Sensex near 81,800, Nifty eyes 25,000 as auto and banking stocks lead the charge
The Indian stock market trades with a positive tone this Wednesday as investors respond to a mix of global uncertainty and strong domestic buying. Early market hesitation, caused by rising crude oil prices and geopolitical tension in the Middle East, gives way to a gradual recovery as the session progresses. Both benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty 50, are moving higher in intraday trade, signaling investor confidence despite overseas headwinds.
Sensex and Nifty Maintain Upward Momentum
Sensex currently trades around the 81,800 mark, showing an intraday gain of approximately 160 to 250 points. Nifty 50 mirrors this positive sentiment and is seen hovering near 24,945, recording a rise of nearly 60 to 90 points through the session so far. The market shows signs of healthy participation, with a majority of listed stocks in the green. Around 1,900 companies trade positively, while fewer than 1,000 face declines, indicating broad-based investor interest.
This positive movement comes even as global factors remain tense. The ability of Indian indices to recover from a weaker opening reflects the strong undercurrent of domestic liquidity and the readiness of investors to accumulate quality stocks during intraday dips.
Auto and Banking Sectors Drive the Rally
Among the best-performing sectors today, the auto sector leads the way with gains of over 1%. Major automobile companies are witnessing fresh buying interest, pushing the overall sector index higher. Investors seem to favour these stocks in anticipation of stable earnings and long-term consumption growth.
Banking and financial stocks are also adding momentum to the market. The Bank Nifty index trades around 55,747 with modest gains. Both public sector and private sector banks are performing steadily, supporting broader benchmarks. Financials remain a core driver for market sentiment, often acting as a barometer for economic activity and investor confidence.
IT Sector Sees Steady Inflows Amid Global Caution
Information technology stocks are showing mild strength today. With global uncertainty at play, investors are looking for safety in well-established IT companies. These firms generally generate a significant portion of their revenue from overseas markets, making them attractive in volatile conditions. The ongoing U.S. Federal Reserve meeting has also shifted focus toward sectors perceived as defensively strong, further lifting the sentiment around IT counters.
Fertiliser Stocks Underperform Despite Market Optimism
In contrast to the market-wide uptrend, fertiliser stocks are facing selling pressure. The sector underperforms as investors rotate funds into high-momentum sectors like auto and banks. This comes despite positive cues from other parts of the market, suggesting that specific sectoral factors may be weighing on fertiliser counters. Some traders are booking profits after recent rallies in these stocks, while others await clarity on policy updates and subsidy allocation before making fresh entries.
Strong DII Inflows Support Market Stability
A key reason behind today’s market strength lies in the persistent buying by domestic institutional investors (DIIs). Over the last 21 trading sessions, DIIs have consistently infused capital into the market, acting as a cushion against global volatility. In the previous session alone, DIIs bought Indian equities worth more than ₹8,200 crore. Their continued interest in Indian stocks signals deep confidence in long-term fundamentals and offers stability at a time when foreign institutional investors are more cautious.
BSE Faces Pressure After NSE Derivatives Decision
In a notable development today, BSE Ltd. is under pressure after SEBI cleared the National Stock Exchange’s proposal to shift its weekly options expiry to Tuesday. Previously, BSE had capitalized on offering a Tuesday expiry to attract more volumes. With NSE adopting the same, market participants fear that BSE could lose its competitive edge in derivatives trading. The news drags BSE’s stock lower by nearly 6% in intraday trade. The move marks a significant moment in the ongoing rivalry between the two largest Indian stock exchanges.
Crude Oil and Global Tensions Add Caution
Global developments continue to cast a shadow over trading sentiment. Escalating tensions in the Middle East are a major concern for international markets, and India, as a major oil importer, feels the ripple effects. Crude oil prices remain elevated, raising worries about inflation and fiscal pressure. These concerns are partially offset by strong local demand, but traders remain alert for any sharp movements in global oil benchmarks.
At the same time, all eyes are on the U.S. Federal Reserve’s policy meeting scheduled later today. While no rate hike is expected, comments on inflation, economic growth, or future rate direction could influence global equity markets. Indian investors are watching these developments closely to assess their impact on foreign fund flows and currency markets.
Technical Setup: Support and Resistance in Focus
Technical charts show that Nifty faces immediate resistance around the 25,000–25,170 range. A clean break above this level could trigger further buying and push the index into uncharted territory. On the downside, analysts observe strong support around 24,700–24,650. Any correction in this zone is likely to attract buyers. This intraday setup creates a narrow trading band, and movements outside this range may decide the market’s direction for the rest of the week.
Stock Ideas and Intraday Recommendations
Traders are actively tracking a few fast-moving stocks today. Analysts recommend buying Cyient near ₹1,330 due to technical breakout patterns. Sun Pharma, on the other hand, is suggested as a sell near ₹1,649 because of resistance levels. In the small-cap segment, Medico Remedies, trading at around ₹48.50, is being highlighted for its momentum potential.
Investors looking for low-priced stocks are also watching companies like Imagicaaworld, Manali Petrochemicals, and Balmer Lawrie. These names have seen a rise in volumes and price movement, making them attractive to retail investors seeking short-term gains.
Market Outlook
As the trading session progresses, investors continue to monitor whether Nifty can sustain above the 24,900 mark and challenge the resistance near 25,000. If the index breaks and holds above this level, further upside could follow. However, failure to do so may lead to sideways movement or mild profit booking toward support zones.
Geopolitical developments and crude oil trends will remain important intraday factors. Additionally, any early commentary or expectation from the U.S. Fed meeting later tonight could influence market mood during the final trading hours.
Despite global pressure, strong DII activity and sector-specific buying in India are providing a firm base for the current uptrend. As long as these forces remain in play, the market is likely to stay resilient.
The Indian stock market on 18th June 2025 is displaying signs of strength and stability. After a soft start, benchmark indices recover well and show promise for further gains. Supportive domestic liquidity, positive action in auto and banking stocks, and optimism around long-term fundamentals are driving the current rally. Global factors continue to add an element of caution, but strong buying interest, especially from DIIs, helps maintain the market’s upward momentum. The trading day still holds many possibilities, but so far, the mood remains upbeat with cautious optimism.
