Sensex Prediction for Friday, May 22: Analysts see range-bound trade after 949-point swing - Key support, resistance levels to watch

Sensex Prediction for Friday, May 22 by experts: Following a highly volatile trading session today that saw a massive 949-point intraday swing, the Indian benchmark index BSE Sensex is bracing for a crucial, range-bound session on Friday, May 22.

Market experts suggest that a sharp tug-of-war between bulls and bears will define the trading session on Friday, as Sensex hovers precariously around its short-term moving averages.

Sensex at close on Friday, May 22

The 30-share Sensex declined 135.03 points, or 0.18 per cent, to settle at 75,183.36. During the day, it hit a high of 75,945.79 and a low of 74,996.78, gyrating 949.01 points.

The 50-share NSE Nifty skidded 4.30 points, or 0.02 per cent, to end at 23,654.70.

Sensex gainers and losers today

From the 30-Sensex firms, Bajaj Finance, Tech Mahindra, Hindustan Unilever, Infosys, Bajaj Finserv and Bharti Airtel were among the major laggards.

Hitesh Tailor, Technical Research Analyst - Technical Research at Choice Broking, said, “On 21st May 2026, the BSE Sensex closed at 75,183.36, declining by -135.03 points (-0.18%). The index opened with a strong gap-up of around 414 points and touched an intraday high of 75,945.79 during the opening trade itself. However, the market failed to sustain at higher levels, and continuous selling pressure was witnessed throughout the session. The index gradually drifted lower and touched an intraday low of 74,996.78 before finally settling at 75,183.36, indicating cautious sentiment and lack of strong buying interest at elevated levels.”

Sector-wise, Capital Goods, Services, Industrials, Realty, Telecommunication, Healthcare, and Auto sectors witnessed selective buying interest during the session, he said.

On the other hand, IT, Focused IT, FMCG, Utilities, MidSmall Private Banks Quality Tilt, and Private Banks remained under pressure and ended in negative territory. Banking indices traded largely subdued, while broader market participation remained mixed, Tailor added.

Sensex Prediction for Friday, May 22 by experts

Analysts believe the market is likely to remain range-bound on Friday, May 22, with traders closely watching key support and resistance zones for directional cues.

Sensex Prediction for Friday, May 22 by Hitesh Tailor

According to Tailor, Sensex technically continued to trade within a broader consolidation range, where 74,400–74,500 is likely to act as immediate support zone, while 76,100–76,200 may remain a key resistance area in the near term.

“Sustaining above resistance levels could trigger fresh upside momentum, whereas weakness below support may increase short-term selling pressure,” the analyst said.

“The market structure continues to remain range-bound with stock-specific action dominating the broader trend. Traders may continue to adopt a cautious approach near resistance zones, while selective buying interest is still visible in domestic-focused sectors. Overall sentiment may remain volatile amid global cues and profit-booking at higher levels,” Tailor concluded.

According SEBI-registered analyst, Vipin Dixena, Sensex continues to trade in a narrow consolidation range between 74,300 support and 75,800 resistance, reflecting lack of strong directional momentum.

“The index is hovering around the 50 EMA, indicating a neutral-to-cautious near-term setup. RSI remains around mid-levels, suggesting balanced momentum with neither bulls nor bears having clear control. A sustained move above 75,800 can improve sentiment and trigger upside towards 76,200+, while a breakdown below 74,300 may again revive selling pressure,” the analyst stated.

Until then, the market is likely to remain range-bound with stock-specific action dominating, Dixena added.

Broader markets, sectoral indices on Thursday, May 21

Broader markets were also rangebound as the BSE SmallCap Select index climbed 0.48 per cent, while the MidCap Select index ended almost unchanged.

Among sectoral indices, IT declined the most, by 0.53 per cent, followed by Focused IT (0.52 per cent), MidSmall Private Banks Quality Tilt (0.46 per cent), Utilities (0.42 per cent), FMCG (0.42 per cent), and Bankex (0.24 per cent).

However, Services jumped 1.59 per cent, followed by Capital Goods (1.29 per cent), Industrials (1.08 per cent), Commodities (0.91 per cent) and Telecommunication (0.80 per cent).

Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, declined 0.71 per cent to USD 104.3 per barrel.

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) offloaded equities worth Rs 1,597.35 crore on Wednesday, according to exchange data.

On Wednesday, the 30-share BSE benchmark climbed 117.54 points, or 0.16 per cent, to settle at 75,318.39. The Nifty edged higher by 41 points, or 0.17 per cent, to end at 23,659.

(Disclaimer: The above article is meant for informational purposes only, and should not be considered as any investment advice. ET NOW DIGITAL suggests its readers/audience to consult their financial advisors before making any money related decisions.)