SynopsisIndian equity markets are consolidating within a narrow range, with Nifty struggling to break 24,000 and Bank Nifty showing relative strength. Sector rotation is active, offering stock-specific opportunities in pharma, healthcare, energy, auto, and capital market-related stocks. Traders are advised to use range strategies and defined-risk options due to muted overall momentum.AgenciesFor now, traders are likely to remain focused on range-bound strategies and stock-specific positioning rather than index-level aggressive bets.Indian equity markets continue to move within a narrow consolidation range, with benchmark indices finding it difficult to break key resistance levels. Despite this, sector rotation is keeping stock-specific action alive, even as overall momentum remains muted. According to market expert Ajit Mishra from Religare Broking, the broader setup remains sideways, with traders likely to prefer range strategies over aggressive directional bets.Nifty stuck in consolidation range; upside capped near 24,000Ajit Mishra noted that the market has been consolidating for the second straight week, with Nifty repeatedly failing to cross the 23,800–24,000 zone. On the downside, he sees strong support emerging in the 23,400–23,250 region, which continues to attract buying interest. This has resulted in a defined trading band of roughly 600–800 points, keeping the index largely range-bound. While the trend remains sideways, he believes the upside is currently capped unless a breakout occurs above resistance levels.Bank Nifty relatively stronger; expiry strategies in focusBank Nifty, according to Mishra, has shown comparatively better strength, gaining around 1 percent and gradually approaching the 54,300–54,350 resistance zone. A sustained move above this level, he said, could provide the necessary momentum for further upside in both Bank Nifty and Nifty. However, given the expiry week, he suggested traders avoid aggressive long positions and instead consider defined-risk strategies like bull call spreads, such as buying the 23,800 call and selling the 24,000 call in Nifty, and a similar structure in Bank Nifty using 54,000 and 54,500 strikes.Stock-specific opportunities across sectorsOn the stock-specific front, Mishra highlighted that opportunities remain broad-based rather than concentrated in a single sector. He observed that market participation is rotational in nature, with IT witnessing a rebound after weakness, though its sustainability remains uncertain. At the same time, sectors such as pharma, healthcare, energy, and auto continue to show relative strength. Capital market-related stocks are also outperforming, reflecting renewed investor interest in the space.Within this framework, he pointed to Angel One as a breakout candidate after a prolonged consolidation phase, suggesting fresh long positions with a stop-loss near 320 and upside targets in the 378–385 range. He also highlighted Trent as an attractive accumulation opportunity after a recent pause, expecting further upside if the stock sustains above key levels, with positional targets placed in the 4500–4600 zone.Pharma sector remains a buy-on-dips themeOn the pharma index, Mishra maintained a constructive outlook, describing it as a buy-on-dips opportunity after a strong breakout from a long consolidation phase. He noted that despite intraday declines, the broader trend remains positive. Stocks such as Glenmark, Lupin, Dr Reddy’s, Sun Pharma, and Biocon continue to show relative stability, and any further corrections, in his view, should be seen as accumulation opportunities rather than weakness.OutlookOverall, the market appears to be in a pause phase after recent gains, with limited directional breakout in indices. However, strong sector rotation and selective stock momentum continue to provide trading opportunities. For now, traders are likely to remain focused on range-bound strategies and stock-specific positioning rather than index-level aggressive bets.Read More News on(What's moving Sensex and Nifty Track latest market news, stock tips, Budget 2025, Share Market on Budget 2025 and expert advice, on ETMarkets. Also, ETMarkets.com is now on Telegram. For fastest news alerts on financial markets, investment strategies and stocks alerts, subscribe to our Telegram feeds .) Subscribe to ET Prime and read the Economic Times ePaper Online.and Sensex Today. 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