Weekly market outlook: Volatility likely to continue as investors track Middle East tensions

The major factors likely to influence the markets this week: the Middle East, foreign institutional investor activity, and global market trends.
Bull and bear
Updated on
4 min read

Indian equity markets are likely to remain volatile this week. From a technical perspective, the Nifty 50 remains in a consolidation phase with a mildly negative bias. The index has immediate support near 23,475, followed by a stronger support zone around 23,150. As long as the Nifty sustains above the 23,475 level, a pullback recovery remains possible.

On the upside, 24,100 remains a crucial resistance level, and a decisive breakout above this zone could trigger fresh buying interest and extend the rally towards the 24,500–24,600 range.

Similarly, the Bank Nifty is consolidating within a broad trading range, with immediate support placed near 54,000 and resistance around 55,500. A breakout from either side of this range is likely to determine the next directional move. Overall, the market is expected to remain range-bound with stock-specific action, while investors may continue to focus on fundamentally strong stocks and sectors demonstrating relative strength.

Middle East is major concern

The major factors likely to influence the markets this week include developments in the Middle East, foreign institutional investor (FII) activity, and global market trends.

Although crude oil prices eased towards the end of last week, offering some relief from inflation concerns and reducing pressure on India's import bill, geopolitical tensions remain a key risk. Any sharp rise in oil prices could weigh on market sentiment and increase inflationary pressures. Investors will also keep an eye on the rupee, global bond yields and major economic data releases.

Range-bound

From a technical perspective, the Nifty 50 remains in a consolidation phase with a mildly negative bias. Immediate support is placed near 23,475, followed by a stronger support zone around 23,150. As long as the index holds above 23,475, a pullback recovery remains possible.

On the upside, 24,100 remains a crucial resistance level. A decisive breakout above this zone could trigger fresh buying interest and extend the rally towards the 24,500-24,600 range.

Similarly, Bank Nifty is consolidating within a broad trading range, with immediate support near 54,000 and resistance around 55,500. A breakout on either side of this range is likely to determine the next directional move.

Overall, the market is expected to remain range-bound with stock-specific action, while investors may continue to favour fundamentally strong stocks and sectors demonstrating relative strength.

Last week's market

Indian equity markets ended the week on a mixed note, with selective buying seen in some sectors while others remained under pressure.

The BSE Sensex declined 0.85 percent to close at 74,775.74, while the Nifty 50 fell 0.70 percent to 23,547.80. In contrast, Bank Nifty gained 0.30 percent to end the week at 54,239.20, reflecting selective buying interest in banking stocks.

Among sectors, media, PSU banking, metals and automobiles emerged as the top gainers, while FMCG, pharma and private banking stocks ended the week weaker.

The Nifty opened the week at 23,940.20 and touched a high of 24,089.80 before losing momentum. The index subsequently declined to a low of 23,484.80 and closed at 23,547.80.

Market sentiment was largely influenced by escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, fluctuations in crude oil prices, continued FII selling and weakness in the rupee. Concerns over inflation, rising import costs and global economic uncertainty kept investors cautious.

Mixed global market trends, evolving interest rate expectations and stock-specific reactions to corporate earnings also contributed to volatility. However, the decline in crude oil prices towards the end of the week and sustained buying by domestic institutional investors (DIIs) helped limit losses.

Nifty 50: Technical outlook

The Nifty remains below its short-term moving averages, while momentum indicators continue to signal a neutral trend. The formation of a bearish weekly candle and a close below the previous week's level indicate a mildly negative undertone.

Immediate support is placed near 23,475. A breakdown below this level could extend the decline towards the next major support zone around 23,150.

However, if the index holds above 23,475, a pullback rally may emerge. On the upside, the nearest resistance is around 24,100. A decisive breakout above 24,100 or below 23,475 is likely to determine the next directional move.

Bank Nifty: Technical outlook

Bank Nifty ended the week at 54,239.20, up 0.30 percent. The index remains below its short-term moving averages on both daily and weekly charts, while momentum indicators continue to reflect a neutral trend.

The formation of a bearish weekly candle suggests a slightly negative bias.

Immediate resistance is placed near 55,500. As long as the index remains below this level, consolidation may continue. On the downside, immediate support is seen near 54,000. A decisive break below this level could drag the index towards the next support zone around 53,000.

Sensex: Technical outlook

The Sensex closed the week at 74,775.74, down 0.85 percent, indicating a mildly negative bias. The index continues to trade below its key resistance level of 76,750, suggesting that the broader downtrend remains intact.

Immediate support is placed near 74,000. As long as the index sustains above this level, the ongoing consolidation phase may continue.

A sustained breakout above 76,750 will be required to revive positive momentum and improve the broader market structure.

Note: Research support for this article was provided by the Research Desk of MyEquityLab.com, a SEBI-registered Research Analyst (Registration No. INH000023843).

Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Readers should consult a qualified financial adviser and conduct their own due diligence before making investment decisions.

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