Stock Markets Prepare for Diwali Muhurat Trading Session with Strong Track Record

Market Timings And Setup

The Indian stock market is gearing up for the ceremonial Muhurat Trading session on 8 November 2026, following a strong rally over seven straight sessions. The special trading window will run from 2:20 PM to 3:30 PM. Ahead of the event, the Nifty 50 has reclaimed the 25,000 mark, backed by strong second-quarter earnings, healthy October auto sales, and firm Goods and Services Tax collections, alongside a spark from the US midterm election verdict.

Historical Track Record And Expert Views

Data from HDFC Sky shows that between 2006 and 2025, the Nifty 50 closed lower on just five occasions, while the Sensex dropped on only four. Sumeet Bagadia, Executive Director at Choice Broking, notes that the broader bias remains positive despite potential profit booking. Ganesh Dongre, AVP for Equity Research at Anand Rathi, adds that buying typically surges early in the session before profit booking sets in near the close. In the commodity segment, the Multi Commodity Exchange will also host a special Muhurat session with pre-opening procedures beginning at 2:05 PM.

Stock Picks And Recommendations

Choice Broking has recommended three sub-100 rupee stocks for the Diwali session. Suzlon Energy is recommended for purchase at 38.80 rupees with a target of 43 rupees and a stop-loss of 36.50 rupees. NHPC has a buy level of 82.08 rupees, a target of 90 rupees, and a stop-loss of 77.50 rupees. South Indian Bank is pegged at a buy price of 57.75 rupees with a target of 63.50 rupees and a stop-loss of 54.50 rupees.

Context

Diwali Muhurat Trading is a long-standing symbolic ritual in the Indian financial calendar that marks the beginning of the Hindu calendar year, known as Samvat. While trading activity during this brief hour is largely ceremonial, it is traditionally viewed by retail investors as an auspicious time to make new investments.