Nifty Holds Above 24,000, but IT Sector Faces Continued Pressure

The Nifty 50 has successfully breached the psychological 24,000 mark, fueled by favorable geopolitical developments and a strengthening technical structure. However, while the broader market indices show signs of recovery, the IT sector remains a significant drag on overall market momentum.

Nifty Outlook: Targeting 24,600 Amid Strong Support

According to Akshay Bhagwat, Associate Director of Derivatives Research at JM Financial Services, the technical structure of the Nifty remains robust. While the index has reclaimed the 24,000 level, the immediate focus is on whether it can establish this as a firm support zone.

Bhagwat identifies 24,100 as a minor resistance zone where the index might experience some volatility or "choppiness." Despite this near-term hurdle, the broader trend remains positive, with a positional target of 24,600—a level previously achieved during the April highs. For investors looking at the June series, the 23,800 level serves as solid support. Bhagwat suggests that any short-term dips toward these levels should be viewed as buying opportunities rather than bearish signals, given the strength of the larger upward trend.

IT Sector: A Continued Drag on Market Performance

In stark contrast to the broader market's optimism, the Nifty IT index remains in a precarious position. The sector has recently emerged as a major laggard, with large-cap names seeing sharp sell-offs.

Currently, the IT index is attempting to defend the 27,500 support level. Bhagwat describes the sector's outlook as neutral-to-bearish, noting that every attempt at a recovery has been met with fresh selling pressure. Unlike the broader Nifty, where investors are encouraged to "buy the dips," the strategy for IT stocks should be the opposite. For the June series, the recommendation is to "sell into rallies" as the sector continues its search for a definitive bottom.

Technical Trade Ideas: BEL and TVS Motors

Beyond the indices, Bhagwat highlighted two specific stocks showing interesting chart patterns for traders:

  • Bharat Electronics (BEL): As a defensive sector play, BEL has shown a strong recovery over the last two sessions. Trading around the 429 mark, the stock has potential upside targets of 450 and 462. To manage risk, a stop-loss at 403 is suggested.
  • TVS Motors: Having established short-term support around the 3,300 level, TVS Motors appears poised for a breakout. If the stock clears the 3,500 resistance, it could potentially rally toward the 3,650–3,700 range. A stop-loss at 3,300 is recommended to mitigate downside risk.

Key Takeaways

  • Nifty Trend: The broader market remains bullish with a target of 24,600, treating dips toward 23,800 as buying opportunities.
  • IT Caution: The IT sector is struggling to find a bottom; traders are advised to sell on rallies rather than chasing dips.
  • Stock Picks: Technical setups suggest upside potential in Bharat Electronics (targeting 450+) and TVS Motors (targeting 3,650+).