Stock market recommendations: Bharti Airtel, and Kirloskar Oil Engines are the top stocks that Sudeep Shah, Head – Technical Research and Derivatives, SBI Securities recommends buying for this week (starting May 18, 2026). The analyst also shares his views on Nifty and Bank Nifty:Nifty ViewAfter trading within a tight range for multiple sessions, the benchmark index Nifty finally witnessed a decisive breakdown from its consolidation phase last week, indicating a continuation of the underlying weakness. The index declined sharply and touched a low of 23262 before witnessing a mild pullback from lower levels. Despite this recovery attempt, Nifty ended the week with a loss of over 2% and formed a bearish candle with a prominent lower shadow on the weekly chart, reflecting some buying interest at lower levels. The decline was largely led by heavyweight sectors such as Nifty IT and Bank Nifty.As anticipated, the broader market also experienced a breather following its strong rally over the past few weeks. The pressure was more pronounced in the Nifty Smallcap 100 index, which had been a key outperformer in recent sessions. During the week, the index corrected by more than 4% and formed a sizeable bearish candle on the weekly chart, indicating profit-booking at elevated levels and a temporary pause in the broader market momentum.Focusing back on Nifty, the index continues to trade below its key moving averages, suggesting that the short-term trend remains under pressure. However, momentum indicators offer a slightly contrasting view. The daily RSI has taken support near the 40 mark and rebounded from lower levels. It is currently oscillating within the 40–60 range, which, in line with the RSI range shift concept, reflects a phase of consolidation rather than a strong directional trend. This highlights the lack of clear momentum and suggests that the index may continue to move in a range-bound manner over the next few sessions.From a momentum standpoint, the 40 level on the daily RSI remains a critical threshold. A decisive breakdown below this level could further weaken market sentiment and potentially trigger a fresh leg of bearish momentum in the near term.In terms of key levels, the 23300–23250 zone is likely to act as immediate support. A sustained breach below 23250 could accelerate selling pressure and drag the index towards 23000, followed by 22800 in the short term. On the upside, the 20-day EMA zone near 23850–23900 is expected to act as a strong resistance, and only a decisive move above this range may signal a revival in bullish sentiment.Bank Nifty ViewOver the recent weeks, the banking benchmark index Bank Nifty has continued to lag the broader frontline indices, indicating persistent relative weakness. In the past week, the index declined by nearly 3% and formed a strong bearish candle on the chart, reflecting sustained selling pressure across the segment.Currently, the index remains well below its key moving averages, which are trending downward and reinforcing the negative short-term outlook. However, momentum indicators are displaying a neutral to sideways bias, suggesting the absence of a clear directional move in the immediate term.Looking ahead, the 53200–53000 zone is likely to act as a critical support area. A decisive breach below 53000 could accelerate downside momentum, pushing the index towards 52400, followed by 51800 in the short term. On the upside, the 54400–54500 zone is expected to act as a strong resistance, and only a sustained move above this band could indicate the possibility of a meaningful pullback.Stock recommendationsBharti AirtelBHARTIARTL has given a downward sloping trendline breakout on the daily chart by decisively, signaling a potential trend reversal. The breakout is backed by a notable surge in trading volumes, reflecting strong buying interest at higher levels. Adding to the bullish setup, the stock has also confirmed a double bottom neckline breakout, strengthening the possibility of sustained upside momentum. Momentum indicators remain supportive, with the RSI trending higher and indicating growing strength. Moreover, the DI+ crossing above DI- on the ADX indicator highlights that buyers have gained control, which could pave the way for further upward movement in the near term. Hence, we recommend to accumulate the stock in the zone of 1900-1910 with a stoploss of 1845. On the upside, it is likely to test the level of 2040 in the short term.Kirloskar Oil EnginesKIRLOSENG continues to exhibit a strong bullish structure after delivering a breakout above the previous swing high of 1530 recorded on 6th March. Following the breakout on 15th April, the stock witnessed a healthy throwback towards the breakout zone, which successfully acted as a support and triggered a sharp rebound, highlighting strong buying interest at lower levels. Momentum indicators have also turned favourable, with the RSI recovering from the 45 zone and moving above 60 on the daily chart, indicating renewed bullish momentum. Additionally, the 50-day EMA has consistently acted as a dynamic support since February 2026. Sustained follow-through buying from current levels could further strengthen the upward trajectory in the stock. Hence, we recommend to accumulate the stock in the zone of 1735-1745 with a stoploss of 1685. On the upside, it is likely to test the level of 1860 in the short term.(Disclaimer: Recommendations and views on the stock market, other asset classes or personal finance management tips given by experts are their own. These opinions do not represent the views of The Times of India.)
