“Learn how to select stocks for intraday trading using liquidity, volatility, and technical analysis. Avoid common mistakes & trade smarter with Zerodha Kite. Start now!”

1: What is Intraday Trading?
Why Stock Selection Matters in Intraday Trading
Intraday trading, also known as day trading, involves buying and selling stocks (or other financial instruments) within the same trading day. Unlike long-term investing, where positions are held for weeks or years, intraday traders close all positions before the market closes to avoid overnight risks like geopolitical events, earnings surprises, or global market swings. This fast-paced approach relies on capturing small price movements, often using leverage to amplify gains.
Why Stock Selection is the Backbone of Intraday Success
Choosing the right stocks isn’t just a strategy—it’s a make-or-break factor in intraday trading. Here’s why:
1. Avoiding Liquidity Traps
- “How to choose stock for intraday trading?” Start by selecting highly liquid stocks with substantial trading volumes.
- Liquid stocks (e.g., Reliance, HDFC Bank, or TCS) allow you to enter/exit positions instantly without significant price slippage.
- Example: A ₹10 lakh trade in a low-volume stock might take minutes to execute, causing missed opportunities or losses.
2. Capitalizing on Volatility
- Intraday profits thrive on price swings. Stocks with high volatility (measured by Beta or Average True Range) offer more trading opportunities.
- Avoid stagnant stocks: A stock that moves 0.5% daily won’t generate meaningful returns, even with leverage.
3. Minimizing Risk Exposure
- Poorly chosen stocks amplify risks. For instance, penny stocks might seem tempting due to low prices, but they’re prone to manipulation and erratic moves.
- Selecting intraday stocks involves balancing risk-reward: Opt for large-caps or sector leaders (e.g., Infosys, Bajaj Finance) with predictable patterns.
4. Aligning with Market Trends
- Choose stocks that closely correlate with broader indices like Nifty 50 or Bank Nifty.
- Why? If Nifty rallies, banking stocks often follow, giving clear directional cues. This simplifies decision-making in fast-moving markets.
5. Reducing Emotional Trading
- A predefined stock list eliminates impulsive decisions. Traders who chase “hot tips” or meme stocks often face losses due to FOMO (Fear of Missing Out).
Practical Example: Good vs. Bad Intraday Stock Choices
Stock | Liquidity (Avg. Volume) | Volatility (Beta) | Why It Works/Fails |
---|---|---|---|
Reliance | 5 million shares | 1.2 | High liquidity, trends with Nifty. |
XYZ Penny Co. | 50,000 shares | 3.5 | Illiquid, prone to manipulation. |
Key Takeaway
Intraday trading isn’t about guessing—it’s about strategy. “Selecting a good stock for intraday” means prioritizing liquidity, volatility, and alignment with market trends. Start with a curated watchlist, and avoid deviating from it based on emotions or rumors.
Pro Tip: Use tools like TradingView’s stock screener to filter stocks by volume (>1 million shares) and volatility (Beta >1) the day before your trade.
By mastering stock selection, you turn intraday trading from a gamble into a calculated, repeatable process.
2. Key Factors to Consider When Selecting Intraday Stocks
Liquidity: The #1 Rule for Intraday Success
Why You Must “Select Highly Liquid Stocks with Substantial Trading Volumes”
Liquidity ensures you can buy or sell a stock quickly at stable prices. For intraday traders, this is non-negotiable:
- Minimizes Slippage: Liquid stocks (e.g., Nifty 50 giants like Reliance or HDFC Bank) have tight bid-ask spreads, reducing the gap between order placement and execution.
- Avoids Traps: Low-volume stocks (e.g., penny stocks) may trap you in positions, forcing exits at unfavorable prices.
- Example: A ₹5 lakh trade in Infosys (avg. daily volume: 2 million shares) executes instantly, while the same trade in a thinly traded stock might take hours, risking losses.
Pro Tip: Use tools like NSE’s “Most Active Stocks” list or screener filters for volume >500,000 shares/day.
Volatility: Your Friend (and Foe) in Day Trading
How Volatility Impacts Intraday Opportunities
Volatility drives price swings, creating profit opportunities—but demands caution:
- High Volatility: Stocks like Adani Enterprises (Beta: 1.8) can swing 3–5% intraday, offering multiple trades.
- Low Volatility: Stocks like ITC (Beta: 0.7) may move just 1%, limiting gains.
Tools to Measure Volatility:
- Average True Range (ATR): A 14-day ATR >2% signals high volatility.
- Beta: A Beta >1 means the stock moves more than the market.
Strategy: Pair volatile stocks with strict stop-losses (e.g., 0.5% below entry).
Correlation with Market Indices
Why You Should “Choose Stocks That Closely Correlate with Broader Indices”
Stocks aligned with indices (Nifty, Bank Nifty) mirror market sentiment, simplifying decision-making:
- Predictable Moves: If Nifty rises, ICICI Bank (high correlation) often follows, offering reliable entry signals.
- Sectoral Alignment: Pharma stocks may rally with Nifty Pharma Index trends.
Example:
Stock | Correlation with Nifty | Intraday Signal |
---|---|---|
Axis Bank | 0.85 | Follows Nifty Bank trends. |
Biocon | 0.60 | Reacts to pharma news. |
Pro Tip: Track index futures pre-market to gauge opening trends.
Key Takeaways:
- Liquidity ensures seamless trades.
- Volatility fuels profit potential but requires risk management.
- Correlation with indices provides a roadmap for entries/exits.
