The Nifty snapped a four-session losing streak on Monday, gaining 153 points to close at 22,753, as buying interest in the second half helped the benchmark recover from an early sell-off. However, the index faces an immediate resistance zone at 22,800–22,850, which market participants will watch for signs of a sustained recovery.
The index opened 76 points lower and fell to an intraday low of 22,387 within the first 30 minutes of trade. A sharp rebound followed, lifting the Nifty by nearly 300 points over the next half hour. Profit-taking later pared almost 200 points from the intraday swing high, before renewed buying in the second half helped the index recover more than 200 points from its mid-session low and close near the day’s high.
Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, JSW Steel and BSE were among the top Nifty gainers, while Shriram Finance, Tata Consumer Products and Bajaj Finance were among the major laggards.
Most sectoral indices ended in positive territory, with Nifty Metal, Cement, Pharma and Healthcare leading the gains. Nifty Media and Consumer Durables were the exceptions.
The broader market also recovered following last week’s sharp sell-off. The Nifty Midcap 100 and Nifty Smallcap 100 indices rose 1.2% and 1.4%, respectively.
Market direction is likely to depend on global cues, central-bank policy decisions and the next round of corporate earnings. Brent crude futures were trading around $115 a barrel, below the near six-month high of $117 reached before Friday’s Indian market close. However, continued attacks on Saudi Arabia have kept concerns about potential oil supply disruptions elevated.
Investors will track policy decisions from the US Federal Reserve on October 28, the European Central Bank on October 29 and the Bank of Japan on October 30. The outcomes could influence global risk appetite, currency movements and crude oil prices.
The Indian rupee weakened for a third consecutive session, falling 25 paise to close at 95.19 against the US dollar. Pressure from weaker Asian currencies and rising domestic bond yields added to the currency’s losses. With three major central-bank decisions due this week, volatility in the rupee could remain elevated.
Stock-specific moves are also likely to remain in focus as the September-quarter earnings season progresses. Tata Steel, Tata Capital, Waaree Energies and United Breweries are among the companies scheduled to announce their results on Tuesday.
Nagaraj Shetti of HDFC Securities said the Nifty’s short-term trend appeared to have turned mildly positive. A decisive move above 22,800–22,850 could confirm a short-term reversal pattern and attract further buying, he said. On the downside, immediate support is placed around 22,550.
Hitesh Rathi of Angel One identified 22,500–22,380 as the immediate support zone, followed by stronger support at 22,200–22,100. On the upside, the index faces an immediate hurdle at 22,800–22,850, with the next resistance zone at 23,000–23,100.
Nandish Shah of HDFC Securities said the Nifty successfully held above Friday’s low of 22,372 and staged an intraday reversal. The short-term outlook would turn bullish if the index sustains a move above 22,800, potentially opening the way towards the next resistance at 23,175.
However, a break below 22,372 could revive selling pressure and expose the index to the 22,100–22,200 support zone, Shah said.
Vatsal Bhuva of LKP Securities said the Nifty rebounded after finding support near Friday’s low, highlighting the importance of the 22,300–22,400 zone.
The index also reclaimed its 20-day moving average (20-DMA) on the daily chart, pointing to improving near-term momentum. A breakout above 22,800 could trigger a move towards 23,000, which remains a key resistance level. However, with the broader trend still weak, Bhuva advised caution and identified 22,400 as a crucial support level.