Business Today's popular live show, 'Daily Calls,' hosted by Sakshi Batra, provides its viewers a unique opportunity to interact directly with market experts and seek guidance on their portfolio investments. Spanning over 45 minutes, the show addresses live queries from viewers regarding the stocks they own or are considering for future investments.

A brief market update

During the latest episode of 'Daily Calls,' host Sakshi Batra highlighted the recovery seen in the stock markets after the previous trading session's widespread sell-off. The Nifty index climbed back above the 23,230 level and was up approximately 230 points, reflecting a nearly 1% gain. While most sectors showed positive performance, financial services and realty sectors lagged, still trading in the red.

The PSU banking sector was a bright spot, rallying 2.8% higher. Key gainers included BHEL, Coal India, and HPCL, all witnessing notable upward movements. Sectors like metals, FMCG, and pharma also demonstrated strength.

Expert insights from Pradeep Hald

Pradeep Hald, the founder and CEO of PHD Capital, joined the show to share his insights on the current market volatility and strategies for navigating uncertain times. Hald emphasized that the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, selling by foreign institutional investors (FIIs), and the weakening rupee were contributing to subdued market sentiment. Despite this, he advised investors not to panic but to opt for long-term investments in quality stocks while avoiding speculative bets.

According to Hald, the Nifty’s key support level is at 2,182, and he anticipated that without any positive news, the markets could test this level in the near term. For short-term traders, he recommended a focus on hedged trades while avoiding overnight positions due to increasing post-market volatility.

Highlights from audience queries

Alkyl Amines

A viewer asked whether to hold or average down their 150 shares of Alkyl Amines purchased at ₹1,614. Hald identified technical weakness in the stock, noting a downtrend across daily, weekly, and monthly charts. Indicators such as the MACD remained negative, and he observed that any short-term bounce would be unsustainable. His advice was to exit positions at the earliest possible rally with a stop-loss set at ₹1,265.

PTC India

For PTC India, bought at ₹237, Hald explained that while the weekly chart showed some support recently, the base formation was not complete. He predicted that the stock might touch ₹182–₹183 soon and recommended holding for now, with a buy call only after the price crosses ₹185 sustainably.

HDFC Bank

Addressing concerns about HDFC Bank following the recent resignation of its part-time chairman, Hald shared historical data to reassure long-term investors. He stated that similar price dips had occurred during earlier market turmoil, and the bank has a proven track record. However, short-term traders were advised to wait for further price stabilization, suggesting a potential entry point near ₹745–₹750.

BHEL

A viewer regretting their purchase of BHEL at ₹300 was advised to hold onto their position. The expert noted strong support near ₹235 and stated that the target price of ₹298–₹300 could still be achieved within the year. For long-term investors, the stock remained a solid hold given the company's fundamentals.

Stocks with buying potential

Bharat Forge

Hald identified Bharat Forge as a strong candidate for fresh investment due to its robust breakout. He recommended a stop-loss at ₹1,448 and suggested a short-term target of ₹1,890, with an extended target of ₹2,150 for long-term investors.

HBL Engineering

HBL Engineering, trading at ₹667, was also a positive recommendation. Hald noted that the stock had corrected more than 40% from its peak, making it an attractive buy. He projected targets of ₹750 and ₹890, with a stop-loss set at ₹650.

K&R Heat Exchangers

For investors seeking diversification, Hald suggested K&R Heat Exchangers, citing its alignment with upcoming data-center infrastructure growth. Trading at ₹900, the stock has a long-term target of ₹1,250–₹1,300, supported by strong fundamentals.

Key takeaways for investors

• Focus on quality stocks to weather market volatility.
• Avoid chasing short-term price movements; instead, adopt a systematic investment plan.
• Set clear stop-loss levels to minimize downside risks.
• Track technical indicators such as support and resistance levels, moving averages, and MACD to guide decisions.
• Consider emerging themes, such as the growing demand for data-center infrastructure, for long-term investments.

Conclusion

The 'Daily Calls' show reiterated the importance of being prudent in volatile markets, urging investors to focus on quality positions and avoid hasty exits. With expert guidance from individuals like Pradeep Hald, viewers gained actionable insights into managing their portfolios effectively. As market dynamics evolve, staying updated with such expert advice can empower investors to make informed decisions.

Whether holding onto stocks like HDFC Bank or identifying opportunities in overlooked sectors, the emphasis remains on discipline, patience, and a long-term perspective in the stock market.