Market Recap: Nifty 50, Sensex, Bank Nifty Close Lower
On Thursday, Indian benchmark indices ended in the red as global cues remained weak due to fresh tariff threats from former US President Donald Trump. The Nifty 50 ended 0.35% lower at 24,768.35, while the Sensex also lost momentum. The Bank Nifty index closed at 55,961.95, down by 0.34%.
Sectoral Performance: FMCG Shines Amid Broad-Based Sell-off
- FMCG sector emerged as the lone gainer, benefiting from its domestic orientation and resilience against global risks.
- Pharma, oil & gas, and metal stocks led the losers amid renewed fears of external economic pressures.
- Mid-cap and small-cap indices also dropped by nearly 1%, showing broad-based weakness.
Trade Setup for Friday: Key Levels for Nifty and Bank Nifty
Technical Outlook for Nifty 50
According to Rupak De, Senior Technical Analyst at LKP Securities:
- Resistance Zone: 25,000 is the key level to watch for a bullish reversal.
- Support Zone: 24,600 remains a crucial support in case of further downside.
- The Nifty may stay range-bound between 24,600 and 25,000 unless a breakout occurs.
Bank Nifty Support Levels
- The key support area for Bank Nifty lies between 55,500–55,000.
- A breach below this may open room for more declines in the short term.
Market Sentiment: Mixed Reactions to Trump Tariffs and Q1 Results
The Trump tariff announcement, effective from August 1, 2025, triggered caution among investors. The threat of trade disruption particularly impacted oil and gas stocks.
Expert Take
Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Financial Services, said:
“The market reflected a cautious yet selective approach. Investors moved toward non-discretionary players, especially FMCG, due to their attractive valuations and insulation from global shocks.”
Q1 Results Today: Earnings to Influence Market Direction
The first quarter (Q1 FY26) earnings reports released on Thursday are expected to weigh heavily on sentiment today. Strong earnings could offer relief to bulls amid tariff uncertainty.
Companies in Focus for Q1 Results:
- IT majors and consumer durable firms
- Auto sector companies reporting volume-based performance
- Export-focused firms sensitive to US tariff decisions
NSDL IPO GMP Today: Premium Signals Strong Listing Hopes
The NSDL IPO grey market premium (GMP) remains stable at ₹135, signaling a potential 17% listing gain.
- The IPO has shown strong resilience despite the Trump tariff shock.
- Since its debut on 19 July 2025, NSDL shares in the grey market have consistently held above ₹130 levels.
Analysts Expect Upside If Market Resilience Continues
If the Nifty and broader markets withstand global pressure during Friday’s session, the GMP could witness a fresh upward revision.
Stocks to Buy or Sell Today: Expert Recommendations for August 1, 2025
Market experts have recommended eight intraday stock picks for today’s trade session, with clear entry, stop loss, and target levels.
1. CarTrade Tech Ltd. (CARTRADE)
- Current Price: ₹2186.55
- Buy Recommendation: Buy at ₹2186.55
- Target Price: ₹2322
- Stop Loss: ₹2100
- Analyst: Sumeet Bagadia, Choice Broking
- Rationale: Breakout above resistance with strong volume, bullish candle, and 20 EMA rising.
2. Acutaas Chemicals Ltd. (ACUTAAS)
- Current Price: ₹1327.4
- Buy Recommendation: Buy at ₹1327.4
- Target Price: ₹1415
- Stop Loss: ₹1275
- Analyst: Sumeet Bagadia
- Rationale: Strong bullish candle and breakout from month-long consolidation zone.
3. Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (GLENMARK)
- Current Price: ₹2133
- Buy Recommendation: Buy at ₹2133
- Target Price: ₹2220
- Stop Loss: ₹2100
- Analyst: Ganesh Dongre, Anand Rathi
- Rationale: Continued bullish trend and strong support at ₹2100.
4. Divis Laboratories Ltd.
- Recommendation: Buy
- Reason: Positive technical indicators with fresh buying interest in pharma space.
5. Bank of India
- Recommendation: Buy
- Reason: PSU banking space is showing signs of a breakout; short-term trend improving.
6. Balaji Amines Ltd.
- Recommendation: Buy
- Reason: Bullish candle pattern with volume support.
7. Aditya Birla Capital Ltd.
- Recommendation: Buy
- Reason: Financial services stock showing bullish momentum on charts.
8. Raymond Lifestyle Ltd.
- Recommendation: Buy
- Reason: FMCG and lifestyle segment tailwind post tariff announcement; attractive valuation.
Market Strategy for Investors: How to Navigate Volatility
Key Takeaways:
- Stay cautious in sectors exposed to US trade policy (like oil & gas, IT exports).
- Focus on defensive sectors like FMCG and select pharma stocks.
- Monitor Q1 earnings closely for cues on consumer demand and corporate margins.
- Use technical levels (24,600–25,000) on Nifty to guide positional trades.
Intraday Trading Tips:
- Stick to strict stop-loss levels.
- Trade in high-momentum breakout stocks only.
- Keep a close eye on global headlines, especially US-India trade policy developments.
Conclusion: Nifty Eyes 25,000 as Bulls Await Breakout
The Indian stock market today is delicately poised, with a potential breakout above 25,000 on the Nifty serving as the trigger for a short-term bullish move. While Trump’s tariff risk casts a shadow, Q1 results, domestic demand, and stock-specific actions will dominate the narrative in Friday’s session.
