Opening Bell 31 July 2025: Nifty Opens Lower Amid F&O Expiry & US Tariff News – Volatility Ahead
By CapitalKeeper | Market Opening | Intraday Ideas | Market Moves That Matter
Indian markets open sharply lower on 31 July 2025 amid F&O expiry and US sanctions on Indian firms over Iranian oil. Nifty trades near 24,650, Bank Nifty below 55,800.
🛎️ Opening Bell – 31 July 2025: Volatile Start for Nifty & Bank Nifty on Expiry Day; US Sanctions Add Pressure
By CapitalKeeper.in | Intraday Market Outlook & Technical Levels
The Indian stock market opened sharply lower on Thursday, weighed down by F&O monthly expiry, global trade tensions, and fresh US sanctions on six Indian companies over Iranian oil imports. Traders should brace for heightened volatility throughout the day, with a “hold, don’t panic” strategy recommended near key supports.
📊 Market Opening Snapshot
| Index | Previous Close | Opening Price |
|---|---|---|
| Nifty 50 | 24,855.00 | 24,642.35 |
| Bank Nifty | 56,150.70 | 55,728.15 |
| Sensex | 81,481.86 | 80,695.50 |
| Fin Nifty | 26,703.50 | 26,495.15 |
🔍 Technical Outlook – Key Levels to Watch
📈 Nifty 50 (24,642.35)
- Resistance Zone: 24,800 – 24,850
- Support Zone: 24,500 – 24,450
- Break below 24,450 may drag index toward 24,200
- Upside only if closes above 24,850 on expiry day
🏦 Bank Nifty (55,728.15)
- Resistance Zone: 56,200 – 56,500
- Support Zone: 55,500
- Failure to hold 55,500 can extend fall toward 55,100
- Short covering rally possible above 56,200
💼 Fin Nifty (26,495.15)
- Resistance: 26,700
- Support: 26,350
- Watch for range-bound trade amid expiry volatility
🌍 Global Market Cues
- US Tariff & Sanction News: US sanctions six Indian firms over Iranian oil purchase, dampening investor sentiment.
- Wall Street Overnight: Dow, S&P closed flat ahead of Fed comments; global risk sentiment cautious.
- Asian Markets: Mixed — Nikkei up 0.3%, Hang Seng weak by 0.4% on China slowdown fears.
- SGX Nifty: Indicates gap-down opening, aligned with domestic weakness.
- Crude Oil: Brent near $83.10, risk of rise due to sanctions.
- USD/INR: Hovering near ₹83.55 — marginal pressure on rupee possible.
📊 Option Data & Volatility
- Nifty PCR (Put-Call Ratio): 0.68 – Weak sentiment
- Bank Nifty PCR: 0.55 – Bearish bias
- India VIX: 12.10 – Spike expected amid expiry and sanctions news
📊 Sectoral Watch – 31 July 2025
Focus shifts to defensive and selective cyclical sectors:
| Sector | Bias | Commentary |
|---|---|---|
| Pharma | 🔼 Positive | Defensive buying expected; Cipla, Sun Pharma in focus |
| FMCG | 🔼 Defensive | ITC, HUL may outperform amid volatility |
| Energy | 🔻 Weak | Reliance, ONGC under pressure post US sanctions |
| Auto | ⚖️ Mixed | Tata Motors, M&M range-bound; EV momentum supportive |
| IT (Midcap) | 🔼 Positive | Persistent, KPIT Tech may outperform broader IT index |
| Financials/NBFCs | 🔻 Weak | HDFC, Bajaj Finserv remain cautious amid F&O expiry moves |
🚀 Intraday Stock Picks – 31 July 2025
| Stock | CMP | Strategy | Target Range | Stop Loss |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ITC Ltd. | ₹410 | Buy near ₹410 | ₹438 – ₹442 | ₹404 |
| Cipla | ₹1,539 | Buy above ₹1,542 | ₹1,560 – ₹1,465 | ₹1,530 |
| Axis Bank | ₹1,067 | Sell below ₹1,065 | ₹1,045 – ₹1,035 | ₹1,075 |
| Tata Motors | ₹665 | Buy near ₹660 | ₹685 – ₹690 | ₹650 |
| Hindalco | ₹678 | Sell below ₹575 | ₹562 – ₹555 | ₹690 |
🧭 CapitalKeeper View
- Expiry Day Strategy: Expect high intraday volatility with sharp swings in both directions.
- Global Headwind: US sanctions and tariff concerns may cap upside momentum.
- Levels to Watch:
- Nifty support at 24,500; resistance at 24,850.
- Bank Nifty support at 55,500; resistance at 56,500.
Pro Tip: “Avoid panic selling; use sharp dips to accumulate defensives and keep strict stop-losses.”
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