Stock Market Outlook Today, 18 June 2026: Sensex, Nifty Likely to Trade With Positive Bias After Fed Decision

Indian equity markets are expected to remain driven by the U.S. Federal Reserve's latest policy outcome and comments from Chair Kevin Warsh, as investors assess the central bank's interest rate stance and future policy trajectory. Domestically, easing geopolitical concerns, Brent crude oil prices remaining below $80 per barrel and improving market sentiment are likely to continue supporting equities.

Stock Market Outlook Today, 18 June 2026: Sensex, Nifty Prediction After Fed Decision Under Kevin Warsh

The Indian benchmark indices ended Wednesday's session with gains after opening on a firm note and extending their rally in early trade. However, some profit booking at higher levels led to consolidation during the latter half of the session. Despite the subdued intraday movement, the indices managed to close in positive territory amid softer crude prices and the absence of any fresh escalation in West Asia tensions.

"Indian equities are expected to continue their gradual upmove as geopolitical concerns ease and expectations build around a potential agreement to end the West Asia conflict," said Siddhartha Khemka - Head of Research, Wealth Management, Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd.

Nifty Prediction Today, 18 June 2026: Will Nifty 50 Sustain Above 24,000 and Move Towards 24,600?

According to Bajaj Broking Research, Nifty extended its gains for the fourth consecutive session and formed a bullish candlestick pattern with a higher high and a higher low. The index also closed decisively above the key psychological level of 24,000.

The brokerage noted that Nifty tested the upper band of the two-month falling channel during Wednesday's trade, which also coincides with the previous swing high of May 26 placed around the 24,100 mark.

"Going ahead, a follow through move and a close above 24,100 will infuse further momentum and open upside towards 24,600 levels in the coming weeks. However, failure to close above 24,100 will lead to some consolidation in the range of 23,600-24,100 in the coming sessions," said the brokerage.

The brokerage remains constructive on the broader market structure and believes declines should be utilised to accumulate quality stocks in a staggered manner.

"We expect the index to eventually breakout above the 24,100 levels and gradually head towards 24,600 levels. Immediate support in Nifty is placed at 23,900-23,800 levels, while key short-term support is revised higher towards 23,500-23,600 levels."

Bank Nifty Outlook for Thursday: Index Consolidates After Sharp Rally; 58,300-59,000 Levels in Focus

Bank Nifty formed a bullish candlestick pattern and continued to consolidate within Monday's price range, indicating stock-specific action after a strong rally in recent sessions. PSU banking stocks remained in focus, with the Nifty PSU Bank Index ending Wednesday's session higher by more than 1.5%.

After a sharp rally of around 4,800 points in the previous 10 sessions, Bank Nifty has been witnessing a healthy consolidation over the last three sessions. The 20-day EMA has generated a bullish crossover above the 50-day EMA, further strengthening the positive bias in the index.

"We expect the index to head towards 58,300 and 59,000 levels in the coming weeks being the measuring implication of the recent four-week range breakout (52,700-55,500). Index sustaining above 55,500-56,000, will keep the short-term bias positive and any dips should be viewed as buying opportunities. Only a decisive breach below the 55,500-support level would negate the positive outlook," said Bajaj Broking Research.

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