Top 5 Short Term Stocks in India You Should Know
The following table highlights some of the most actively watched short term stocks in India based on their market capitalisation. These companies are among the largest in their respective sectors and often draw short-term interest due to liquidity, price movement, and market coverage.
Company
| Sector
| Last Price (₹)
| 1D % Change
| 52-Week High (₹)
| 52-Week Low (₹)
| Market Cap (₹ Cr)
|
HDFC Bank
| Bank - Private
| 1,806.60
| 2.33%
| 1,880.00
| 1,430.15
| 13,82,450.37
|
Bharti Airtel
| Telecommunication Services
| 1,757.30
| 2.42%
| 1,778.95
| 1,201.30
| 10,19,265.15
|
ICICI Bank
| Bank - Private
| 1,313.30
| 0.98%
| 1,372.50
| 1,048.35
| 9,35,384.61
|
SBI
| Bank - Public
| 754.05
| 1.62%
| 912.10
| 679.65
| 6,72,960.97
|
Bajaj Finance
| Finance - NBFC
| 8,926.70
| 2.29%
| 9,258.95
| 6,376.55
| 5,53,943.22
|
Source: MoneyControl
Overview of Short Term Stocks
This brief summary lists five major Indian stocks that are frequently tracked for short-term movements, organised by their total market capitalisation.
Company
| Market Cap (₹ Cr)
| Sector
|
HDFC Bank
| 13,82,450.37
| Bank - Private
|
Bharti Airtel
| 10,19,265.15
| Telecommunication Services
|
ICICI Bank
| 9,35,384.61
| Bank - Private
|
SBI
| 6,72,960.97
| Bank - Public
|
Bajaj Finance
| 5,53,943.22
| Finance - NBFC
|
Source: MoneyControl
HDFC Bank
HDFC Bank Ltd. is one of India’s largest private sector banks, offering a broad spectrum of financial services across wholesale, retail, and treasury segments. It is widely tracked due to its market leadership, consistent performance, and significant institutional participation. With robust fundamentals, it continues to be one of the highest market-cap banking stocks in India.
The following table details the key financial and performance metrics of HDFC Bank.
Metric
| Value
|
Market Cap
| ₹13,82,565 crore
|
TTM EPS
| ₹90.93 (+7.99% YoY)
|
TTM PE
| 19.87
|
P/B Ratio
| 2.89
|
ROE (%)
| 14.03
|
Net Interest Margin (NIM)
| 3.21%
|
1-Year Price Return
| 16.67%
|
Book Value Per Share
| ₹625.39
|
Dividend Yield
| 1.08%
|
Source: MoneyControl
Highlights:
One of India’s most stable and liquid banking stocks.
20-day average delivery at 48.82% suggests active trading interest.
Listed on all major indices including NIFTY 50 and SENSEX.
Bharti Airtel
Bharti Airtel Ltd. is a leading integrated telecom services provider with operations in India and Sri Lanka. Known for its aggressive network expansion and strategic partnerships, the stock is often in focus due to its market presence and investor interest in the telecom sector.
The following table details the key financial and performance metrics of Bharti Airtel.
Metric
| Value
|
Market Cap
| ₹10,18,859 crore
|
TTM EPS
| ₹42.42 (+229.51% YoY)
|
TTM PE
| 41.41
|
P/B Ratio
| 11.70
|
ROE (%)
| 7.39
|
Net Profit (Cr)
| ₹5,848
|
Net Sales (Cr)
| ₹1,49,982
|
1-Year Price Return
| 45.84%
|
Source: MoneyControl
Highlights:
Strong 1-year price performance driven by revenue and subscriber growth.
High PE and P/B indicate aggressive valuation.
20-day average delivery at 86.15% suggests strong investor conviction.
ICICI Bank
ICICI Bank Ltd. is India’s second-largest private sector bank, providing retail, corporate, and investment banking services. It stands out due to its strong financial metrics and consistent earnings visibility, often favoured for both short and long-term trading strategies.
The following table details the key financial and performance metrics of ICICI Bank.
Metric
| Value
|
Market Cap
| ₹9,34,209 crore
|
TTM EPS
| ₹70.56 (+9.56% YoY)
|
TTM PE
| 18.59
|
P/B Ratio
| 3.34
|
ROE (%)
| 17.49
|
Net Interest Margin (NIM)
| 3.61%
|
1-Year Price Return
| 18.23%
|
Book Value Per Share
| ₹393.27
|
Source: MoneyControl
Highlights:
Strong ROE and NIM indicate healthy core banking operations.
