Indian stock markets ended higher on 20 May, with the BSE Sensex rising 118 points or 0.16% to close at 75,318.39, while the NSE Nifty 50 gained 41 points or 0.17% to settle at 23,659. According to reports from LiveMint, investor wealth surged by over ₹1 lakh crore in just one trading session, pushing the total market capitalisation of companies listed on the BSE to exceed ₹461 lakh crore, up from ₹459.65 lakh crore in the last trading session. Broader markets outperformed the frontline indices, with the BSE 150 Midcap index advancing 0.51% and the BSE 250 Smallcap index edging up 0.09%.
As reported by LiveMint, analysts suggest a positive opening on 21 May, driven by easing geopolitical tensions and falling oil prices. The Gift Nifty was trading around 23,790.5 level, a premium of 122 points from the Nifty futures' previous close of 23,668.50 by 7:47 AM. Hariprasad K, SEBI-registered Research Analyst and Founder of Livelong Wealth, indicated that the Indian equity markets are likely to begin today's session on a strong bullish note, supported by firm global cues, easing geopolitical anxiety, and improving risk sentiment across global equities. Global sentiment improved significantly after fresh indications emerged that geopolitical tensions in the Middle East could gradually ease, with remarks from Donald Trump indicating that negotiations with Iran were approaching the 'final stages' strengthening hopes of a possible diplomatic resolution.
According to reports from LiveMint, Raja Venkatraman, Co-founder of NeoTrader and stock research platform MarketSmith India, recommended five shares for buying on May 21: Indigo Paints Ltd, ABB India Ltd, Timken India Ltd, Godawari Power and Ispat Ltd, and CG Power and Industrial Solutions Ltd. Indigo Paints is recommended as a buy above ₹985 with target price of ₹1,090 and stop loss at ₹940, while ABB India is suggested as a buy above ₹6,625 with target of ₹7,250. Timken India is recommended as a buy above ₹3,660 with target of ₹3,985, and Godawari Power and Ispat is suggested as a buy at ₹303-308 with target of ₹380 in two to three months. CG Power and Industrial Solutions is recommended as a buy at ₹844-857 with target of ₹980 in two to three months.
As reported by LiveMint, the cooling in crude oil prices comes as a major relief after recent sessions dominated by inflation fears and geopolitical uncertainty. Lower oil prices could help reduce immediate pressure on import costs, inflation expectations, and corporate margin concerns, especially for sectors sensitive to energy costs. The power sector is now in demand, with ABB benefiting from strong upside potential after encountering strong supports at the Kumo cloud region. Timken India is recommended based on its steady trend forming higher lows through the year, while Godawari Power and Ispat is highlighted for its strong integrated steel and power business with healthy operating margins and consistent profit growth.
