Nifty poised for expansion after consolidation. PL Capital sets 12-month base target at 27,958, with bullish scenario reaching 30,497 and bear case at 26,486. The index has weathered a 9-9.5 percent moderation in FY26-27 EPS estimates while corporate performance remains resilient. The brokerage maintains overweight positions on banks, diversified financials, healthcare, consumer, auto and capital goods sectors, citing sustained infrastructure spending. Top large-cap picks include Adani Ports, HAL, L&T, Tata Steel and M&M. PL Capital is underweight on IT services and commodities while favoring select cement and metals names. India's accelerating trade diplomacy, including the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, emerges as a defining catalyst for market expansion ahead.
