Indian equity benchmarks continued their downward trajectory for the third consecutive session, reflecting heightened investor anxiety amid weak global cues and persistent profit booking. The Sensex and Nifty both retreated as volatility intensified across sectors ranging from banking to technology. Market sentiment deteriorated further due to concerns over elevated U.S. bond yields, geopolitical tensions and apprehension about monetary policy direction. Domestic investors also responded cautiously to mixed corporate earnings and foreign institutional outflows.