The 30-share BSE Sensex declined 455.59 points, or 0.58 per cent, to settle at 78,499.17. The 50-share NSE Nifty shed 65.35 points, or 0.27 per cent, to end at 24,570.65

The trend comes amid continued expansion in the investor base with the number of demat accounts rising to 22.5 crore during the year, reflecting broader participation aided by digital onboarding and easier market access