Indian stock markets faced a tough day on Monday, September 22, 2025, with the Nifty 50 index dropping below key levels amid worries over higher US visa fees and global trade tensions. Analysts point to ongoing US-India trade talks and new GST rate changes as major influences, while offering picks for stocks to buy or sell on Tuesday, September 23.
Market Hits and Misses
The BSE Sensex closed down 466 points at 82,160, marking its second straight day of losses. This slide came mainly from heavy selling in IT giants like TCS and Infosys, sparked by US President Donald Trump’s move to hike H-1B visa fees to $100,000 per worker.
Broader markets showed mixed results, with midcap and smallcap indices holding steady despite the benchmark dip. Trading volume stayed high, reflecting investor caution ahead of fresh economic data releases later this week.
Energy and metal stocks provided some support, rising up to 2 percent on hopes of lower input costs from GST tweaks. However, the overall mood remained bearish, with foreign investors pulling out nearly 8,000 crore rupees this month alone.
Key Drivers Behind the Dip
Recent changes in GST rates have stirred optimism in sectors like autos and consumer goods. The government lowered rates on cars and two-wheelers from 28 percent to 18 percent, aiming to boost demand during the festive season.
On the global front, US-India trade talks take center stage as Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal heads to Washington on September 22. These discussions could ease the 50 percent tariffs imposed by Trump on Indian exports, which have hurt IT and pharma firms.
Analysts also note rising oil prices and geopolitical tensions adding to market jitters. For instance, ongoing Russia-Ukraine issues echo past volatility, urging traders to focus on long-term holds rather than short-term bets.
- Auto stocks surged on GST cuts, with Maruti and Tata Motors gaining up to 2 percent.
- IT sector dragged the index, losing over 2 percent amid visa fee concerns.
- Metal shares like Tata Steel rose, buoyed by strong global demand.
Nifty 50 Trade Setup for Tuesday
Technical charts show the Nifty 50 forming a bearish candle, testing support at 25,150. If it holds below this level, experts predict a slide toward 24,960, near the 34-day moving average.
On the upside, resistance sits at 25,450 to 25,500, where sellers might dominate. Short-term trading could see the index bouncing between 24,960 and 25,500, depending on global cues.
Traders should watch the 25,000 mark closely, as a break above it might spark a rally to 25,100 or higher. With GIFT Nifty signaling a weak open near 25,330, caution is key for intraday plays.
| Key Levels for Nifty 50 | Support | Resistance |
|---|---|---|
| Immediate | 25,150 | 25,450 |
| Short-term | 24,960 | 25,500 |
| Extended | 24,500 | 25,000 |
Top Stocks to Buy or Sell
Experts recommend focusing on resilient picks amid the uncertainty. For buys, look at sectors benefiting from GST reforms and potential trade deal wins.
Sell calls target overvalued IT names facing headwinds from US policies. Always consider stop-loss levels to manage risks.
Here are eight stocks highlighted for Tuesday:
- Buy: Maruti Suzuki – Target 13,000 rupees, strong on GST boost.
- Buy: Tata Steel – Target 170 rupees, metal demand rising.
- Buy: HDFC Bank – Target 1,800 rupees, stable amid banking recovery.
- Sell: TCS – Below 4,200 rupees, visa fees pressure.
- Buy: Reliance Industries – Target 3,200 rupees, despite recent dip.
- Sell: Infosys – Below 1,800 rupees, global IT slowdown.
- Buy: Ultratech Cement – Target 12,000 rupees, infrastructure push.
- Sell: Dr. Reddy’s Labs – Pharma export worries.
These picks come from a mix of technical and fundamental views, with profit potential up to 16 percent in the medium term.
Expert Views and Outlook
Veteran analysts like Hrishikesh Yedve stress watching the 25,150 level for directional cues. Siddhartha Khemka adds that positive outcomes from US talks could lift sentiment, countering tariff fears.
Longer term, markets might build on low-base effects from early 2025, similar to recoveries post-2022 global events. Investors are advised to build portfolios for 12 to 18 months, focusing on quality over quick gains.
With festive sales and Fed policy echoes in play, the coming weeks could see volatility easing if trade pacts progress.
What Lies Ahead
As markets open on Tuesday, keep an eye on opening levels and volume for early signals. Global indices like Nasdaq’s recent slips add to the mix, but domestic reforms offer a buffer.
Traders might find opportunities in dips, especially if Nifty rebounds above 25,200. Stay updated with live feeds for real-time shifts.
What do you think about these market moves? Share your thoughts in the comments and pass this article along to fellow investors for more insights.
