Week Ahead: NIFTY Set For A Positive Start; However, These Levels Define A Broader Range For The Markets

The markets traded in a relatively narrow range through the week, exhibiting a mildly consolidative bias with a slight upward tilt, and eventually closed on a positive note. The index oscillated within a defined band of 587.85 points, reflecting a lack of strong directional conviction. Volatility edged higher; the India VIX declined by 6.35% to 18.46, indicating some decline in hedging activity despite the range-bound move. The Nifty ended the week with a modest gain of 99.60 points (+0.42%).