FIRST TRADE: Barometers register sharp decline tracking weak Asian markets
Equity benchmarks traded in the red tracking weak global cues.
Indian equities tracking weak global cues started Friday's session on a sluggish note after barometers logged fresh highs in the previous day. Asian markets saw sharp losses tracking weak overnight US markets. Further, the rout in the Japanese index deepened for the second consecutive day after the Bank of Japan gave out a hawkish signal.
At the open Nifty was down 0.84 per cent or 209 at 24,801.9, while the Sensex was down 0.8 per cent or 648.37 points at 81,219.18 points.
Sectorally all indices trading in the red barring the FMCG pack, while the auto, metal and PSU Bank led the losses.
Prashanth Tapse, Senior VP (Research), Mehta Equities opines that the Nifty, having reached the 25,000 milestone in just 24 sessions, the third fastest 1,000-point rally, faces potential volatility today. A dovish Federal Reserve isn't driving bullish sentiment, with negative catalysts including a drop in the ISM manufacturing index to its lowest since November and higher-than-expected jobless claims. As Q1 results from companies like Hindustan Zinc, LIC Hsg Fin, Titan, and UPL trickle in, we foresee Nifty fluctuating and likely ending with a negative bias.
Kunal Kamble Sr. Technical Research Analyst at Bonanza Portfolio said the crucial support levels of Nifty are at 24,800 and 24,600, where buying is anticipated. On the higher end, resistance is expected at 25,100, followed by 25,300.
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