Sat Nov 02 00:54:28 UTC 2024: ## Indian Stock Market Gears Up for Muhurat Trading Session, Marking the Start of Hindu New Year

**MUMBAI, INDIA -** The Indian stock market is set to open for a special one-hour “Muhurat Trading” session today, November 1st, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. This event marks the beginning of Samvat 2081, the Hindu New Year, and is traditionally seen as an auspicious time for investors to make token investments.

The pre-opening session will commence at 5:45 PM, and all intraday positions will be automatically squared off 15 minutes before the session concludes. Investors are advised to plan their trades carefully, considering this unique market dynamic.

Muhurat trading is more than just a market session; it’s a deeply ingrained tradition where investors make symbolic investments to seek the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. As Trivesh D, COO of Tradejini, explains, “It’s more about tradition than profits. Many simply buy a few shares to mark the occasion, focusing on sentiment over immediate returns.”

The past year has been a period of remarkable growth for Indian markets, with the Nifty index delivering an impressive 25% return. The economy expanded at a robust 8.2% in FY 2023-24, while inflation remained under control at 5.4%. This performance reflects India’s growing prominence in sectors such as smartphone manufacturing, aerospace, semiconductor production, electric vehicles, and artificial intelligence, solidifying its position as a global manufacturing and technology hub.

Market experts anticipate continued optimism, projecting that markets could reach 28,400 by Diwali 2025, fueled by strong domestic demand and India’s burgeoning manufacturing sector. However, recent market corrections of 6.2% in October and significant foreign investor selling amounting to Rs 113,858 crores warrant cautious investment planning.

Amit Goel, Group CEO of MarketsMojo, advises a dual approach to investment strategies:

* **Long-term investors:** Focus on sectors with long-term relevance, such as technology, healthcare, renewable energy, and infrastructure.
* **Short-term investors:** Consider consumer goods and consumer durables, which are likely to perform well during and after the festive season.

Several stocks have garnered attention from experts for this Muhurat Trading session. Centrum Broking recommends Macrotech Developers, TCS, Trent, and Jyoti Resins and Adhesive. Religare Broking suggests PTC India, BHEL, and NHPC. HDFC Securities recommends Axis Bank, Karur Vysya Bank, and Stylam Industries.

Investors also have the opportunity to diversify their portfolios by considering precious metals. Analysts recommend GoldBees ETF and SilverBees ETF, citing their potential for growth.

While the festive spirit of Muhurat trading is significant, it’s crucial to uphold sound investment principles. This occasion presents a valuable opportunity to begin or enhance long-term portfolios, maintaining a balanced approach across various sectors and investment types. Allocating some funds to precious metals can act as a safety net against market volatility.

Although markets may face short-term fluctuations, India’s long-term growth story remains intact. Dr. V K Vijayakumar of Geojit Financial Services encourages investors to focus on stocks with strong Q2 results and bright earnings visibility.

**Disclaimer:** The views expressed by experts and brokerages in this article are their own and do not reflect the views of the India Today Group. It is advisable to consult a qualified broker or financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Read More