Nifty F&O Expiry: Options Data Shows Strong Short Covering

 

By Dalal Street Investment Journal (DSIJ)
 

Summary:


Nifty extended its recovery during the afternoon session, rising to 23,479 after rebounding nearly 270 points from the day's low of 23,229. Falling India VIX at 15.73 and an improved PCR of 1.29 indicate strengthening market sentiment and ongoing short covering. Option data highlights strong support at 23,300 and immediate resistance at 23,500. A decisive move above 23,500 could trigger further upside momentum.

Updated as of 1:30 PM IST

Nifty Extends Recovery Above 23,450; Falling VIX and Short Covering Strengthen Bullish Undertone

The Nifty50 index continued its recovery from the morning lows and strengthened further during the afternoon session. After opening with a gap-down and slipping to an intraday low of 23,229.15, the benchmark index witnessed aggressive buying and short-covering activity, pushing it steadily higher through the day. The index climbed nearly 270 points from the day's low and touched an intraday high of 23,499.25.

As of 1:15 PM, Nifty was trading around 23,479, up 0.39% for the session. The sharp rebound from lower levels indicates that traders are unwinding bearish positions after the recent decline. The move has now helped the index reclaim the 23,400 zone, which is emerging as an important near-term support area.

Supporting the positive sentiment is the continued decline in India VIX. The volatility gauge slipped another 4.91% to 15.73, reflecting easing nervousness among market participants. A declining VIX alongside a rising market generally signals improving confidence and often fuels further short-covering rallies. 

Option Data Signals Strength Around 23,300

The Put-Call Ratio (PCR) has improved significantly to 1.29, indicating a stronger presence of Put open interest relative to Calls. The rise in PCR suggests that traders are becoming increasingly comfortable writing Puts at lower levels, reinforcing the market's constructive undertone.

The Max Pain level currently stands at 23,400, very close to the prevailing trading range. This suggests that Nifty may continue to consolidate around this zone unless fresh triggers emerge during the latter half of the session.

On the Put side, the 23,300 strike has witnessed the highest addition of open interest, with 4.68 lakh contracts added. This makes 23,300 the most crucial support level for the ongoing session. On the Call side, the 23,500 strike has attracted the highest addition of open interest, with 2.03 lakh contracts added, making it the immediate resistance zone. 

Intraday View

Overall, Nifty's recovery from 23,229, a sharp decline in India VIX, and a notable improvement in PCR indicate that bulls have regained control in the short term. The 23,300 level remains a strong support zone, while 23,500 is the immediate hurdle. A sustained move above 23,500 could trigger fresh short covering and extend the rally towards higher levels, while a break below 23,300 may once again invite selling pressure.

Updated as of 11:30 AM IST

Nifty Recovers From Gap-Down Opening; Short Covering Lifts Index Above 23,300

The Nifty50 index witnessed a volatile start to the session as it opened with a gap-down near 23,229.15 amid cautious global cues. However, the weakness failed to sustain for long as buying emerged at lower levels, triggering a sharp recovery in the benchmark index. The index rebounded nearly 147 points from the day's low and touched an intraday high of 23,375.95.

As of 11:19 AM, Nifty was trading around 23,305, up 0.26% for the day. The recovery from lower levels suggests that traders are booking profits in short positions after the recent bout of aggressive selling. The ongoing move appears to be driven largely by short covering rather than fresh long additions, helping the index reclaim the crucial 23,300 mark.

Adding to the positive sentiment, India VIX declined 3.46% to 15.97. The moderation in volatility indicates easing fear among market participants and reflects expectations of a relatively stable trading environment in the near term. A lower VIX often supports short-covering rallies, especially when the market is attempting to stabilize after an extended decline.

Option Data Signals Strong Support Near 23,200

The Put-Call Ratio (PCR) currently stands at 0.85, suggesting that call open interest continues to dominate the options landscape. While the reading remains below 1, the intraday recovery indicates that bearish momentum is losing some steam as traders unwind short positions.

The Max Pain level is placed at 23,300, almost in line with the current trading zone. This suggests that Nifty may continue to oscillate around this level unless a strong directional trigger emerges during the latter half of the session.

On the Put side, the 23,200 strike has witnessed the highest addition of open interest, with 4.20 lakh contracts added. This makes the 23,200 level an important support zone for the index. On the Call side, the 23,350 strike has seen the highest open interest addition of 3.89 lakh contracts, making it the immediate resistance level.

Intraday View

Overall, Nifty's strong recovery from the 23,229 low, coupled with a decline in India VIX and evident short covering, indicates improving market sentiment. The 23,200 zone remains a crucial support area, while 23,350–23,400 may act as an immediate hurdle. A sustained move above 23,350 could trigger further short covering towards higher levels, whereas a break below 23,200 may revive selling pressure.

Source: Dalal Street Investment Journal (DSIJ), Opstra, as of 1:30 PM

Published Date : 02 Jun 2026

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Content Partner - Dalal Street Investment Journal Wealth Advisory Private Limited



This article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. Market investments are subject to risks. DSIJ Wealth Advisory Private Limited is a SEBI-registered Research Analyst (Reg. No: INH000006396) and Investment Adviser (Reg. No: INA000001142). Please consult your financial adviser before investing. 

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