18th August Market Report

Market Pulse – Monday, 18 August 2025

Fear & Greed Index

The Fear & Greed Index stands at 17.73, reflecting Extreme Fear. Sentiment remains fragile despite global optimism, signaling investors’ defensive positioning. Historically, such levels can indicate oversold markets, but traders should remain cautious.

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How Indian & Asian Markets Started Today

Indian markets opened flat to positive today. As of 7:31 AM IST:

• Sensex: 80,597.66 (+0.07%)
• Nifty 50: 24,631.3 (+0.05%)
• Bank Nifty: 55,341.85 (+0.29%)
• India VIX: 12.36 (+1.77%)

In Asia, performance was mixed: Nikkei 225 gained +0.65%, Hang Seng up +0.21%, while Kospi slipped -1.15%. Globally, US markets closed mixed with Dow Jones +0.08%, Nasdaq -0.40%, S&P 500 -0.29%.

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FII & DII Last Day’s Performance & Intentions

On August 14, FIIs sold ₹1,926.8 crore, extending their cautious stance. DIIs bought ₹3,895.7 crore, reflecting strong domestic support for large-cap equities. Over the past month, FIIs have largely booked profits, while DIIs continue steady accumulation, indicating confidence in India’s structural growth story.

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Options Data – Nifty & Bank Nifty

Nifty 50:

• Max Call OI: 25,000 (48.85 lakh) → Resistance
• Max Put OI: 24,000 (37.22 lakh) → Support
• PCR: 1.01 (down from 1.08) → Reduced bullish sentiment

Bank Nifty:

• Max Call OI: 57,000 (22.75 lakh)
• Max Put OI: 57,000 (13.13 lakh) → Crucial pivot level
• RSI: 41.91 (positive crossover), MACD still negative.

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Today’s Top Winners & Losers – Sectors & Stocks

Top Performing Sectors:

1. Banking (SBI, IDFC First Bank strength)
2. Metals (Tata Steel, NMDC)
3. Automobiles (Eicher Motors rally)
4. Pharma (Dr. Reddy’s Labs gains)
5. Capital Markets (Muthoot Finance, Nuvama Wealth)

Weakest Sectors:

1. Chemicals (Coromandel, PI Industries weakness)
2. Consumer Durables (Supreme Industries dip)
3. Real Estate (EIH, Chalet Hotels profit booking)
4. IT Services (Infosys minor drag)
5. Energy (Fortis Healthcare, IEX under pressure)

Top 5 Gainers (NSE)

• Muthoot Finance (+9.86%)
• Nuvama Wealth Management (+13.6%)
• Ola Electric (+41.31%)
• Cohance Lifesciences (+4.33%)
• Larsen & Toubro (+7.18%)

Top 5 Losers (NSE)

• Pfizer (-6.83%)
• Mankind Pharma (-5.85%)
• NMDC Steel (-7.32%)
• Fortis Healthcare (-5.86%)
• HBL Power Systems (-6.3%)

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Top 5 Fundamental News

1. SBI & top banks – S&P Global upgraded ratings to ‘BBB/Stable’, boosting sector outlook.
2. KEC International – Secured ₹1,402 crore worth of new business.
3. JK Cement – Announced ₹4,805 crore investment in new 7 MTPA capacity.
4. EMS Ltd – Won ₹104 crore Jal Nigam contract.
5. Dixon Technologies – Formed JV with HKC Overseas for display module & smartphone assembly.

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Commodity Update – Gold, Silver & Crude Oil

• Gold: ~$3,375/oz – flat, investors await Fed commentary.
• Silver: ~$38/oz – steady, tracking gold.
• Crude Oil (Brent): $66.60/bbl (-0.5%) – pressured by supply expectations.
• USD/INR: 87.50 (-0.02%) – stable rupee performance.

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Market Bulletin Highlights

• GIFT Nifty +265 points, indicating firm start.
• Optimism from Trump–Putin Ukraine peace talks & GST cut assurance by PM Modi.
• Foxconn starts iPhone 17 production in Bengaluru.
• US-India trade talks postponed to late August.
• GST rationalisation review by GoM on Aug 20–21.
• Indian markets ended higher last week after 6 straight weekly losses.

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Nifty 50 Technical View

• Closed at 24,631 (+11.95 pts).
• Above 100-day EMA, but below 50-day EMA (24,813).
• Formed small bullish candle with RSI at 44.54 and positive crossover.
• Max Call OI at 25,000 (resistance), Max Put OI at 24,000 (support).
• PCR slipped to 1.01 → cautious optimism.

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Bank Nifty Technical View

• Closed at 55,342 (+160.4 pts).
• RSI at 41.91 with positive crossover, MACD still negative.
• Max Call OI: 57,000; Max Put OI: 57,000 → consolidation at key pivot.

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Current IPOs

• Studio LSD Ltd: Aug 18, Price Band ₹51-54, Issue Size ₹74.25 Cr.
• Next IPO opening on Aug 20.

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Word of the Day – Order Book

An Order Book is a real-time list of all buy and sell orders for a stock, organized by price level. It helps traders assess liquidity, supply-demand dynamics, and potential support/resistance levels.

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Economic Calendar – Monday, 18 August 2025

India:

• Wholesale Price Index (WPI) Inflation (July)
• GST Council Updates

United States:

• Fed’s Jackson Hole Symposium preview
• NY Empire State Manufacturing Index
• NAHB Housing Market Index

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Disclaimer

This report is for informational purposes only and not investment advice. Data is compiled from market sources and AI-driven insights. Investors should conduct independent research before making decisions. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.