking broad-based selling across sectors. BSE Sensex mirrored the weakness, shedding 765.47 points to close at 79,857.79.

Sectorally, all indices ended in the red, with metals, realty, pharma, auto, private banks, and consumer durables losing 1-2%, signalling pervasive bearish sentiment. Broader markets underperformed, with the BSE Midcap and Smallcap indices falling 1.5% and 1%, respectively.

On to the best stock picks for 11 August, recommended by India's leading market experts.

MBAPL:Buy above Rs.422 and on dips near Rs.405 | Stop below Rs.398 for a rise towards Rs.470-490

KHAICHEM:Buy above Rs.105 and dips ...