SIP assets more than tripled over five years, rising from Rs 4.25 lakh crore in March 2021 to Rs 14.83 lakh crore in March 2026. Read full report here

Gaurav Udani, Founder - Thincredblu 

Nifty is expected to open lower around 24,150, down nearly 60 points, indicating a cautious start amid recent market volatility.

With monthly expiry today, traders should be prepared for sharp swings and higher intraday volatility, particularly around key technical and option-positioning levels.

Technically, 24,000-24,100 remains the immediate support zone, while 24,300-24,400 will act as the key resistance range. A sustained break below support could increase selling pressure, while a move above resistance could bring fresh buying.

Given the expiry setup, traders should be cautious and avoid aggressive positions, especially during the opening volatility. A disciplined, level-based approach with strict risk management remains advisable.

India's organised burger Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) segment is entering its next phase of expansion, with leading brands increasingly moving beyond established metropolitan markets and  deepening their presence across Tier II and Tier III India, according to QSR Watch - Edition II, the latest report  released by Kennis Ventures Private Limited. 
 
The report, which tracks the physical retail footprint of ndia's top 10 organised burger chains, finds that their combined store network has increased from 1,481 outlets in 2023 to 2,018 outlets as of March 2026, representing a 10.9% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the period. According to industry estimates referenced in the study, India's QSR industry is valued at approximately $30 billion in 2026, with the organised burger segment estimated at over $5 billion, reflecting a category that is growing both in scale and competitive intensity. 

Harish Vatnani, Head of Trade, ZebPay

Ethereum has experienced a strong bullish breakout over the past few weeks, recovering sharply from the $1,550-$1,600 demand zone and subsequently breaking above the $1,850 resistance area. The recent price action has also resulted in a decisive breakout from the broader descending trendline that had been limiting upside momentum since the April-May highs. 

At the time of writing, ETH is trading around $2,513, after reaching above the $2,500 level. The market has shifted from the previous consolidation phase into a strong bullish expansion, with buyers firmly in control of the short to medium term structure. 

The breakout above the $1,850-$1,900 region was accompanied by a significant increase in buying activity, strengthening the validity of the move. However, ETH is now approaching an important resistance area around $2,550-$2,600, where some profit-taking or short-term consolidation could occur. 

As long as ETH continues to hold above the recent breakout zones, the broader daily structure remains favourable for further upside. 

Technical Analysis 
Since the previous consolidation around the $1,850-$2,000 region, Ethereum has developed a clear sequence of higher lows and higher highs. The most significant development has been the decisive breakout above the $1,850-$1,900 resistance zone and the long-term descending trendline. 

The breakout was supported by strong buying activity, with ETH subsequently moving above the psychological $2,000 level and reaching approximately $2,513. This confirms a significant improvement in the daily market structure and indicates that buyers currently have control. 

However, after the sharp rally, ETH is now approaching the $2,550-$2,600 resistance zone, where some consolidation or profit-taking could occur. The key support to watch is $2,400-$2,450, followed by $2,200-$2,250. 

As long as ETH holds above the recent breakout zones, the broader bullish structure remains intact. A decisive daily close above $2,600 would strengthen the case for further upside, while a sustained break below $2,200 would weaken the current bullish momentum. 

Outlook 
The overall daily bias remains bullish, with Ethereum currently trading in a strong upside momentum phase. 

If buyers successfully maintain price above the $2,400-$2,450 support zone, another attempt toward the $2,550-$2,600 resistance is likely. A convincing daily close above $2,600 would strengthen the bullish outlook and could bring the next resistance area around $2,750-$2,800 into focus. 

A successful breakout above $2,800 could subsequently open the way toward the psychological $3,000 level. A decisive daily close above $3,000 would further strengthen the medium-term bullish structure and could allow the rally to extend toward higher levels. 

On the other hand, if Ethereum fails to sustain the recent breakout and closes below $2,400, short-term momentum would weaken and price could revisit the $2,200-$2,250 support zone. 

A daily close below $2,150 would represent a more significant deterioration in the current structure, while a sustained break below the $1,850 region would invalidate much of the recent bullish breakout and increase the probability of a deeper correction. 

For now, the recent price action suggests that Ethereum has transitioned from the previous consolidation phase into a broader recovery and breakout phase. Short-term consolidation after the sharp rally would not necessarily indicate a trend reversal, provided the major breakout zones continue to hold. 

At the time of writing, ETH was trading at approximately $2,513. 

Summary 
ETH is currently bullish after breaking out of a long consolidation and descending trendline. $2,400 is the key near-term support, while $2,550-$2,600 is the immediate resistance. Sustained trading above $2,400 keeps the upside targets of $2,800 and $3,000 in focus."

