Nifty ends below 23,400 as crude surge, rising yields pressure equities

The key equity indices ended lower on Friday after a gap-down opening, as escalating tensions in the Middle East and a sharp rise in crude oil prices weighed on investor sentiment. The sell-off eased from the day's lows, but the Nifty remained below the 23,400 level, dragged by weakness in metal and auto shares. Brent crude surged amid concerns over...