Benchmark stock indices ended on a mixed note on Friday, with the Sensex closing 19.63 points lower at 74,294.96, representing a 0.03% decline. According to reports from LiveMint, the index had climbed as much as 413.85 points, or 0.55%, during the session to hit 74,728.44. In contrast, the NSE Nifty finished 75.80 points higher at 23,346.40, marking its third consecutive day of gains with a 0.33% increase. The mixed performance was attributed to gains from softer crude oil prices being offset by weakness in IT stocks and Tata Group counters. Adani Ports emerged as the top gainer, surging 4.93% to ₹1,824 with trading volume of over 41.45 lakh shares, while TCS topped the losers, declining 3.88% to ₹2,105. However, latest reports from Informist show indices gained more momentum with Nifty 50 and Sensex up 0.5-0.6% at 23,387.35 and 74,725.02 respectively at 1458 IST, with Adani Enterprises and Adani Ports rising over 2% compared to marginal gains in the morning session.
Crude oil prices fell for a third consecutive session as market participants assessed changing risks to supplies from the Middle East. As reported by LiveMint, the global oil benchmark declined 0.9% to settle near $104 a barrel, extending its narrow weekly loss. Saudi Arabia has paused some crude sales to Europe, although traders and analysts said existing supply buffers were still holding for now. Saudi Aramco is working to partially restore the East-West pipeline within days after drone attacks stemming from the Iran war, with full capacity expected to resume within six weeks. Latest Informist reports indicate Brent crude oil futures eased to around $102.5 per barrel from $110 per barrel this week, with the value of the contract falling around 6% in the last three sessions from nearly $109 per barrel. The decline came after fears of disruptions to supply from West Asia eased, and markets eyed efforts by US President Donald Trump to end the over-six-month-long war with Iran.
HDFC Bank is recommended as a buy at ₹731 with a stop-loss at ₹700 and target of ₹790. According to technical analysis from LiveMint, the stock is attempting a technical recovery after finding a firm floor near the lower boundary of its falling channel. The price recently completed a resistance breakout and secured a close above its short-term 20-day EMA near ₹716.00, signaling immediate strength. The daily RSI displays a notable positive divergence, rebounding sharply to 55.40 and confirming improving underlying momentum off recent lows. HDFC Bank rose nearly 3% intraday and came close to its one-month high, with the stock gaining 2% in early trade as reported by Informist. The stock is supported by gains in cement, healthcare, bank, and financial services companies, with Shriram Finance gaining 2% and Bajaj Finance, HDFC Life Insurance Co., and Jio Financial Services up around 1%.
Adani Ports is recommended as a buy at ₹1,824 with a stop-loss at ₹1,740 and target of ₹1,980. As reported by LiveMint, the stock is demonstrating strong bullish momentum after completing a successful reversal from lower support levels near its 200-day EMA. The daily chart reflects prominent accumulation around this long-term moving average, culminating in a solid bullish Marubozu-like candlestick formation. The daily RSI has recovered sharply from oversold territory and is currently trading well above its midpoint at 64.04, indicating healthy upside momentum. Adani Ports surged 4.93% to ₹1,824 with trading volume of over 41.45 lakh shares, showcasing strong institutional and retail participation. Latest Informist reports show Adani Enterprises gained nearly 1% and Adani Total Gas recorded the highest gains as it surged nearly 14%, with the stock now up 11% from earlier gains of 4%.
JSW Steel is recommended as a buy at ₹1,276 with a stop-loss at ₹1,220 and target of ₹1,380. According to technical analysis from LiveMint, the stock is attempting a structural rebound after taking support near its crucial long-term moving average zone. The daily RSI currently sits around 47.23 with its signal line at 48.60, reflecting a neutral momentum phase that provides significant scope for upside expansion if the support floor holds. The stock is attempting to cross back above its short-term moving averages, indicating early signs of momentum shifting toward the bulls. JSW Steel gained nearly 2% with trading volume of 22.20 lakh shares, showing positive investor sentiment in the steel sector. Latest Informist reports indicate metal companies JSW Steel and Hindalco Industries were up nearly 2%, with the metal sector index gaining over 1%.