Trades at relatively moderate valuations compared to peers.
Among FII-favoured large-cap banking stocks.
SBI (State Bank of India)
SBI is India’s largest public sector bank and a key player in terms of balance sheet size and branch network. With significant government ownership and rural penetration, it remains crucial to India’s financial infrastructure.
The following table details the key financial and performance metrics of SBI.
Metric
| Value
|
Market Cap
| ₹6,72,782 crore
|
TTM EPS
| ₹88.91 (+16.38% YoY)
|
TTM PE
| 8.48
|
P/B Ratio
| 1.40
|
ROE (%)
| 17.31
|
Net Interest Margin (NIM)
| 2.66%
|
1-Year Price Return
| -3.23%
|
Book Value Per Share
| ₹538.75
|
Source: MoneyControl
Highlights:
Lowest PE among peers, indicating relatively cheaper valuation.
Despite recent underperformance, it remains a heavyweight in PSU banking.
Strong ROE supported by improving efficiency metrics.
Bajaj Finance
Bajaj Finance Ltd. is a prominent NBFC offering diversified retail lending solutions. It is known for high growth, innovation in consumer lending, and a broad product suite spanning across secured and unsecured loans.
The following table details the key financial and performance metrics of Bajaj Finance.
Metric
| Value
|
Market Cap
| ₹5,53,595 crore
|
TTM EPS
| ₹257.56 (+10.32% YoY)
|
TTM PE
| 34.64
|
P/B Ratio
| 6.38
|
ROE (%)
| 18.84
|
Debt-to-Equity Ratio
| 3.82
|
Net Profit (Cr)
| ₹14,443
|
Net Sales (Cr)
| ₹54,969
|
Source: MoneyControl
Highlights:
High ROE and consistent profit growth make it an NBFC sector leader.
Strong price momentum with 24.01% annual return.
High PE and P/B ratios reflect premium investor perception.
How To Invest In Short Term Stocks?
To invest in short-term stocks, follow these steps:
1. Open a Trading Account: Create a trading account and link it to a demat account to facilitate buying and selling of stocks.
2. Choose Stocks: Select stocks with high liquidity and potential for short-term gains, considering factors like market trends and company fundamentals.
3. Use Trading Tools: Utilize a brokerage calculator to assess trading costs and potential returns.
4. Monitor Market News: Stay updated with market news and trends to make informed decisions.
5. Manage Risks: Implement risk management strategies such as stop-loss orders and diversification to mitigate potential losses. Consider leveraging facilities like MTF for more effective position management. Be aware of upcoming events like an upcoming IPO, which can impact market dynamics.
Conclusion
In conclusion, investing in short-term stocks can be a strategic move for investors seeking quick returns and willing to manage higher risks. These stocks offer flexibility, liquidity, and potential for rapid gains, making them suitable for those who can actively monitor market trends and make informed decisions. To invest effectively, it's essential to use tools like a brokerage calculator to assess trading costs and leverage facilities like MTF for more effective position management. Additionally, engaging in intraday trading can help capitalize on short-term price movements. By diversifying investments across sectors and managing risks effectively, investors can enhance their portfolio performance and achieve their financial goals.
Other Popular Stocks in India
Several short term stocks beyond the market-cap leaders are gaining investor attention for their strong fundamentals, consistent volume, and sectoral tailwinds. Below are select names from diverse industries.
Sun Pharma: India’s top pharma exporter, with global specialty drug operations and a strong generics portfolio.
Maruti Suzuki: The go-to brand for compact and mid-size cars, benefiting from rising demand in tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
NTPC: Leading thermal and renewable power producer driving India's clean energy transition.
UltraTech Cement: Major cement manufacturer benefiting from strong infra and housing project pipelines.
Titan Company: A consumer lifestyle brand with dominance in watches, eyewear, and Tanishq jewellery.
JSW Steel: Integrated steel producer well-positioned amid rising demand from construction and auto sectors.
Nestle: Food and beverage leader with a robust product mix in dairy, nutrition, and instant foods.
These companies reflect sectoral strength and trading momentum, making them key names among those watched in the short term stock space.