Nifty 50 began today’s session with a gap-up at 24,225 versus Wednesday’s close of 24,078. The index is now hovering around 24,200, up about 0.6 per cent.The advance/decline ratio stands at 38/12, showing a positive bias. Eternal (up 2.5 per cent) and Shriram Finance (up 2.3 per cent) are the top gainers. On the other hand, Hindalco Industries (down 2.2 per cent) and ONGC (down 1.4 per cent) are the top losers.Barring Nifty Oil & Gas (down 0.4 per cent) all other sectors are in the green. Nifty IT (up 1.4 per cent) and Nifty Private Bank (up nearly 1 per cent) top the chart.Broadly, the bias appears bullish today although there is a resistance ahead for Nifty 50 and Nifty futures. Nifty 50 futuresThe August expiry Nifty futures began today’s session higher at 24,236 versus yesterday’s close of 24,118. It is now hovering around 24,260, up 0.6 per cent.The chart shows that the contract has a resistance at 24,300, where the 50-day moving average lies. If this resistance is breached, Nifty futures can rise to 24,400. Resistance above 24,400 is at 24,500.However, if the contract falls off the barrier at 24,300, it can slip to 24,100. Support below 24,100 is at 24,000.Trading strategyBuy Nifty futures (Aug) if it breaks out of 24,300. Target and stop-loss can be 24,400 and 24,240 respectively. Supports: 24,100 and 24,000Resistance: 24,300 and 24,400Published on August 20, 2026