Stock Market Outlook: Is This the Beginning of a Bull Run? Here's What Investors Need to Know

Jaipur – As geopolitical tensions between Israel and Iran ease, and with positive cues on U.S. tariffs, the Indian stock market seems to be entering a period of recovery. Market experts believe that the uncertainty caused by global factors may now be stabilizing, which could help the markets steer clear of extreme volatility and shift into a phase of sustainable upward movement.

Volatility is a natural part of the equity markets. In previous columns too, it has been emphasized that rather than reacting to index fluctuations, investors should focus on the fundamentals of the stocks they own. Long-term investors holding fundamentally strong companies are likely to be rewarded eventually, even if it takes some time.

📈 Market Recap: A Week of Positive Gains

The Indian markets witnessed a healthy upswing in the past week:

• BSE Sensex gained 1,650.73 points (2.00%), closing at 84,058.90

• NSE Nifty surged by 525.40 points (2.09%), settling at 25,637.80

Notably, mid-cap and small-cap indices performed even better on a percentage basis, signaling a broad-based recovery and growing investor confidence in future prospects.

💼 Institutional Activity: FIIs and DIIs Turn Buyers

• Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs): Though they were net sellers on 3 out of 5 sessions last week, heavy buying on 2 days led to net inflows of ₹4,423.27 crore

• Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs): Continued their strong support with purchases worth ₹12,390.17 crore during the same period

This balance of buying by institutional players suggests a stronger foundation for the ongoing rally.

🪙 Bullion Market Update: Weak Demand Keeps Gold & Silver Under Pressure

Despite reduced global tensions, the gold and silver markets remained volatile:

• Gold in Jaipur dropped from ₹101,600 to ₹98,200 per 10 grams

• Silver fell slightly from ₹109,500 to ₹108,800 per kg

With buyer sentiment still weak and no significant festive or wedding demand, the outlook for bullion remains subdued. Further corrections may occur in the coming days.

📊 What's Next? Key Trends & Stock Picks

Market professionals are cautiously optimistic. While select stocks may continue their upward journey, investors are advised to consult financial experts before making new entries.

📌 Stocks to Watch:

These companies are considered favorable under the current market conditions:

• State Bank of India (SBI)

• Suzlon Energy

• Jio Financial Services

• JSW Infrastructure

• Bank of Baroda

• Canara Bank

However, it is important to remember: bull markets don’t move in a straight line, and downturns can occur even in quality stocks. Regular portfolio reviews and timely profit booking are essential. After all, real gains are what appear in your bank—not just on paper.

🧾 IPO Watch: A Busy Week Ahead

The IPO space is heating up again:

• Mainboard IPOs: 3 new companies are either live or about to launch their public issues

• SME Platform: 11 companies are in the pipeline

Investors interested in IPOs should carefully assess the company’s financials, pricing, and the use of funds mentioned in the prospectus before subscribing.

Additionally, two new companies filed their Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) with SEBI this week, indicating a continued pipeline of public listings.

🌧️ Final Word: The Role of Monsoon and Global Sentiment

Analysts say the combination of a favorable monsoon forecast, improving global outlook, and stabilized FII flows could keep market sentiment buoyant in the near term.

That said, investor discretion and a long-term perspective remain key. Blind investing without understanding fundamentals or market cycles can lead to costly mistakes.

Disclaimer: These are the author's personal views. The author, or individuals related to him, may have investments in the mentioned companies. Always consult a certified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.