Bullish momentum likely as long as Nifty trades above 24,400, say experts

The benchmark indices ended higher on Wednesday, buoyed by easing retail inflation and positive global cues, even as technical analysts suggested that bullish momentum in the market could persist as long as the Nifty trades above the key support level of 24,400.

The Sensex rose 182.34 points or 0.22 percent to close at 81,330.56. During the day, it touched a high of 81,691.87 and a low of 80,910.03. The broader Nifty advanced 88.55 points or 0.36 percent to settle at 24,666.90.

Market sentiment received a boost after retail inflation fell to a nearly six-year low of 3.16 percent in April, driven by cooling prices of vegetables, fruits and pulses. The softening of inflation has raised hopes of a rate cut by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in its upcoming June monetary policy review.

A softer-than-expected US inflation reading and easing global trade tensions also supported investor confidence.

“Technically, the Nifty is still in a strong position. As long as it stays above 24,400, the bulls are likely to remain in control,” said Rupak De, Senior Technical Analyst at LKP Securities.

“The recent sideways movement, following a sharp rally, is a sign of healthy consolidation. If the index holds above 24,400, it could move towards 24,850–25,000 in the near term. However, a fall below 24,400 may trigger further consolidation,” he added.

Echoing similar views, Nandish Shah, Senior Derivative and Technical Research Analyst at HDFC Securities, said strong support zones are placed at 24,500 and 24,378. On the upside, the index could face resistance near 24,850 and 24,975 levels.

Meanwhile, the sharp decline in inflation numbers has strengthened the case for a rate cut by the central bank. The CPI-based inflation was 3.34 percent in March and 4.83 percent in April 2024. The last time inflation was lower than the current level was in July 2019, when it stood at 3.15 percent.

Analysts said that if the RBI delivers a rate cut next month, it could provide further momentum to equities, especially rate-sensitive sectors like banking and real estate.

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