Stocks to buy: Raja Venkatraman recommends three stocks for 18 March
Best stocks to buy today (all buy trades are rates of equity and sell rates are based on F&O)Federal Bank Ltd: Buy above ₹266 | Stop ₹250 | Target ₹289 (multiday)Aurobindo Pharma Ltd: Buy above ₹1,298 | Stop ₹1,245 | Target ₹1,410 (multiday)Vardhman Textiles Ltd: Buy above ₹555 | Stop ₹525 | Target ₹610 (multiday)On 17 March 2026, Indian equity markets closed on a positive note with midcap and smallcap indices advancing steadily. The Nifty Midcap Index rose by 1%, while the Smallcap Index added 0.65%, reflecting broad-based buying interest.
Among individual stocks, Eternal, Tata Steel, M&M, HDFC Life, and Bharat Electronics emerged as the top gainers on the Nifty, whereas Wipro, Tata Consumer, Infosys, Cipla, and ITC were notable laggards.Sectoral performance was largely upbeat, with all indices ending in the green except FMCG, which slipped 0.7%, and IT, which declined 1%. Capital goods, telecom, auto, infra, media, metal, realty, and private banks led the rally, posting gains in the range of 1-2%.
The overall sentiment suggested resilience in domestic equities, supported by strength in cyclical and growth-oriented sectors, even as select defensive pockets, such as FMCG and IT, faced selling pressure.Volatility continues to disturb market sentiment, despite the clarity achieved regarding the resistance; the trends remain challenged on both sides. While the Nifty is trying to sustain the higher levels, the constant selling pressure is keeping a lid on every rise.
At the moment, the lows at 23,000 will remain an important point to consider. With the market holding the support zones to retain the bullish stance, we need to be careful as we move ahead into the week.Yesterday, we highlighted the possibility of a revival as
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