Stock market today: Trade setup for Nifty 50, global markets to Q1 results today; Eight stocks to buy or sell on Friday

By Admin

18 Jul, 2025

As we head into Friday’s trading session, the Indian stock market finds itself navigating a cautious and bearish terrain, shaped by weak global cues and anticipation around key quarterly results. Here’s your comprehensive look at the trade setup, market trends, and expert stock recommendations for today.

Nifty Outlook: Bearish Sentiment May Persist

On Thursday, the benchmark Nifty 50 closed 0.40% lower at 25,111.45, weighed down by broad-based selling and global uncertainties. Analysts now anticipate a bearish bias in the short term, with support seen in the 24,920–24,900 range, and resistance pegged at 25,260.

Rupak De, Senior Technical Analyst at LKP Securities, highlighted that a consolidation breakout is visible, suggesting weakening bullish momentum. Bank Nifty also reflected bearish pressure, closing 0.59% lower at 56,828.80, with near-term support seen around 56,000–55,500, according to Bajaj Broking.

Global Market Influence & Q1 Earnings

Market volatility was largely driven by:

• Uncertainty around US Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s future
  
  

• Persistent foreign fund outflows
  
  

• Pressure from heavyweight stocks like Infosys, HDFC Bank, and Reliance Industries
  
  

Looking ahead, the market is likely to remain in consolidation mode as it awaits Q1 results from Axis Bank, Wipro, and LTI Mindtree. Vikram Kasat, Head of Advisory at PL Capital, suggests cautious optimism, supported by rural demand recovery, sector-specific tailwinds in healthcare and infrastructure, and progress in the India–US trade dialogue.

Sector Snapshot

• IT index led the decline
  
  

• Realty, FMCG, and Metals were among the top gainers
  
  

• Broader indices like mid and small caps also ended slightly lower
  
  

Top 8 Stocks to Buy or Sell on Friday (July 19, 2025)

Here are expert-recommended intraday stock picks from top analysts:

Sumeet Bagadia (Choice Broking)

1. Thomas Cook (India) Ltd (THOMASCOOK)
   
   

• Buy @ ₹177.9, Target: ₹188, Stop Loss: ₹171
  
  

• Strong uptrend, breakout signs after consolidation, EMA alignment favorable.
  
  

2. Time Technoplast Ltd (TIMETECHNO)
   
   

• Buy @ ₹472, Target: ₹500, Stop Loss: ₹455
  
  

• Bullish breakout, higher highs pattern, 20-day EMA acting as strong support.
  
  

Ganesh Dongre (Anand Rathi)

3. Axis Bank Ltd
   
   

• Buy @ ₹1160, Target: ₹1210, Stop Loss: ₹1140
  
  

• Bullish pattern, price reversal from support base, short-term opportunity.
  
  

4. Punjab National Bank (PNB)
   
   

• Buy @ ₹115, Target: ₹122, Stop Loss: ₹110
  
  

• Continues bullish pattern, strong support base, attractive short-term setup.
  
  

5. National Aluminium Company Ltd (NATIONALUM)
   
   

• Buy @ ₹189, Target: ₹198, Stop Loss: ₹185
  
  

• Solid bullish trend, holding above support zone, favorable risk-to-reward ratio.
  
  

Shiju Koothupalakkal (Prabhudas Lilladher)

6. Welspun Corp Ltd
   
   

• Buy @ ₹931.90, Target: ₹975, Stop Loss: ₹914
  
  

• Bullish candle with volume, positive RSI trend, potential upside.
  
  

7. Prestige Estates Projects Ltd
   
   

• Buy @ ₹1783, Target: ₹1865, Stop Loss: ₹1750
  
  

• Breakout above resistance, strong RSI momentum, high volume support.
  
  

8. VA Tech Wabag Ltd
   
   

• Buy @ ₹1498, Target: ₹1565, Stop Loss: ₹1475
  
  

• Bullish breakout above 50EMA, strong MA and RSI indicators, volume pickup.
  
  

Conclusion

The Indian stock market opens Friday on a cautious note, reflecting bearish sentiments amidst global volatility and pending Q1 earnings. However, select stock-specific opportunities remain strong, offering traders a chance to capitalize on short-term movements. Keep an eye on key support and resistance levels, global market cues, and sectoral movements for a balanced trading strategy.

Stay updated, stay strategic happy trading!