F&O Outlook: Short covering at lower levels

The Nifty July futures closed at 4075 after trading at an average price of 3928. Bloomberg data shows that over two thirds of the trading in Nifty futures took place at 3866, while the remaining trades were executed at an average price of 4002.

The top traded stock futures, including Reliance Industries, DLF, Larsen & Toubro and Tata Steel, witnessed short covering. Reliance Industries July futures closed at Rs 2158, while the average trading price was Rs 2067.

Two thirds of the trading took place at an average price of Rs 2046 and the remaining transactions were carried out at Rs 2127. Short covering emerged only at lower levels, while bulls were hesitant to go long at higher levels.

The Nifty July futures registered trading volumes of Rs 19,800 crore, while the open interest declined by two million shares, signalling the unwinding of long positions.

Siddarth Bhamre of Angel Broking expects the markets to open strong on the back of positive global cues. However, the pullback may end around 4250-4300 with the initiation of fresh short positions.

The Nifty PCR moved above one due to Put buying at the 3800 level and Call unwinding at the strike prices of 4100, 4200 and 4300. Derivative players expect the Nifty to test 4300 in this pullback.