The question is not whether AI creates enough value to justify its environmental footprint, but how we reduce that footprint, said Alona Geckler. Read full report here

Rajesh Palviya, Head of Research, Axis Direct

The Nifty 50 closed Monday at 24,219.05, down 32.95 points or 0.14%, in a lacklustre session that lacked a clear directional bias. Gains in metals and IT were offset by continued selling in financials, with PSU banks emerging as the weakest segment. Investor sentiment remained cautious amid concerns over Iran's threat to restrict transit through the Strait of Hormuz ahead of Washington's sanctions announcement. Global cues were also mixed, with the Dow Jones gaining 0.26%, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq declined 0.28% and 0.76%, respectively, weighed down by a selloff in semiconductor stocks ahead of Nvidia's results on Wednesday.

Asian markets have opened on a weaker note, with Japan's Nikkei down around 1% as pressure on semiconductor stocks persists. Brent crude is holding near $90 a barrel after falling 4% on Monday following the sanctions rollout. While the decline offers some relief, crude at these levels continues to pose risks to India's import bill and the rupee, which stood at 95.74. Meanwhile, gold above $4,700 and silver around $69.6, both at three-month highs, indicate that demand for safe-haven assets remains firm. GIFT Nifty at 24,166 points to a mildly negative opening for the domestic market.

Technically, the Nifty remains subdued as long as it trades below the 24,350 level. Immediate support is placed at 24,150, followed by 23,950, while 24,500 remains the key resistance zone. The near-term bias is likely to remain cautiously positive at the open but rangebound thereafter. A sustained decline in crude oil prices, however, could provide renewed support to equities and improve overall market sentiment.

Prateek Gupta, Head of Business, Mudrex

Bitcoin is continuing its upward momentum, trading close to the $80,000 mark after posting the largest weekly dollar gain in its history of over $14,200. The Fear & Greed Index has moved into "Extreme Greed" for the first time since November 2024, signalling stronger risk appetite. Attention now turns to Fed Chair Kevin Warsh's first Jackson Hole keynote, with markets watching for a repeat of 2022, when Jerome Powell's hawkish speech triggered a broad risk-asset sell-off. However, the upcoming PCE data could influence the momentum. Softer inflation could push yields and the dollar lower, supporting Bitcoin, while hotter data could strengthen higher-for-longer rate expectations and pressure prices. Bitcoin needs to clear $80,000 to confirm the breakout, with $77,000 as key support. 

BTC is testing the $80K level after a strong rebound supported by improving technical momentum, softer Treasury yields, a weaker dollar, renewed spot ETF demand, and short liquidations. However, the speed of the move has pushed BTC into overbought conditions, making some consolidation likely. The $74K-$76K range is an important near-term support zone to watch on any pullback. Meanwhile, the $80K-$90K area has relatively thin historical trading activity, which could amplify volatility. A sustained move above $83K would strengthen the bullish setup and could open the door toward $100K. 

Nischal Shetty, Founder, WazirX

"Crypto markets are seeing steady institutional interest, with $206,418,242 in net inflows on 24th August. Weekly inflows now stand at $1.92 billion for Bitcoin and $697 million for Ethereum. This is a strong signal of regulated demand. 

US markets closed mixed, signalling mild risk aversion. The Dow gained 0.26%, but the S&P 500 fell 0.28% and Nasdaq declined 0.76%. Gold and oil advanced 0.59% and 0.42%, respectively. Gold rising 0.59% suggests investors are seeking some safety or hedging against short term volatility. 

The crypto market shows a broad-based daily recovery. Bitcoin gained 1.35% to approach $80,000, providing a firmer base for the wider market. Solana's 4.12% surge and XRP's 2.11% gain indicate stronger risk appetite in selected altcoins. Positive net inflows of $33.5 million into Solana ETFs and $13.8 million into XRP ETFs indicate that regulated investor demand is broadening beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum. Solana's comparatively stronger inflows also align with its outperformance during the session. 

Dogecoin and Cardano also advanced, with moderate gains. Overall, the moves point to improving short-term sentiment and some capital rotation into altcoins. However, Bitcoin must hold near $80,000 and buying should broaden further before the move can be treated as a sustained market trend.

The latest US campaign against Iran could however affect risk on assets like crypto primarily through energy prices and financial conditions. If tighter sanctions disrupt Iranian oil supplies, higher crude prices may reinforce inflation concerns, delay interest-rate cuts and reduce liquidity for risk assets, creating short-term pressure on Bitcoin and altcoins."

Vaishali Patel, Senior Manager - Research- Technical Department at Jainam

Nifty opened on a flat note but selling led the index downwards to end in red. Nifty closed at 24,219.05 with a loss of 33 (-0.14%) points. U.S. markets ended mixed overnight, with the Dow Jones gaining 0.26%, while the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq dragged by technology stocks.

Asian markets fell, while oil prices continued to decline, after the U.S. threatened tougher sanctions on Iran, but the measures announced were less severe than investors had expected, reducing concerns about oil supply disruptions.  Crude Oil is trading lower around 8,135, down about 2.68%, after recent weakness in oil prices. GIFT Nifty is trading around 24,170, down roughly 0.17%, indicating a weak opening for the Nifty.

