Vaishali Parekh recommends three stocks to buy today

Stock Market Outlook Today: Vaishali Parekh Predicts Flat Opening; Recommends Three Stocks to Buy

Indian benchmark indices are expected to trade cautiously on 18 August 2026 as escalating Middle East tensions keep crude oil prices elevated. Higher crude is a concern for India because it can increase the import bill, raise inflation expectations and put pressure on the rupee and corporate margins.

Gift Nifty is trading near 24,300, indicating a broadly flat opening compared with the Nifty 50’s previous spot close of 24,287.65. However, Gift Nifty remains around 70 points below its previous futures close, reflecting a cautious underlying sentiment.

Vaishali Parekh, Vice President–Technical Research at Prabhudas Lilladher, expects a flat opening and recommends three stocks to buy today: Chennai Petroleum Corporation, Godrej Properties and TVS Motor Company.

Vaishali Parekh Stocks to Buy Today

Entry price, target and stop-loss should be followed only as specified in the detailed trading recommendation.

What Is Gift Nifty Signalling Today?

Gift Nifty futures are trading close to 24,300, suggesting that domestic equities may open broadly flat relative to the previous Nifty spot close.

Although the spot-to-futures comparison indicates a largely flat opening, weakness from the previous Gift Nifty futures close shows that overseas sentiment remains cautious.

Traders should monitor crude oil prices, US-Iran developments and the opening behaviour of Nifty near 24,300 before taking fresh directional positions.

Nifty 50 Outlook Today

According to Vaishali Parekh, Nifty experienced a volatile session and fell to approximately 24,225 before recovering to close near the 24,300 zone. However, the overall technical bias has weakened slightly as the index continues to decline gradually.

Parekh identifies 24,000 as the most important support for Nifty. A revival from this zone would be necessary to stabilise market sentiment and preserve the broader structure.

On the upside, the 200-period moving average near 24,700 is the major resistance. Nifty must cross and sustain above this hurdle decisively before a stronger bullish trend can develop.

Nifty Key Levels Today

What Is the Nifty Trading Strategy Today?

Nifty’s immediate outlook remains cautious with a slightly weak bias. Holding above 24,000 can keep recovery prospects alive, but a decisive breakout above 24,700 is required to restore stronger bullish momentum.

Until then, traders should avoid chasing intraday rallies and focus on confirmed price action near support and resistance.

Bank Nifty Outlook Today

Bank Nifty continues to trade close to its important 200-period moving average near 57,500. The index has remained confined to a narrow range but continues to hold above its 50-period exponential moving average near 57,200.

Parekh believes this technical positioning keeps the overall Bank Nifty bias cautiously positive. However, the index must overcome the tough resistance near 58,600 to begin a meaningful upward move.

The major positional support is situated around 56,000, corresponding with the 100-period moving average. This level must be protected to keep the broader trend intact.

Bank Nifty Key Levels Today

What Is the Bank Nifty Trading Strategy Today?

Bank Nifty may remain range-bound while trading between 57,200 and 58,600. Its ability to sustain above 57,200 supports a cautiously positive view, but fresh momentum will emerge only after a decisive breakout above 58,600.

A fall below 57,200 could lead to renewed weakness, while a sustained breakdown below 56,000 would damage the broader technical structure.

Vaishali Parekh’s Market View at a Glance

Final Market Outlook

Vaishali Parekh expects Indian equities to open broadly flat, but elevated crude prices and Middle East uncertainty may restrict risk appetite.

For Nifty, 24,000 is the principal support and 24,700 the decisive resistance. For Bank Nifty, the near-term structure remains stable above 57,200, while a breakout above 58,600 is required for stronger momentum.

The preferred approach is to remain selective, trade only after confirmation and maintain strict stop-losses amid geopolitical volatility.