Gold price prediction today: Gold prices are expected to move towards consolidation in the coming days as well, says Manav Modi, Senior Analyst, Commodity Research at Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd.
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:
The Sensex tumbled over 1,000 points to slip below the 74,300 mark, while the Nifty 50 dropped more than 300 points to trade under 23,350. The steep decline erased nearly Rs 7 lakh crore from the total market capitalisation of BSE-listed companies, reducing it to around Rs 454 lakh crore.
Gold prices dropped to over a month’s low as rising oil prices and Middle East tensions fueled investor anxiety, pushing them away from the safe-haven asset. Higher energy costs are also raising inflation concerns, increasing the likelihood of prolonged elevated interest rates from the US Federal Reserve.
The Indian rupee hit an all-time low against the US dollar, falling to 96.1650 amid escalating Middle East conflict and rising oil prices. This depreciation intensifies concerns over India’s macroeconomic outlook, with authorities implementing measures to curb the decline and stabilize the currency.
Stock market recommendations: Motilal Oswal Wealth Management Research Desk recommends picking up Syrma SGS, and Max Financials as the top stocks for the trading week starting May 18, 2026:
Jefferies raised Bharti Airtel’s target price to Rs 2,350 on strong Q4FY26 performance, while JP Morgan upgraded Cipla to overweight citing improved earnings visibility and attractive valuations. Morgan Stanley maintained an underweight rating on Dixon Technologies due to revenue and EBITDA misses, and HDFC Securities upgraded Hyundai Motor India to add, noting management’s renewed focus
