Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Nifty 50 and Bank Nifty Performance Snapshot
- Global Cues and Trump’s Tariff Impact on Indian Markets
- Domestic Factors Driving Markets Today
- Nifty 50 Trade Setup: Key Support and Resistance Zones
- Bank Nifty Analysis and Technical Outlook
- Sectoral Performance: Who Gained, Who Lost?
- Q1 Results to Watch Today
- Technical and Fundamental Picks: 7 Stocks to Buy or Sell on Thursday
- Conclusion: Strategy for Traders and Investors
- FAQs
1. Introduction
The Indian stock market witnessed a tepid trading session on Wednesday with the benchmark Nifty 50 index closing at 24,574.20, down by 0.3%, amid weak global cues and profit-booking across Realty, IT, and Pharma sectors. As investors eye Q1 earnings and brace for geopolitical tensions triggered by Donald Trump’s new 25% tariff on Indian imports, market volatility is expected to remain elevated.
This article provides an in-depth trade setup for Thursday, stock recommendations, sector outlooks, and key macro triggers, making it a complete guide for investors and traders.
2. Nifty 50 and Bank Nifty Performance Snapshot
🔹 Nifty 50 Index
- Closing Level: 24,574.20
- Change: -0.3%
- Support Zone: 24,500
- Resistance Zone: 24,700–24,900
🔹 Bank Nifty Index
- Closing Level: 55,411.15
- Change: +0.1%
- Support Zone: 54,900–55,200
Both indices traded in narrow ranges, reflecting indecision among investors amid mixed cues.
3. Global Cues and Trump’s Tariff Impact on Indian Markets
📌 Trump’s 25% Tariff on Indian Imports
Former US President Donald Trump reignited global trade tensions by announcing a 25% tariff on goods imported from India in retaliation for its continued purchase of Russian crude oil. The move, intended to isolate Russia economically, also threatens to dampen bilateral trade and disrupt Indian export sectors.
⏰ Tariff Effective Timeline
- Announced Date: August 6, 2025
- Enforcement Starts: 21 days from announcement
- Exemptions: Goods already in transit before Aug 27 must arrive before Sept 17, 2025
🌎 Global Market Impact
- U.S. markets edged lower amid uncertainty.
- Asian indices traded mixed.
- Crude oil prices edged higher due to supply concerns.
4. Domestic Factors Driving Markets Today
🏦 RBI Monetary Policy Outcome
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) kept the repo rate unchanged and maintained a neutral stance, aiming to balance inflation control with economic growth. This led to marginal gains in financial stocks.
🧾 Q1 Corporate Earnings in Focus
Markets will react to a slew of Q1 FY26 earnings today from heavyweights in banking, auto, and IT sectors.
🛢️ Energy Prices & Rupee Movement
- Brent Crude: $87.30 per barrel (up 1.2%)
- USD/INR: 83.45 (weakened marginally)
5. Nifty 50 Trade Setup: Key Support and Resistance Zones
🔍 Nifty 50 Analysis by Kotak Securities
According to Shrikant Chouhan, Head of Equity Research at Kotak Securities:
- Support: 24,500 is a critical support zone; breakdown may trigger further correction.
- Resistance: 24,700 acts as a key hurdle; breakout may push Nifty to 24,850–24,900.
🧭 Strategy
- Bullish above 24,700
- Bearish below 24,500
- Sideways range-bound action likely between 24,500 and 24,700
6. Bank Nifty Analysis and Technical Outlook
💼 Bank Nifty Levels to Watch
As per Bajaj Broking:
- Crucial Support Zone: 55,200–54,900
- Next Resistance: 55,600–56,000
📉 Bank Nifty Trend
- Bank Nifty continues to outperform broader markets.
- Banking stocks like SBI, HDFC Bank are showing signs of accumulation.
7. Sectoral Performance: Who Gained, Who Lost?
| Sector | Performance | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Realty | ▼ Weak | Profit booking post recent rally |
| Pharma | ▼ Weak | Concerns over U.S. pricing pressures |
| IT | ▼ Weak | Weak earnings guidance from global peers |
| Banks | ▲ Marginal | RBI policy outcome supports stability |
| FMCG | ▲ Steady | Defensive buying amid volatility |
| Auto | ▲ Mixed | Awaiting Q1 earnings |
8. Q1 Results to Watch Today
Several key companies are scheduled to report their April-June 2025 quarterly results today. These include:
📊 Key Q1 Earnings Announcements
- Tata Motors
- Larsen & Toubro (L&T)
- Axis Bank
- Marico
- Wipro
- Bajaj Auto
- Zee Entertainment
🔍 Earnings Focus
- Revenue growth
- Margin expansion
- Management commentary on demand outlook
9. Technical and Fundamental Picks: 7 Stocks to Buy or Sell on Thursday
Leading market experts recommend the following intraday stocks based on technical indicators and fundamental strengths:
✅ 1. Asian Paints Ltd. – BUY
- CMP: ₹3,160
- Target: ₹3,240
- Stop Loss: ₹3,100
- Reason: Technical breakout, strong RSI, defensive sector
✅ 2. State Bank of India (SBI) – BUY
- CMP: ₹837
- Target: ₹870
- Stop Loss: ₹815
- Reason: Momentum buying in PSU banks, attractive valuations
✅ 3. HDFC Bank – BUY
- CMP: ₹1,725
- Target: ₹1,770
- Stop Loss: ₹1,695
- Reason: Bullish RSI crossover, good Q1 expectations
✅ 4. Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) – BUY
- CMP: ₹1,090
- Target: ₹1,130
- Stop Loss: ₹1,060
- Reason: Reversal signal, attractive risk-reward ratio
✅ 5. ICICI Prudential Life – BUY
- CMP: ₹580
- Target: ₹610
- Stop Loss: ₹565
- Reason: Bullish breakout on daily chart
✅ 6. Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. – BUY
- CMP: ₹2,030
- Target: ₹2,100
- Stop Loss: ₹1,990
- Reason: Strong volume activity, Auto sector tailwinds
✅ 7. Godrej Agrovet Ltd. – BUY
- CMP: ₹570
- Target: ₹600
- Stop Loss: ₹555
- Reason: Positive divergence, improving fundamentals
10. Conclusion: Strategy for Traders and Investors
The current market environment is shaped by both domestic policy cues and global headwinds. With Trump’s tariff threats, earnings season volatility, and technical resistance zones looming, traders must remain agile and cautious.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
- Watch Nifty 50’s range between 24,500–24,700
- Focus on quality stocks with strong Q1 earnings
- Maintain stop-loss discipline amid volatility
- Use intraday trading opportunities in large-cap and defensive names
11. FAQs
❓ What is the support and resistance for Nifty today?
- Support: 24,500
- Resistance: 24,700–24,900
❓ Why is the Indian market under pressure today?
Due to weak global cues, selling in IT/Pharma/Realty, and geopolitical concerns like Trump’s tariff threats.
❓ Which sectors are performing well in the current market?
Banking, FMCG, and selective auto stocks are showing strength.
❓ Is it a good time to buy LIC or HDFC Bank?
Yes, both are technically and fundamentally attractive with limited downside.
❓ When will Trump’s 25% tariff on India take effect?
The tariff applies to goods entering the U.S. 21 days from August 6, 2025.
