Nifty Outlook: Which Stocks & Sectors Can Outperform? Axis Bank, ICICI Bank, Defence & More

Nifty is facing pressure as heavyweight counters such as HDFC Bank, Reliance Industries and large-cap I.T. stocks remain weak. In this market, the focus is shifting from a top-down strategy to a bottom-up approach, with selective mid-cap and small-cap stocks showing stronger momentum. Chandan Taparia, Head Derivatives & Technical, Wealth Management, Motilal Oswal Financial Services, explains which stocks and sectors could lead the next phase. Axis Bank and ICICI Bank remain key private banking picks, while capital-market plays, defence, selective auto and capital goods stocks could outperform. The outlook remains focused on stock-specific strength and alpha generation.