The stock market remained largely subdued on the weekly expiry day, with Nifty ending nearly unchanged at 22,912.90. The ongoing tug-of-war between key sectors—banking and IT—has kept market participants on edge, leading to a narrow trading range and a lack of clear direction.
Sectoral Performance: A Mixed Bag
While some sectors showed resilience, others underperformed. The metal, energy, and auto sectors emerged as the top gainers, offering some support to the market. However, banking and IT continued to struggle, creating an imbalance in the broader market sentiment. On the brighter side, mid and small-cap indices extended their winning streak, advancing nearly one and a half percent each, providing much-needed relief amid the lackluster performance of large-cap stocks.
Technical Analysis: Key Levels to Watch
Nifty’s price action on Thursday reflected a consolidation phase, with the index closing lower by 19 points. The market saw an initial dip followed by a mild recovery, but the latter half of the session remained largely range-bound. A small positive candle was formed on the daily chart near the recent lows, signaling a potential pause in the ongoing decline.
Currently, Nifty is hovering around the crucial support level of 22,700, which aligns with the 38.2% Fibonacci retracement level. If the index manages to sustain above the immediate resistance at 23,100, it could indicate a short-term bottom reversal, potentially pushing the index to higher levels in the coming sessions.
Trading Strategy: Caution is Key
Given the lack of sustained momentum from banking and IT, traders should adopt a cautious stance. While broader market indices are showing signs of strength, a decisive move above 23,100 is needed for a clear bullish confirmation. Meanwhile, select pockets across various sectors—except FMCG—are witnessing notable traction, presenting opportunities for stock-specific trades.
Outlook for the Next Few Sessions
With Nifty consolidating near a crucial support zone, the possibility of an upside bounce remains on the table. However, market participants should closely monitor banking and IT sectors for potential trend signals. Until a definitive breakout occurs, it is advisable to focus on quality stock selection and avoid aggressive positions.
As we move into the next trading sessions, maintaining a disciplined approach and being adaptable to market conditions will be crucial. Stay tuned for further updates as the market structure evolves in the coming days.