Amid a challenging market environment, investment expert Raja Venkatraman has identified three specific stocks for traders to consider on Friday, 19 December 2025. The co-founder of NeoTrader shared his exclusive picks and technical analysis to help investors navigate the current volatility.
Market Context: A Prolonged Downturn
Indian equity markets extended their decline for the fourth consecutive session on Thursday, 18 December 2025. The benchmark Sensex dropped 77.84 points to close at 84,481.81, while the Nifty 50 ended marginally lower at 25,815.55, down by 3 points. This weakness mirrored a broader sell-off in Asian markets, influenced by overnight losses on Wall Street, particularly in technology and AI-related stocks.
Domestically, auto stocks faced significant selling pressure, declining up to 2% as investors locked in profits. However, select financial and metal stocks like Shriram Finance, SBI, and Hindalco provided some support to the indices. Analysts attribute the cautious sentiment to year-end positioning and global interest rate expectations.
Technical Outlook and Trading Strategy
From a chart perspective, the market is currently in a consolidation phase with a trading-oriented trend. On hourly charts, a combination of a gap area and the 61.8% Fibonacci support trendline helped prices move above the cloud region last Friday, suggesting a potential rally is in progress. Momentum indicators show selling pressure is receding, but the trend lacks strong directional conviction.
For the Nifty, a move below the 25,700 level could trigger a drop towards 25,500, where the next set of supports lie. The Put-Call Ratio (PCR) standing at 0.81 indicates the market is at a crucial juncture, with call writing at the 25,900 level capping upside moves. Given the ranging nature of the market, quick profit-taking is advised.
Raja Venkatraman's Three Stock Recommendations
Here are the detailed stock picks from the NeoTrader co-founder for 19 December, complete with entry points, stop-loss levels, and targets.
1. VOLTAS: A Multiday Opportunity
Recommendation: Buy above ₹1402, with a stop loss at ₹1370 and a target price of ₹1480. This is a multiday trade.
Rationale: Voltas Limited, a Tata Group multinational, is engaged in consumer durables and engineering projects. The stock has been climbing steadily with consistent buying interest. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is firming up, and a move above the cloud on the charts highlights the potential for further upside in the coming days.
Key Metrics: The stock's P/E ratio is 27.47, and its 52-week high is ₹1859.65. Technical analysis suggests support at ₹1300 and resistance at ₹1450. Investors should be mindful of risks including competitive pricing pressure and potential overruns in its engineering projects.
2. SYNGENE: An Intraday Play
Recommendation: Buy above ₹658, with a tight stop loss at ₹650 and a target of ₹669. This is an intraday trade.
Rationale: Syngene International Ltd. is a leading contract research and manufacturing organization (CRDMO). After a sharp decline, the stock has reached a zone of valuation support and is showing signs of a rebound. The RSI is inching higher, and prices moving out of the cloud on daily charts suggest a strong possibility of an upward move.
Key Metrics: The stock commands a P/E of 60.85, with a 52-week high of ₹895.85. Key risks include high customer concentration, intense competition in the contract research space, and regulatory changes.
3. ICICIPRULI: Bullish Sentiment Revival
Recommendation: Buy above ₹647, with a stop loss at ₹637 and a target of ₹661. This is an intraday trade.
Rationale: ICICI Prudential Life Insurance is a major player in the Indian life insurance sector. A strong long-bodied bullish candle observed recently has ignited bullish sentiment. The RSI has taken support at the neutral zone and is rising, indicating potential for more upside. A dip into the cloud region followed by a rebound augurs well for a revival.
Key Metrics: The stock's P/E ratio is 71.22, and its 52-week high is ₹693. Investors should consider risks such as investment risk borne by policyholders and fierce market competition.
Disclaimer: Raja Venkatraman is the co-founder of NeoTrader (SEBI Research Analyst Registration No. INH000016223). Investments in securities are subject to market risks. The views and recommendations are those of the individual analyst and do not represent the views of Mint. Investors are advised to consult certified experts before making any investment decisions.
