Market analysts expect select banking and metal stocks to remain in focus this week, with Shrikant Chouhan of Kotak Securities recommending ICICI Bank and Gravita India as top ‘buy’ calls for investors seeking medium-term opportunities.
ICICI Bank — BUY
- Current Market Price (CMP): ₹1,390
- Target / Fair Value (FV): ₹1,800
- Resistance levels: ₹1,445 / ₹1,550
- Support levels: ₹1,370 / ₹1,320
According to Chouhan, ICICI Bank continues to demonstrate strong financial and operational performance, supported by a diversified loan book and a rapidly expanding business banking portfolio. The analyst highlighted that the bank’s pan-India presence and robust international operations reinforce its competitive positioning in the private banking space.
As of Q2FY26, the lender’s total advances stood at ₹14.1 trillion, with domestic loans growing 10.6% year-on-year. Retail remains the largest growth driver, accounting for 52% of the total loan book, while business banking has delivered a sharp 25% YoY expansion.
The bank continues to keep its unsecured lending exposure under control — credit cards and personal loans comprise just 13% of total advances, minimizing credit risk in the event of market volatility.
Analysts believe that the controlled risk profile, balance-sheet strength and consistent retail loan demand make ICICI Bank a strong candidate for portfolio accumulation in current market conditions.
Broader Market Trend
With volatility persisting across global markets, analysts expect investors to shift toward large-cap financials and selective high-growth companies. Banking stocks are likely to remain in focus as the sector benefits from:
- steady retail credit demand,
- improving asset quality trends, and
- expectations of stable interest-rate environment.
Investment Outlook
According to Kotak Securities, ICICI Bank remains a structurally strong compounder, and a breakout above ₹1,445 could accelerate a move toward ₹1,550, followed by ₹1,800 in the medium term. On the downside, ₹1,370 and ₹1,320 remain key support levels to watch.