Indian Markets Brace for New Week: Nifty, Bank Nifty & Sensex Technical Analysis for September 22nd
On Friday, the Indian equity markets experienced a slight pullback after a period of strong gains, with key benchmark indices concluding the trading session in negative territory. This correction largely stemmed from investors choosing to lock in profits at higher valuation levels, particularly across heavyweight banking and consumer durables sectors. Despite this short-term dip, the underlying market trend remained largely stable. The Nifty 50, for instance, maintained its position above crucial moving averages, signaling a foundational strength in the medium-term outlook. Market participants demonstrated a cautious approach, anticipating upcoming global economic indicators and domestic policy announcements, which contributed to a sentiment that was a blend of mixed and moderately bullish.
Sectoral Performance Overview
In terms of sectoral performance, Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) banks and energy stocks emerged as frontrunners. Their positive momentum was fueled by favorable regulatory developments and significant buying interest. Notably, stocks belonging to the Adani Group witnessed a sharp rally following a favorable outcome from the market regulator, which cleared the group and its founder, Gautam Adani, in a stock manipulation case. This development significantly boosted investor confidence within the energy and infrastructure segments. Conversely, private banking stocks exerted downward pressure on the indices, primarily due to selling activity observed in major financial institutions such as ICICI Bank and HDFC Bank. On the global front, subdued signals from prominent Asian markets and slight negative indications from US futures also contributed to the cautious tone of Friday’s trading session, although the overall weekly trend managed to conclude on a positive note.
Nifty 50: Technical Levels and Outlook
The Nifty 50 Index commenced Friday's session with a negative bias, opening at 25,410.20, a modest decline of 13.4 points from its previous close. During the morning, the index reached a low of 25,286, trading beneath its 20 and 50 Exponential Moving Averages (EMAs) but still above the 100 and 200 EMAs on the 15-minute chart. The afternoon session saw a recovery from the day's lows, with the index managing to hold above the 25,300 level. It ultimately closed at 25,327.05, registering a loss of 96.55 points (0.38%). Crucially, the Nifty 50 concluded the day above all four key EMAs (20, 50, 100, 200) on the daily timeframe, reinforcing its medium-term strength. For the upcoming sessions, immediate resistance levels are identified at R1 (25,360), R2 (25,436), and R3 (25,491). Correspondingly, immediate support levels are S1 (25,287), S2 (25,233), and S3 (25,187).
Momentum Indicators for Nifty 50
Analysis of momentum indicators further illuminates the Nifty 50's position. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) for Nifty 50 stood at 63.71, indicating a bullish sentiment as it remains comfortably below the overbought threshold of 70. Bollinger Bands analysis reveals the index trading in the upper band, above its middle band (Simple Moving Average), suggesting a bullish bias with robust support noted around the 25,330 mark. A sustained position above the middle band would reinforce this bullish outlook. Friday's trading session also recorded above-average volumes, reaching 380.36 million shares, pointing to active participation. Derivative data suggests strong Put writing at 25,300 and 25,200, establishing these as solid support zones. Conversely, a significant buildup of Call Open Interest (OI) at 25,400 and 25,500 indicates potential resistance levels. The Put/Call Ratio (PCR) was recorded at 0.8243, which, being below 1, generally leans towards a bullish sentiment, complemented by a "long buildup" signal indicating positive momentum and an overall bullish outlook for the subsequent trading session.
Bank Nifty: Key Levels to Watch
The Bank Nifty Index also commenced Friday with a negative gap, opening at 55,647.95, a decrease of 79.5 points from its prior close. It touched an intraday low of 55,362 and traded below its opening price for a significant part of the morning session, remaining beneath the 20 and 50 EMAs but above the 100 and 200 EMAs on the 15-minute timeframe. The index eventually rebounded from its lows in the afternoon, closing at 55,458.85, a loss of 268.60 points (0.48%), just below the 55,500 level. Notably, Bank Nifty closed above all four EMAs on the daily timeframe. For traders, immediate resistance levels are R1 (55,534), R2 (55,836), and R3 (56,154), while support levels are S1 (55,360), S2 (55,166), and S3 (54,954). The daily RSI for Bank Nifty was 57.56, signifying it is well outside the overbought zone.
Sensex: Performance and Technical Signals
The BSE Sensex followed a similar trajectory, opening negatively at 82,946.04, down 67.92 points. It hit a day's low of 82,486 during the morning, trading below its opening level and beneath the 20 and 50 EMAs, but above the 100 and 200 EMAs on the 15-minute chart. A recovery in the afternoon saw it trade above the 82,600 mark. The Sensex ultimately closed at 82,626.23, a decrease of 387.73 points (0.47%). On the daily timeframe, the Sensex, like Nifty and Bank Nifty, closed above all four EMAs. Key resistance levels are R1 (82,738), R2 (83,077), and R3 (83,381), with support at S1 (82,492), S2 (82,249), and S3 (81,993). Its daily RSI stood at 62.36, indicating a healthy momentum below the overbought zone.
India VIX and Market Volatility
The India VIX, a key indicator of market volatility, saw a marginal increase of 0.83% during Friday's session, moving from 9.88 to 9.97. Generally, an uptick in the VIX suggests an expectation of higher price fluctuations in the stock market, indicating a potentially less stable trading environment. However, with the India VIX remaining below the 15-point threshold, the market is broadly expected to maintain a relatively stable environment with minimal overall volatility, which is a reassuring sign for investors.
Concluding Trade Strategy for the Upcoming Session
For the trading session ahead on September 22nd, the Nifty 50, Bank Nifty, and Sensex closed Friday on a cautious note following profit booking. The Nifty 50 concluded at 25,327.05, with a break below 25,287 potentially leading to further declines towards 25,233. Conversely, a clear breach above 25,360 could ignite bullish momentum targeting 25,436. Bank Nifty ended at 55,458.85, where a move below 55,360 might extend selling pressure towards 55,166, while a break above 55,534 could signal bullishness towards 55,836. Similarly, the Sensex, closing at 82,626.23, faces support at 82,492, with a fall below potentially leading to 82,249. A rally past 82,738 could see it approach 83,077. Given the prevailing mixed sentiments and inherent volatility, it is prudent for traders to exercise caution, avoiding overly aggressive positions. A strategic approach would involve waiting for definitive directional cues, either a convincing break above resistance or below support levels. Additionally, integrating moving averages into trading strategies can assist in pinpointing more precise entry and exit points, enhancing overall trading efficacy.