Sensex slips 151 pts, Nifty below 25,150 as traders await US jobs data

Domestic equity benchmarks closed slightly lower on Thursday, with the Nifty50 settling below 25,150 after reaching a high of 25,275.45. Volatility was heightened due to the expiry of weekly index options on the NSE. IT, media, and consumer durables stocks outperformed, while auto and oil & gas sectors faced selling pressure. Investor sentiment remained cautious ahead of a series of key US economic data releases, which could influence the Federal Reserve's decision on interest rate cuts. US jobless claims are due out on Thursday, followed by nonfarm payrolls and the unemployment rate on Friday.