Technically, the index remains range-bound with a cautious bias, with immediate support at 24,150-24,100, followed by the crucial 24,000 level. On the upside, 24,300-24,330 is the key resistance zone; a sustained breakout above this level could revive momentum towards 24,500. A decisive break below 24,000 could extend the correction, while holding this support would keep the broader recovery structure intact. Overall, traders may prefer a cautious buy-on-dips approach near support, while watching 24,400 closely for a fresh directional breakout.

Vikram Subburaj, CEO, Giottus.com

Bitcoin's move above $80,000 is the strongest evidence yet that the recovery from its June 30 low near $58,500 has acquired genuine momentum. CoinMarketCap placed Bitcoin at about $80,863 on August 25, up 4.35% over 24 hours and more than 26% over seven days. Even after that rise, Bitcoin remains nearly 36% below its October 2025 record of $126,198, leaving the market in recovery rather than price discovery.

The $80,000 move has stronger foundations than a short squeeze alone. US spot Bitcoin ETFs received $1.918 billion between August 17 and August 21, followed by a provisional $128.7 million on August 24. The resulting 6-session inflow of about $2.05 billion reversed a $385.2 million outflow during the 5 sessions ended August 14. BlackRock's IBIT supplied $1.33 billion between August 17 and August 21, accounting for roughly 69% of that week's net inflow.

Leverage nevertheless contributed to the speed of the rise. This carried Bitcoin from around $63,500 on August 19 to above $80,000 within 6 days. The immediate test is whether $79,400-$80,000, the resistance zone preceding the breakout, can now function as support. A daily close above $80,000 would strengthen the case for a move towards $84,000, while a fall below $76,700 would expose the on-chain support area near $75,800.

The latest available on-chain data provide both encouragement and restraint. Glassnode placed the short-term-holder cost basis near $68,500 and the True Market Mean near $75,800 in its August 20 assessment. At $80,863, Bitcoin is approximately 18% above the first level and 7% above the second, returning recent buyers and the broader active-investor base to aggregate profit.

The slower on-chain indicators have not supplied equally strong confirmation. The 90-day realised profit/loss ratio stood at 0.75, below the 2.0 level associated with a more durable recovery and above the sub-0.5 readings historically linked to seller exhaustion. 

The rally has broadened beyond Bitcoin but gains remain uneven. Solana led the major non-stablecoin altcoins with a 7.30% rise over 24 hours, while XRP gained 55.10% over 7 days to trade near $1.54. Ethereum advanced 32.94% over 7 days to about $2,527, compared with gains of 19.02% for BNB and 4.72% for TRON. Bitcoin dominance nevertheless increased by 0.54 percentage points to 59.78%, showing that the market leader is still capturing a greater share of fresh capital.

The next risk comes from the US macro calendar rather than from crypto alone. July PCE inflation and the second estimate of second-quarter GDP are due on August 26, followed by the August employment report on September 4 and CPI on September 11. The Federal Reserve held rates at 3.50%-3.75% in July through a 9-3 vote, with 3 members preferring a 25-basis-point increase, making the September 15-16 meeting a genuine risk event.

The US Treasury will also double long-end liquidity-support buybacks from $2 billion to at least $4 billion per operation from September 9. That measure has supported market liquidity and helped the present rally, but it remains a debt-management operation rather than a $4 billion monetary stimulus programme. For Bitcoin to sustain levels above $80,000, the recent $2.05 billion ETF inflow must outlast short covering, the $79,400-$80,000 area must hold, and the next 3 US inflation and employment releases must not produce another sharp rise in yields.

Our advice: Bitcoin has gained more than 26% in 7 days, but customers should avoid chasing the rally or assuming that recent gains will continue. The $79,400-$80,000 support zone and $81,000-$84,000 resistance zone could produce sharp price swings, particularly around upcoming US economic data. Use limit orders, maintain adequate margin, and avoid excessive leverage, as a 10% adverse move can largely exhaust the initial margin on a 10x position.

At the close on Monday, the total market cap of all BSE Sensex companies stood at Rs 4,91,96,590. 

Riya Sehgal, Research Analyst, Delta Exchange

Bitcoin is leading the latest leg of the crypto rally, with its move through $80,000 pulling the broader market higher. Ethereum is holding above $2,500, while SOL, XRP, BNB and other large-cap tokens are also advancing, but BTC remains the primary driver of market momentum.
Leverage continues to amplify the move. According to CoinGlass data, over the past 24 hours, total liquidations reached roughly $634.9 million. The heavy concentration of short liquidations suggests forced covering is still adding fuel to the upside.
Institutional demand also remains supportive, with U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs recording nearly $2 billion in inflows across five consecutive sessions last week.
Technically, BTC remains constructive above the $75,500-$76,200 demand zone. Sustained acceptance above $80,000 keeps $81,500-$82,300 in focus, with $84,000-$85,000 becoming relevant on a clean breakout.
Ethereum is testing the upper end of its $2,450-$2,550 resistance zone. A confirmed move above $2,550 could open the way toward $2,600 and potentially $2,640-$2,680.
Volatility is likely to remain elevated in the near term as BTC leads price discovery and both major assets trade close to key breakout levels, increasing the likelihood of wider intraday swings in both directions.