Here are three stocks to buy during Muhurat trading this Samvat 2082, as recommended by Raja Venkatraman of NeoTrader.
BHARTIARTL: Buy above: ₹2,015 | Stop: ₹1,970 | Target: ₹2,170 (Multiday)
TVSMOTOR: Buy above: ₹3,660 | Stop: ₹3,580 | Target: ₹3,870 (Multiday)
MOTILALOFS: Buy above: ₹1,005 | Stop: ₹950 | Target: ₹1,095 (Multiday)
Market performance highlights
Samvat 2081 was a year of consolidation for Indian equities. The benchmark Nifty 50 rose by a modest 4.5–6.2%, a stark contrast to the post-pandemic rallies that saw gains exceeding 40%. The broader Nifty 500 index managed a 3.9% uptick, reflecting the narrow breadth of market participation. Notably, only about 4% of listed stocks surged over 50%, underscoring the selective nature of the rally.
The BSE Smallcap Index suffered a steep 15.5% decline, its worst performance in six Samvat years. This underperformance highlighted the risk-off sentiment among investors, particularly in the face of global volatility and stretched valuations. Midcaps fared slightly better but still lagged, with the Nifty Midcap 100 posting a flat to mildly positive return.
Precious metals, surprisingly, stole the spotlight—gold surged nearly 50% and silver rallied 60%, reflecting a flight to safety amid geopolitical tensions and inflation concerns.
Key sector trends and movers
Sector rotation was a defining theme in Samvat 2081. Defensive plays and policy-linked segments outperformed, while growth-oriented and export-driven sectors faced headwinds.
- Auto sector: The Nifty Auto Index climbed 16%, buoyed by strong domestic demand, easing supply chain constraints, and robust earnings from leading OEMs.
- PSU banks: Public sector banks staged a comeback, with the Nifty PSU Bank Index gaining 14%, driven by improving asset quality, credit growth, and government support.
- Metals: The Nifty Metal Index rose 10%, supported by global commodity price stability and infrastructure-led demand.
- Defence: The Nifty Defence Index emerged as a standout, surging 26%, reflecting increased government spending and strategic interest in indigenous defence manufacturing.
Conversely, sectors like IT, FMCG, and Energy faced pressure, declining between 4–14%. IT services were hit by global tech slowdown and margin compression, while FMCG struggled with input cost inflation and muted rural demand.
Driving forces and events
The first half of Samvat 2081 was turbulent. The Nifty 50 corrected nearly 16%, while broader indices fell deeper. Key drivers included:
- Global trade tensions: The Trump administration imposed steep tariffs on Indian imports—25% in August, doubled to 50% by late August—in retaliation for India’s strategic oil and defence purchases from Russia. This triggered uncertainty around Indo-US trade relations.
- Bond yield surge: Rising US bond yields led to capital outflows from emerging markets, including India, pressuring equity valuations and liquidity.
- Domestic earnings slowdown: Corporate earnings growth decelerated, especially in consumption and export-linked sectors, dampening investor enthusiasm.
- Capex cuts: A reduction in government capital expenditure further weighed on infrastructure and industrial segments.
However, the second half saw a turnaround:
- Policy support: A GST rate cut in September and income tax exemption for earners up to ₹12 lakh boosted consumption, especially in retail and FMCG segments.
- Retail investor resilience: Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) inflows exceeded ₹2.5 lakh crore, providing a strong domestic cushion against persistent FII selling. This retail strength was pivotal in stabilizing the market.
Based on recent movements, NeoTrader’s Raja Venkatraman recommends three stocks that can be looked at during this year’s Muhurat trading.
Bharti Airtel Ltd (Current market price: ₹2,012)
BHARTIARTL: Buy above: ₹2,015 | Stop: ₹1,970 | Target: ₹2,170 (Multiday)
- Why it’s recommended: Bharti Airtel is a global communications solutions provider headquartered in India, ranking among the top three mobile operators worldwide. After testing the cloud support region, the prices are seen reviving. Also, the bounce in RSI from the neutral zone augurs well for the prices. With the long body bullish candle seen in the last few sessions we can consider going long.
- Key metrics
- P/E: 49.49,
- 52-week high: ₹2,045.50
- Volume: 6.74M
- Technical analysis: Support at ₹1,955; resistance at ₹2,250
- Risk factors: Automotive market’s cyclicality, the ongoing transition to electric vehicles, and exposure to international market risks.
- Buy: Above ₹2,015
- Target price: ₹2,170 in 3 months
- Stop loss: ₹1,970
TVS Motor (Current marker price: ₹3,654)
TVSMOTOR: Buy above: ₹3,660 | Stop: ₹3,580 | Target: ₹3,870 (Multiday)
- Why it’s recommended: TVS Motor Company is a major Indian manufacturer of two- and three-wheelers, known for a wide range of products from mopeds to high-performance motorcycles and electric vehicles. After the consolidation over the last few days we can now observe that the prices are seen holding at the TS & KS bands and producing a revival. With the momentum showing a rebound from the neutral zones in the last few days are now seen holding, indicating a possibility of some upward bounce as a rounding pattern is seen forming with volumes. Can look to go long.
- Key metrics
- P/E: 59.67
- 52-week high: ₹3,658.50
- Volume: 1.17M
- Technical analysis: Support at ₹3,500; resistance at ₹3,900
- Risk factors: Volatile rural demand, disruption in the supply chain and execution challenges in new segments
- Buy: Above ₹3,660
- Target price: ₹3,580 in 3 months
- Stop loss: ₹3,870
Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd (Current market price ₹1,004.65)
MOTILALOFS: Buy above: ₹1,005 | Stop: ₹950 | Target: ₹1,095 (Multiday)
- Why it’s recommended: Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd (MOFSL) is a well-diversified financial services company focused on wealth creation through knowledge. The counter has been consolidating for a while steadily moving higher forming higher high and higher lows for the past few days. With the auto sector continuing to show some promise the long body candle is looking to inch higher. The run up above RSI 60 levels we can look for some upside to emerge in the turnaround. Look to buy.
- Key metrics
- P/E: 42.79
- 52-week high: ₹1,040
- Volume: 716.16K
- Technical analysis: Support at ₹925; resistance at ₹1,150
- Risk factors: Market volatility, intense competition, and regulatory non-compliance.
- Buy: Above ₹1,005
- Target price: ₹1,130 in 3 months
- Stop loss: ₹950
Conclusion
Samvat 2081 will be etched as a year of resilience and recalibration. Despite muted headline returns and sectoral divergence, Indian equities demonstrated strength through robust retail participation and policy support. The market absorbed global shocks—from trade wars to inflation—and emerged with a more balanced outlook.
As Samvat 2082 begins, investors are turning their gaze toward fundamentally strong sectors, earnings visibility, and domestic growth themes. While caution remains warranted amid global uncertainties, the groundwork for a more rewarding year appears to be in place.
The journey ahead will likely be shaped by earnings delivery, policy continuity, and retail investor conviction. For traders and investors alike, Samvat 2082 offers a fresh canvas—one that rewards discipline, selectivity, and a keen eye for emerging trends.
Raja Venkatraman is co-founder, NeoTrader. His Sebi-registered research analyst registration no. is INH000016223.
Investments in securities are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing. Registration granted by Sebi and certification from NISM in no way guarantees performance of the intermediary or provide any assurance of returns to investors.
Disclaimer: The views and recommendations given in this article are those of individual analysts. These do not represent the views of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making any investment decisions.