News › Banking  ·  22 Aug 2026, 5:16 PM IST  ·  9 days ago

Nifty Rangebound: PSU Banks, IT Show Momentum; Pharma, Energy Weak

Bias: Mildly Bullish +2785% confidenceBankingInformation Technology

In one line — Consider long positions in select PSU banks and financial services stocks and monitoring for any signs of asset quality deterioration.

Bearish
Bullish
−1000+27+100

Source: Economic Times · AI-summarised by Anadi · Updated 22 Aug 2026, 5:41 PM IST

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Pharmaceuticalswatching
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What Happened

The Nifty closed 0.47% lower at 24,252, indicating a range-bound movement with low volatility. Key resistance levels are identified at 24,450–24,750 and support at 23,900–24,100, suggesting a period of consolidation for the broader market.

Why It Matters (for you)

This range-bound outlook implies that a broad market rally is unlikely in the immediate future, shifting focus to individual stock performance. Traders should avoid aggressive directional bets on the index and instead concentrate on identifying strong sector-specific opportunities.

Impact on Indian Markets

PSU banks, IT, and financial services are highlighted as sectors with improving momentum, potentially offering selective upside potential. Conversely, pharma, midcaps, and energy sectors are showing weakening relative strength, suggesting they might underperform and warrant a cautious approach.

What Traders Should Watch Next

Traders should monitor Nifty's ability to decisively break out of the 23,900-24,750 range for a clearer directional bias. Additionally, keep an eye on earnings reports from companies within the favored sectors for confirmation of their momentum.

Key Evidence

  • Nifty fell 0.47% to 24,252, remaining range-bound with subdued volatility.
  • Resistance levels are identified at 24,450–24,750, and support at 23,900–24,100.
  • Analysts recommend selective, stock-specific positioning until a decisive breakout.
  • PSU banks, IT, financial services, and services show improving momentum.
  • Pharma, midcaps, and energy face weakening relative strength.