Mumbai, May 8 -- Benchmark Sensex declined by nearly 412 points in a volatile session on Thursday, May 8, due to selling in banking, FMCG and auto shares triggered by escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.

The 30-share Sensex declined by 411.97 points or 0.51 percent to close at 80,334.81, with 23 of its constituents ending in the red. The index opened higher and traded in a range in the first half of the session. The index hit a high of 80,927.99 in late-morning deals.

However, the barometer lost momentum in the afternoon session as selling emerged in FMCG, auto, and select banking shares. It tanked 759.17 points or 0.94 percent to hit a low of 79,987.61 in the pre-close session.

The NSE Nifty closed lower by 140.60 points or...