"Nifty formed a bearish candle with a substantial body in the daily chart. The Donchian Channels, which identify bullish and bearish extremes, indicate that Nifty is holding its middle band. Key support levels are identified at 21,400, while resistance is placed at 21,700 levels," said Om Mehra, Technical Analyst, SAMCO Securities.
Ajit Mishra of Religare Broking, said, "The underperformance of the banking majors is largely weighing on the sentiment amid consolidation, and a decisive close above 21,800 in Nifty would prompt the next leg of the up move. Meanwhile, we feel it is prudent to prefer defensive viz. FMCG, pharma and stay selective in others."
The positive chart pattern like higher tops and bottoms is intact on the daily chart and Nifty is currently forming a new higher top of the sequence. A decisive move above 21,850 level is expected to nullify the present bearish effect and that could open more upside for the near term.
The 50-member Nifty index has now hit a record high in 13 of 19 sessions in December. It gained over 8% so far in the month, on track for its best month since July 2022.