Nifty Financial Services Hits Record High Driven by Gains in HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank

The Nifty Financial Services Index reached a fresh record high on Wednesday, moving in tandem with the Nifty50 index. This index is designed to reflect the performance of the Indian financial market, comprising sectors like banks, financial institutions, housing finance companies, insurance firms, and other financial services providers. With 20 stocks listed on the National Stock Exchange (NSE), the Nifty Financial Services Index plays a crucial role in the Indian stock market.

Technical Breakout Above Key Levels

The Nifty Financial Services Index has successfully broken above a critical horizontal resistance level of 24,000-24,050, signaling a significant bullish breakout. This resistance zone has been tested multiple times in the past, adding to the breakout’s importance. Technically, the daily Relative Strength Index (RSI) is on an upward trajectory, marking a fresh swing high, which indicates strong momentum. Additionally, the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) is pointing upwards and is well above its nine-period average, further validating the positive bias in the index.

Key Contributors: HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank

HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank are the heavyweights of the Nifty Financial Services Index, together contributing over 50% of the index’s total weightage. On Wednesday, both these stocks played pivotal roles in driving the index higher. HDFC Bank surged by over 1.6%, reaching a two-month high and approaching the Rs 1,700 level, contributing 123.80 points to the index. ICICI Bank added 31.99 points, while Bajaj Finance also made a notable contribution with 27.48 points.

Performance Analysis: A Mixed Bag in 2024

So far in 2024, the Nifty Financial Services Index has gained 13%, slightly underperforming the Nifty50 index, which registered a gain of 17.1%. However, the narrative has shifted in September, with the Nifty Financial Services Index outperforming the broader market. The index has risen by 2.7% compared to the Nifty50’s gain of 0.90% for the month.

Conclusion

The Nifty Financial Services Index’s breakout above a significant resistance level, driven by strong performances from key stocks like HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank, signals a bullish outlook. While it has lagged behind the Nifty50 index for most of 2024, the recent surge in September showcases its potential to outperform in the short term. Investors should keep an eye on the index as it continues to steers through key technical levels, driven by the momentum of its leading constituents.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making related decisions.