Profit booking could weigh on Nifty

Where is Nifty headed?
The recent rebound in Nifty can largely be attributed to the favourable global cues, especially the US market; however, the index is still facing a hurdle around the short-term moving average, i.e. 20-DEMA. We reiterate our cautious view on Nifty until it decisively reclaims the 22,200 zones; otherwise, profit-taking may resume. On the downside, 21,500-21,800 would continue to offer a cushion.

What should investors do?
Since we are seeing mixed trends across sectors, participants should focus on stock selection and risk management. We reiterate our preference for index majors and large midcaps, and suggest utilising any rebound in smallcaps to reduce positions. Some stocks for short-term trades include: Apollo Hospitals, showing a rebound after a fresh base. Eicher Motors, experiencing a fresh breakout from a consolidation range. Hero Motocorp, resuming its up-trend after a slight pause. , gradually recovering after retesting the lower band of a rising channel. ICICI Prudential Life, retesting the support zone of a reversal pattern. Pidilite Industries, witnessing breakout from a consolidation range after one-and-ahalf years.

PRITESH MEHTA
ANALYST, YES SECURITIES

Where is Nifty headed?
Nifty managed to close the week in positive territory, defending its three-digit Gann number of 218(00); yet on the higher side, it failed to surpass 22,200. The choppy behaviour is expected to prevail. Recently, Bank Nifty went through a series of declines (nine consecutive negative closes); however, in the past couple of sessions, it managed to sustain 46,500. We expect the index to show strength and rally towards the 47,500 zone.

What should investors do?
Nifty IT recorded a sizeable correction, down 6% last week. A sudden change in sentiment is likely to limit the upside in the near term, whereas select mid-cap IT stocks are likely to extend the correction. Our customised Midcap IT index is showing a topping-out pattern, reversing off the 2021 peak. LTI Mindtree and Birla Soft are expected to underperform and correct 8-10%. During the week, the FMCG index rebounded off the lower levels; positive follow-through action is required for a sustained rally. Meanwhile, Nifty mid-cap and small-cap 100 indices snapped a multi-week losing streak, these indices are likely to consolidate to digest the recent decline.

CHANDAN TAPARIA
ANALYST, MOTILAL OSWAL FINANCIAL SERVICES

Where is Nifty headed this week?
Nifty managed to hold support near 21,710 and witnessed a decent recovery towards 22,180 zones last week. It has given a consolidation breakout in the last six trading sessions and managed to form a higher base with support near its 50-DEMA. It formed a bullish candle on weekly scale with a longer lower shadow which indicates that declines are being bought. Now, till it holds above 21,880 zones, the index may bounce towards 22,350 and a lifetime high of 22,526 levels. Bank Nifty negated its losing streak of the last nine trading sessions and managed to recover well from the 45,828 to 47,000 zone. It completed its 50% retracement of the entire decline from 48,161 to 45,828 zones. It formed a hammer candle on the weekly scale after profit booking declines of last week, which indicates a fresh bullish stance for the next leg of the rally. Now, the index has to hold above 46,500 zones to extend the move towards 47,250, then 47,500 zones. On the downside, support is seen at 46,250 and 46,000 zones.

What should investors do?
India VIX corrected from 16.74 to 11.81 in the last 18 sessions and was down 10% last week. Volatility has been declining for the last couple of weeks, which is giving a buy-on-decline signal. Bullish setups are seen in auto, IT, CPSE, power and energy sectors. Positive setups are seen in Maruti, Bajaj Auto, Sun Pharma, Apollo Hospitals, Tata Motors, , ABB, Cummins India, L&T, Dixon, Oberoi Realty, Siemens and SBI.