Get Free Demat Account*
Open Your Free Demat Account
Enjoy low brokerage on delivery trades
By Dalal Street Investment Journal (DSIJ)
Nifty traded around the 24,000 maximum pain level ahead of the July series expiry, with the PCR improving to 1.15, indicating stronger Put side positioning. Put writers continued to defend the 24,000 level, while the highest Call open interest at 24,100 capped the upside. A sustained move above 24,100 could trigger short covering towards 24,150–24,200, whereas a break below 24,000 may expose the index to the 23,950–23,900 zone.
The Nifty 50 began the July monthly expiry session above the 24,000 mark and touched an intraday high of 24,041.15. The index has since traded in a narrow range, reflecting the cautious price action typically seen ahead of a monthly expiry.
As of 11:20 AM on July 28, 2026, the Nifty 50 was trading at 24,017.65, up 21.70 points, or 0.09%. The index opened at 23,971.25 and touched an intraday low of 23,961.95. Trading close to the 24,000 maximum pain level, the index remained range-bound as derivatives positioning continued to build ahead of the expiry.
The Put-Call Ratio (PCR) stands at 1.15, while the maximum pain level is placed at 24,000. The rise in PCR reflects stronger Put side positioning, suggesting that traders continue to build support at lower levels ahead of the monthly expiry.
On the Call side, fresh open interest has accumulated at the 24,000 and 24,100 strikes, with the 24,100 strike holding the highest Call open interest, followed by the 24,000 strike.
This makes the 24,100 level the immediate resistance for today's expiry session. The index attempted to move higher during the morning session but failed to sustain above 24,041.15. A decisive move above 24,100 could trigger short covering and accelerate the move towards 24,150–24,200.
On the Put side, meaningful open interest addition has been seen at the 24,000 strike, with additional support emerging at 23,950. The 24,000 strike continues to hold the highest Put open interest, making it the key support level for today's monthly expiry.
As long as the Nifty holds above 24,000, Put writers are likely to continue defending the downside. However, a break below the intraday low of 23,961.95 could weaken the structure and expose the index to 23,950. If Put unwinding gathers pace below this level, the decline could extend towards the 23,900 zone.
All eyes are now on the July monthly expiry. The index is currently trading around the 24,000 maximum pain level, with strong Put positioning supporting the downside and the 24,100 Call strike emerging as the immediate hurdle for buyers.
Volatility is expected to remain elevated during the second half of the session as traders adjust positions ahead of expiry. A sustained move above 24,100 could trigger fresh short covering and pave the way towards 24,150–24,200. On the other hand, a break below 24,000 may weaken the intraday structure and expose the index to 23,950–23,900 before the close.
Source: Dalal Street Investment Journal (DSIJ), Opstra
SEBI Registered Research Analyst (INH000006396).
Founded in 1986, Dalal Street Investment Journal (DSIJ) brings decades of experience in India’s equity markets. DSIJ's research combines fundamental analysis with price action, guided by disciplined risk management and capital preservation. They follow a structured, data-driven approach designed to help investors and traders make informed decisions beyond short-term market noise.
Disclaimer :
Investments in securities market are subject to market risk, read all related documents carefully before investing. This content is for educational purposes only. Securities quoted are exemplary and not recommendatory.
The information on this website is provided on "AS IS" basis. Bajaj Broking (BFSL) does not warrant the accuracy of the information given herein, either expressly or impliedly, for any particular purpose and expressly disclaims any warranties of merchantability or suitability for any particular purpose. While BFSL strives to ensure accuracy, it does not guarantee the completeness, reliability, or timeliness of the information. Users are advised to independently verify details and stay updated with any changes.
The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and is subject to change without prior notice. BFSL shall not be responsible for any consequences arising from reliance on the information provided herein and shall not be held responsible for all or any actions that may subsequently result in any loss, damage and/or liability. Interest rates, fees, and charges etc., are revised from time to time, for the latest details please refer to our Pricing page.
Neither the information, nor any opinion contained in this website constitutes a solicitation or offer by BFSL or its affiliates to buy or sell any securities, futures, options or other financial instruments or provide any investment advice or service.
BFSL is acting as distributor for non-broking products/ services such as IPO, Mutual Fund, Insurance, PMS, and NPS. These are not Exchange Traded Products. For more details on risk factors, terms and conditions please read the sales brochure carefully before investing.
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.
For more disclaimer, check here : https://www.bajajbroking.in/disclaimer
Level up your stock market experience: Scan the QR to download the Bajaj Broking App for effortless investing and trading