Stock Market Today: Trade Setup for Nifty 50 to Rupee; 8 Stocks to Buy or Sell on Thursday, December 18, 2025

To begin with, the Indian stock market will open with caution on Thursday because the global market influences the mood of the investors negatively. The US markets lost more the previous day, and the S&P 500, Nasdaq and Dow Jones all went down further during the realization of profits of high-valuation technology and AI stocks. Concerns over returns on AI-related investments, reports of funding pullbacks in data centres, and a visible shift toward defensive sectors have reinforced a risk-off mood globally.

Asian markets mirrored Wall Street’s weakness in early trade, and this pressure is expected to spill over into Indian equities at the open. However, market experts note that the current decline looks more like a valuation-led correction after a strong rally rather than a sign of any structural breakdown.

Nifty 50 Outlook

Ponmudi R, CEO of Enrich Money, sharing his vision on the benchmark index, stated that the Nifty 50 is still trading in a rising channel even though there is near-term volatility. The 25,800–25,700 range was pointed out by him as a significant support zone. If this mark is not broken, the large uptrend will continue to be there.

On the other hand, if the selling becomes more pronounced because of long unwinding, the index might fall down to the 25,500–25,400 range. On the upside, the 25,950–26,000 range is expected to act as a strong resistance area until global sentiment improves.

Bank Nifty Outlook

On the banking front, Ponmudi R noted that the Bank Nifty is consolidating after a sharp rally. The 58,800 level has emerged as an important support. If the price were to stay above the relevant level, this would mean that there is a good consolidation process going on and it would also maintain the bullish trend.

A continuous rise over the 59,000–59,100 area could be a sign of an increasing power and the trend's continuation. On the other hand, a strong drop below the 58,800 marks could push the market into a deeper consolidation that would take it towards the 58,500–58,250 area, mainly due to long positions being closed.

USD-INR Prognosis

Commenting on the rupee, Jateen Trivedi, VP Research Analyst (Commodity and Currency) at LKP Securities, said the Indian currency rebounded sharply from near 91.00 to around 90.35, likely aided by market intervention. This snapped a multi-day losing streak.

Notwithstanding, he gave a warning that the recovery's sustainability is still in doubt because of the continuance of FII selling and the ambiguity surrounding the India–US trade deal. Price swings are likely to continue, and the rupee will probably be in the 89.80–90.80 band shortly.

Stocks to Buy Today

Market experts Sumeet Bagadia (Choice Broking), Ganesh Dongre (Anand Rathi), and Shiju Kuthupalakkal (Prabhudas Lilladher) have recommended the following eight stocks for intraday trading today:

1. Shriram Finance

Buy at ₹864 | Target ₹924 | Stop Loss ₹834

The stock remains in a strong uptrend, forming higher highs and higher lows. A breakout above recent resistance could drive further upside.

2. Canara Bank

Buy at ₹150 | Target ₹160 | Stop Loss ₹145

Canara Bank is trading above all key moving averages, indicating sustained bullish momentum after a healthy consolidation.

3. IndusInd Bank

Buy at ₹830 | Target ₹870 | Stop Loss ₹810

The stock is holding a crucial support zone and may witness a short-term pullback toward higher levels.

4. Punjab National Bank (PNB)

Buy at ₹119 | Target ₹125 | Stop Loss ₹114

PNB has shown reversal signs from support and could extend its rally toward the next resistance.

5. Tech Mahindra

Buy at ₹1,580 | Target ₹1,625 | Stop Loss ₹1,560

The stock continues to display a strong bullish pattern, supported by a solid base and renewed buying interest.

6. Bank of Baroda

Buy at ₹287.60 | Target ₹305 | Stop Loss ₹280

Positive candle formation with strong volume suggests further upside potential in the near term.

7. Suprajit Engineering

Buy at ₹469.50 | Target ₹495 | Stop Loss ₹458

The stock has moved above its key moving average with improving momentum, indicating scope for further gains.

8. Jyothy Labs

Buy at ₹287.50 | Target ₹307 | Stop Loss ₹281

After a healthy correction, the stock is showing signs of a positive reversal from oversold levels.

Disclaimer: The information given in this paper is merely a way of giving notice. The stock evaluations and advice are the individual opinions of the analysts and brokerage firms. Highly recommended it is to take the advice of qualified financial advisors before any investment actions are taken.