Benchmark indices extended their losses in afternoon trade, with the BSE Sensex tumbling 746.20 points, or 0.96%, to 76,723.91, while the NSE Nifty50 fell 198.55 points, or 0.82%, to slip below the key 24,000 mark and trade at 23,989.15 around 12:24 pm.

Benchmark indices extended their losses in afternoon trade, with the BSE Sensex tumbling 746.20 points, or 0.96%, to 76,723.91, while the NSE Nifty50 fell 198.55 points, or 0.82%, to slip below the key 24,000 mark and trade at 23,989.15 around 12:24 pm.

Indian markets are set for a cautious open as Brent crude climbed to $92 amid escalating Middle East tensions. The spike has sharpened concerns over inflation, earnings pressure and India's import bill.

Stock markets decline for the second day, with HDFC Bank's drop and geopolitical tensions impacting investor sentiment.

At around 9:03 AM, the Sensex was trading at 77,475.85, up 5.74 points or 0.01 per cent. The Nifty slipped 99.65 points, or 0.41 per cent, to 24,087.40.