As the new year commences, market expert Raja Venkatraman, co-founder of NeoTrader, has identified three specific stocks for investors to consider on Wednesday, 1 January 2026. His recommendations come on the back of a robust recovery in the Indian equity markets on the final trading day of 2025.
Market Recovers Strongly on Year-End Buying
The Indian stock market concluded 2025 on a powerful note, snapping a losing streak with significant gains. On Tuesday, 31 December, the benchmark indices witnessed a sharp rebound fueled by healthy cross-segment buying and short covering. Investors were optimistic that 2026 would bring better prospects, driven by anticipated corporate earnings growth, the potential for an India-US trade deal, and expectations of foreign investor inflows returning to Indian shores.
The S&P BSE Sensex surged by 668 points, or 0.79%, to close at 85,343.12. Meanwhile, the Nifty50 index advanced by 219 points, or 0.85%, settling at 26,158.20. The rally was broad-based, with the BSE Midcap and Smallcap indices also climbing nearly 1%. In a single session, investor wealth, measured by the total market capitalisation of BSE-listed firms, swelled by nearly ₹4 trillion to approximately ₹476 trillion.
Raja Venkatraman's Three Stock Recommendations
Against this buoyant backdrop, Raja Venkatraman has shared his exclusive stock picks for Wednesday's trading session. His analysis combines fundamental positioning with technical chart patterns to identify potential opportunities.
1. ICICIPRULI (ICICI Prudential Life Insurance)
Venkatraman suggests a multiday strategy for ICICIPRULI, recommending a buy if the stock moves above ₹670. He advises placing a stop loss at ₹650 and setting a target price of ₹715. The stock's last recorded market price was ₹668.25.
ICICI Prudential Life Insurance is a leading private life insurer in India, a joint venture between ICICI Bank and Prudential plc. The expert notes that after recent volatility, strong trended action is emerging which could lead to a rebound. Technical indicators on the intraday charts are providing robust support, suggesting a potential move higher. The stock currently trades at a P/E ratio of 73.67, with a 52-week high of ₹693.50.
2. 360ONE Wealth & Asset Management
For 360ONE, Venkatraman proposes another multiday trade. He recommends buying the stock above ₹1195, with a stop loss at ₹1155 and a target of ₹1265. The stock was trading around ₹1190.
360ONE Ltd is a major wealth and asset management firm catering to high-net-worth clients and institutions. Venkatraman observes a rounding formation on the charts, with demand visible at every decline, indicating the possibility of a sustained upward move. The steady buildup in momentum could push the stock to higher levels. It's important to note the stock's high valuation, with a P/E of 163.22 and a 52-week high of ₹1318.
3. Adani Energy Solutions (Intraday Pick)
This recommendation is for intraday traders. Venkatraman advises buying Adani Energy Solutions above ₹1030, with a tight stop loss at ₹1008 and a target of ₹1065. The stock's last traded price was ₹1027.35.
Adani Energy Solutions is India's largest private sector power transmission and distribution company. The expert points to a rounding formation on the daily charts, supported by the cloud region in technical analysis, which could bolster bullish sentiment. He notes that positive directional indicators on intraday charts are inching higher, suggesting nearby resistances may give way. The stock has a 52-week high of ₹1050 and a P/E of 199.30.
Market Outlook and Key Considerations
Venkatraman's outlook remains cautiously optimistic. He notes that the Nifty retained positive sentiment on the last day of 2025 despite some negative global cues, indicating an underlying positive bias. Short covering added volatility, but the market maintained a bullish tone. However, he cautions that the market is still attempting to stage a sustained upward run and may need time to stabilize.
A key resistance level for the Nifty is seen around 26,550, which aligns with a median line on technical charts and could pose a significant challenge. The expert advises investors to focus on stock-specific action rather than broader indices in the current environment, as clear synergy between the Nifty, Bank Nifty, and IT indices is lacking.
Investors are reminded that all investments in securities are subject to market risks. It is crucial to read all related documents carefully before investing. The views are those of the individual analyst, and investors should consult with certified experts before making any investment decisions.
