Stocks To Buy Today, Dec 22: Top 2 Picks By Riyank Arora of Mehta Equities For Profitable Trading On Monday

The Nifty fell 0.31% to 25,966 and the Sensex fell 0.40% to 84,929 as markets wrapped up the previous week with slight losses, suggesting a period of stability following recent volatility. Global cues, currency movement, and macro data all influenced the direction of the market over the week.

Due to the Christmas break, the Indian stock market will be shortened this week. Investors are likely to keep an eye on infrastructure output data, currency movement, potential trade deal uncertainty between the US and India, FPI trade, and comments made by global central banks regarding the direction of policy in 2026.

Nifty Outlook Today

"The Nifty staged a measured recovery toward the end of the week; however, the near-term structure continues to appear fragile. The broader setup remains vulnerable amid the ongoing lower-high pattern, with sellers maintaining a strong presence in the 26,100-26,200 resistance corridor. On the downside, the 25,800-25,700 band has emerged as a critical demand zone and will be instrumental in sustaining short-term stability," said Dhupesh Dhameja, Derivatives Research Analyst, SAMCO Securities.

"The concentration of both call and put writing around at-the-money strikes, coupled with aggressive positioning by market participants, underscores the tightly bound nature of the current range. A decisive and sustained move above 26,100 could revive bullish momentum and open the door for an advance toward the 26,350 region. Conversely, a breakdown below 25,900 may undermine the broader structure, invite fresh selling pressure, and drag the index toward the 25,700 level, thereby extending the ongoing consolidation phase," he further added.

Bank Nifty Outlook Today

"Nifty Bank continues to encounter selling pressure on every rebound, keeping the near-term structure fragile. The broader setup remains vulnerable amid the ongoing lower-high formation, with sellers actively defending the 59,500-59,700 supply band. On the downside, the 58,700-58,600 zone has emerged as a crucial demand pocket and will be vital in preserving short-term stability," stated Dhupesh Dhameja.

"The clustering of call writing near at-the-money strikes, coupled with the partial shift of put writing toward lower levels, further reinforces the prevailing range-bound bias. A decisive and sustained move above 59,700 could revive bullish momentum and open the path toward the 60,100 mark. Conversely, a breakdown below 58,600 may weaken the overall structure, invite fresh selling pressure, and drag the index toward the 58,000 level, thereby extending the ongoing consolidation phase," the analyst further claimed.

Stocks To Buy Today

On Monday, December 22, technical analyst Riyank Arora of Mehta Equities Ltd. recommended buying two stocks after the India VIX approached a record low of 9.52, indicating muted volatility expectations and lowering the likelihood of significant short-term movements.

PNB Housing Finance

Buy | CMP: Rs 925.65 | SL: Rs 890 | Target: Rs 960 / Rs 990

PNB Housing Finance is maintaining a strong upward structure after a healthy consolidation phase. The stock is holding firmly above its support near ₹890, indicating sustained buying interest. Momentum indicators remain supportive, and RSI continues to trend upward. A sustained move above ₹935 can open the path toward ₹960 and ₹990. Traders can consider fresh longs with a stop-loss at ₹890.

Laurus Labs

Buy | CMP: Rs 1,045.20 | SL: Rs 1,000 | Target: Rs 1,095 / Rs 1,130

Laurus Labs is showing signs of trend revival after reclaiming its short-term moving averages. The stock has formed a stable base near ₹1,000, and buying interest is visible at lower levels. RSI is improving, suggesting strengthening momentum. A breakout above ₹1,055 may push the stock toward ₹1,095 and ₹1,130. Keep SL placed at ₹1,000.

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