Banking Stocks Witness Strong Selling

Nifty opened on a buoyant note and traded above 6050 for considerable period. Metals and IT were largely responsible for this buoyancy. But, the leader thus far, banking saw significant amount of selling throughout the session and was largely responsible for markets shaving off all its gains. In fact Nifty closed marginally in the red at 5992. Most of the PSU banks witnessed strong selling as investors were spooked by RBI Governor’s advice to the banks on reducing lending rates and increasing deposit rates. This advice, if followed could mean reduction in NIMs of most banks. SBI lost around 4% while Can bank, BOI, Indian Bank, OBC, PNB, BOB and Allahabad Bank were other major losers. Bank Nifty was down around 2.5%. Metals were significant gainers as Tata Steel led the sector with an intraday gain of over 3%. JSW Steel, Ispat, Bhushan, JSPL and Sterlite were other prominent gainers. Tata Motors continued to accelerate as it hit a new all time high. Some other notable gainers were Welcorp, Ruchi Soya, Havells, CESC, IGL, Srei Infra, Sun Pharma, Siemens and United Spirits.

Nifty failed to encounter stiff resistance around 6050 and lost significant ground in the later half to slip below 6000. Twice now, market has failed to close above psychological levels of 20k and 6K despite spending significant intraday period above these levels. 6040-6070 remains a stiff resistance and it seems that we could see a swing to lower side and possibly a test of support at 5920-30 or even 5870-80. Banking that had taken the market higher has reversed its direction and could under perform in coming weeks. It would be prudent to avoid bargain hunting in banking stocks, particularly the PSU ones till the time the profit taking/selling subsides. Metals are showing some resilience as are some Capital Goods counters. Down days could be utilized to take long positions in leaders from these two sectors. IGL has given a daily breakout by closing above Rs340. Sustained trades above Rs 340 could take the stock higher to around Rs 365-370. Havells could target Rs 418-425 above Rs 404.

Nifty has support around 5925-40 and then around 5865-80 while resistance is likely around 6030-6040.