In early trading, the Nifty 50 index experienced a decline of 145.85 points, settling at 24,263.25, while the S&P BSE Sensex dropped 435 points, or 0.55%, to 78,081.49. This downturn is attributed to cautious investor sentiment amid rising crude oil prices, which have surged above $100 per barrel. Consumer durables stocks were notably affected, with the Nifty Consumer Durables index falling 1.74% to 37,387.70 after a previous session's gain. Key players in this sector, such as Havells India and Voltas, saw significant declines of 5.6% and 2.64%, respectively. Despite the losses in major indices, the broader market performed better, with the BSE 150 MidCap Index rising 0.06% and the BSE 250 SmallCap Index increasing 0.28%. The market breadth was positive, with 1,923 shares advancing against 1,797 shares declining. Investors are also keeping an eye on Q4 earnings reports from various companies, including Infosys and Tata Capital.