Choppy trading amid rising volatility

In the absence of any breakout to trigger a fresh dose of buying action, price levels have been lacklustre in the market for the week ended May 3, 2019.

The NSE Nifty has been consolidating around 11,750, a level previously seen in September 2018. Derivatives analysts expect some more consolidation at this level before the index picks up a fresh move again.

No major short build-up was seen in the Nifty during the week and this indicates towards positive consolidation above 11,650. Other index heavyweights may start adding to the Nifty recovery from these levels.

"In the week gone by, Indian bourses witnessed a volatile week, a tug of war between bulls and bears kept the index on a roller coaster ride.

However, a long rollover to May series has been observed as from derivative front Call writers covered their short positions and Put writers were actively selling at 11,700 and 11,800 Puts, which suggest that bulls are more or likely trying to make a comeback," observes Dhirender Singh Bisht, senior analyst (derivatives) at SMC Global Securities Ltd.

India VIX further rose 4.35 per cent to 23.98 per cent and this is indicating surging volatility amid ongoing general elections across the nation.

"However, the India VIX is constantly maintaining above 21 levels, which indicates that volatility is likely to grip the market in coming sessions as well.

The Implied Volatility of Calls closed at 23.09 per cent, while that for Put options closed at 23.57 per cent. The Nifty VIX for the week closed at 22.98 per cent and is expected to remain up trending," adds Bisht.

The 11,800 strike, which also records highest addition of OI, has highest Call OI of over 23.52 lakh contracts followed by 12,000 and 11,900 strikes.

On the Put side, 11,700 strike has 16.80 lakh contracts followed by 11,600, which has highest OI addition, and 11,500 strikes. Nifty recorded short build up, while Bank Nifty has long buildup positions.

"Among Nifty weekly Call options, the 11,800-strike Call has the highest Open Interest of more than 25 lakh shares, and in Nifty weekly, Put option side 11,700-strike has the highest Open Interest of over 17 lakh shares in Open Interest respectively.

The PCR OI for the week closed up at 1.22. The current trend is likely to remain choppy with continuous volatility on card ahead of political uncertainty over upcoming election results."

Consolidating in 50 points range, NSE Nifty finished the week at 11,712.25 points, a net fall of 42.4 points from 11,754.65 points as on April 26.

For the 22 sessions, Nifty has been gyrating in the range of 11,550 and 11,850 levels. Nifty futures ended the week at 11,762 level indicating a minute loss of 0.03 per cent.

Reflecting miniscule loss of 104.07 points, BSE Sensex closed the week at 38,963.26 points as against 39,067.33 points in the previous weekend.

"From technical front, 11,500 levels for Nifty, while on a higher side any decisive move above 11,850 in Nifty can add further follow up buying into the index," forecasts Bisht.

Bank Nifty

Bank Nifty closed the week at 29,954.15 points, a marginal loss of 59.35 points, from the previous week's close of 30,013.50 points. Derivatives analysts forecast 30,500 level for the week ahead.

The 29,500 level for Bank Nifty will be key support, said Bisht. Despite IVs moving towards monthly high levels, Bank Nifty future remained almost flat for the week with stock specific actions. Late buying in private banks helped the Bank Nifty to close almost flat for the week.

According to ICICI Direct.com data, fresh buying interest can be seen in Bank Nifty as the OI remained almost flat during the week and the index traded near its sizeable Call base of 30,000.

Additions were seen in 30200 and 30500 strike Calls whereas additions were also seen in 29500 Put.

Despite sharp selling in Yes Bank post its quarterly numbers, Bank Nifty remained firm above 29500, which is the key support area for the upsides to continue.