Indian stock market update, August 18, 2025: Nifty 50 closed higher but faced strong resistance at 25,000. Maruti Suzuki surged 8.5% on GST cuts while Godfrey Phillips slipped 5%. Check top gainers, losers, Bank Nifty levels, and technical outlook.
Indian stock markets opened strong on Monday but lost momentum by the closing bell as resistance near the 25,000-mark on Nifty 50 capped the upside. The much-awaited GST rate cut announcement boosted sentiment in the auto and consumption sector, but analysts believe the news is largely factored in.
Stock Market Highlights – August 18, 2025
Nifty 50 closed with a gain of 250 points.
Bank Nifty added 400 points.
Midcap & Smallcap Index rose over 600 points.
Advance-Decline Ratio stood at 1,800 advances vs. 900 declines.
Global cues remain weak with Gift Nifty down 24 points and European markets trading in red.
Top Gainers
Maruti Suzuki surged 8.5%, emerging as the biggest beneficiary of GST cuts.
Pfizer jumped 8% on strong buying interest.
Hero MotoCorp, Bajaj Finance, Ashok Leyland rallied 6–7%.
Nestle & Bajaj Auto gained 4–5%.
Top Losers
Godfrey Phillips fell 5% amid taxation concerns.
ITC slipped 1%.
Sun Pharma & L&T remained weak.
Top Losers
Godfrey Phillips fell 5% amid taxation concerns.
ITC slipped 1%.
Sun Pharma & L&T remained weak.
Weekly Performance (August 12–18, 2025)
Outperformers: Maruti (+12%), Apollo Hospitals (+10.5%), Hero MotoCorp.
Underperformers: PGEL (-10%), TCS, Tech Mahindra, ICICI Bank, ITC (-2%).
Technical Outlook
Nifty 50 closed above its 20, 50, 100, and 200 DMA, showing short-term support.
Strong resistance at 25,000 due to heavy call writing.
If the index fails to sustain, analysts expect a pullback towards 24,700.
Bank Nifty key support at 55,500.
Derivatives Data
Put-Call Ratio (PCR): 0.88 – indicates bearish undertone.
FII Activity: Net buyers worth ₹50 crore.
DII Activity: Net buyers worth ₹414 crore.
Stock-Specific Action
Maruti Suzuki
Auto major surged 8.5% on GST cuts, closing near day’s high. Analysts expect retracement support around ₹13,000.
Zagal Resorts
Posted robust guidance of 35–40% revenue growth. Stock corrected from ₹600 to ₹400, offering attractive valuations.
Insurance Sector
Despite opening strong, most insurance companies ended weak as GST cuts limit input tax credit benefits.
Engineers India (EIL)
Announced entry into the renewable energy segment with a ₹25 crore investment. Analysts see long-term opportunity near ₹250 zone.
Trent (Zudio & Westside)
Expanded with a new Y&Toast store in Surat. Stock faces resistance at 200-DMA.
Bharat Electronics (BEL)
Awarded project to build missile systems under Project Kush. Analysts maintain bullish stance with support at ₹320.
Avanti Feeds
Corrected 30% after US tariffs on seafood exports. Support seen at ₹650, with government negotiating alternative export routes.
Global Market Cues
US markets closed mixed on Friday.
European indices opened weak on Monday.
Analysts expect Indian equities to remain range-bound until clear global triggers emerge.
Expert View
According to market experts, the 25,000-mark on Nifty is a strong resistance zone. Unless the index breaks above this level decisively, short-term corrections cannot be ruled out.
“GST cuts have boosted auto and FMCG stocks, but for a sustainable rally, we need consistent FII inflows and strong global support,” analysts noted.
Conclusion
Indian markets started the week with optimism but closed with caution. Maruti Suzuki, Bajaj Finance, and Hero MotoCorp were among the top gainers, while Godfrey Phillips and ITC dragged. Going forward, traders should watch 24,700 support and 25,000 resistance on Nifty for market direction.