Action Steps:
- Build a watchlist of liquid, volatile stocks like Tata Motors or SBI.
- Use TradingView to screen for Beta >1 and ATR >2%.
- Monitor Nifty futures at 9:00 AM for intraday bias.
By mastering these factors, you turn intraday trading from gambling into a disciplined strategy.
3: How to Analyze Stocks for Intraday Trading the Day Before
Pre-Market Preparation: Steps to Follow
“How to Select Stocks for Intraday One Day Before” Using Scanners
Intraday success starts the day before. Here’s a systematic approach to build your watchlist:
- Use Stock Screeners:
- TradingView: Filter stocks by:
- Volume (>1 million shares/day).
- Volatility (ATR >2% or Beta >1).
- Liquidity (bid-ask spread <0.1%).
- Screener.in (for Indian markets):
- Set custom scans for “52-week highs” or “gap-up openings.”
- Example: Stocks like Tata Motors or SBI often appear in high-volume scans.
- TradingView: Filter stocks by:
- Track News and Events:
- Use tools like Moneycontrol or Bloomberg to monitor:
- Earnings announcements (e.g., Infosys post-results volatility).
- Sector-specific news (e.g., RBI rate decisions impacting bank stocks).
- Use tools like Moneycontrol or Bloomberg to monitor:
- Analyze Index Futures:
- Check SGX Nifty or Dow Jones Futures for global cues impacting opening trends.
Pro Tip: Save your screener criteria as templates to save time daily.
Identifying Trends and Patterns
How Candlesticks and Moving Averages Help in “Selecting Winning Stocks”
Technical analysis is key to spotting intraday opportunities:
- Candlestick Patterns:
- Doji: Signals indecision (potential reversal).
- Example: A Doji near a resistance level in Reliance may hint at a pullback.
- Bullish Engulfing: Indicates buying momentum.
- Example: Tata Steel showing this pattern after a downtrend.
- Doji: Signals indecision (potential reversal).
- Moving Averages:
- 20-day EMA: Intraday traders use this to gauge short-term trends.
- A stock trading above its 20-day EMA signals bullishness (e.g., HDFC Bank).
- 5-minute Chart Crossovers: Golden cross (5 EMA crossing 20 EMA) for entry signals.
- 20-day EMA: Intraday traders use this to gauge short-term trends.
- Volume Confirmation:
- Rising volume during a breakout (e.g., Axis Bank crossing ₹1,000 with 2x average volume) validates the move.
Example: Pre-Market Watchlist Setup
Stock | Volume | ATR | Pattern Observed | News Catalyst |
---|---|---|---|---|
Reliance | 3M shares | 2.8% | Bullish Engulfing | Oil price surge |
ICICI Bank | 2.5M shares | 2.2% | Trading above 20 EMA | RBI policy today |
Action Steps for Traders:
- Run your screener at 3:30 PM (before market close) to shortlist stocks.
- Mark key support/resistance levels on charts.
- Set price alerts for gaps or news triggers.
By combining scanners, news, and technical, you’ll enter each trading day with clarity and confidence.
4: Technical Analysis Strategies for Intraday Stock Selection
Breakout and Breakdown Trading
How to Spot Breakout Levels for Entry/Exit
Breakout and breakdown trading capitalizes on price movements beyond key support/resistance levels. Here’s how to identify them:
- Identify Key Levels:
- Resistance: Price level where a stock struggles to rise (e.g., Reliance facing selling pressure at ₹2,800).
- Support: Price level where buying interest emerges (e.g., HDFC Bank bouncing at ₹1,600).
- Use horizontal lines on charts to mark these zones.
- Confirm with Volume:
- A valid breakout requires high trading volume (at least 1.5x the 20-day average).
- Example: If Tata Steel breaks above ₹130 with surging volume, it signals strong bullish momentum.
- Entry/Exit Rules:
- Breakout Entry: Buy when price closes above resistance.
- Breakdown Entry: Short when price closes below support.
- Stop-Loss: Place 1-2% below breakout level (for longs) or above breakdown level (for shorts).
Example:
Stock | Breakout Level | Outcome |
---|---|---|
Reliance | ₹2,850 | Rallied 3% intraday post-breakout. |
HDFC Bank | ₹1,620 | Fell 2% after breaking support. |
Pro Tip: Use chart patterns like ascending triangles (bullish) or head and shoulders (bearish) to predict breakouts.
Momentum Indicators for Intraday
RSI, MACD, and Volume Analysis for “Selecting a Good Stock for Intraday”
Momentum indicators help gauge the strength of price movements and spot reversals:
- Relative Strength Index (RSI):
- Overbought (RSI >70): Signals potential pullback (e.g., Infosys at ₹1,500).
- Oversold (RSI <30): Indicates buying opportunity (e.g., SBI at ₹550).
- Use 14-period RSI on 15-minute charts for intraday accuracy.
- Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD):
- Bullish Signal: MACD line crosses above the signal line (e.g., TCS at ₹3,400).
- Bearish Signal: MACD line crosses below (e.g., ICICI Bank at ₹900).
- Volume Analysis:
- Volume Spike: Confirms trend strength. E.g., Axis Bank rising 2% with 2x average volume.
- Volume Divergence: Price rises but volume falls? Weak trend—avoid trading.
Case Study:
- Stock: Bajaj Finance
- Setup: RSI at 68 (neutral), MACD bullish crossover, volume 1.8x average.
- Action: Enter long at ₹7,200 with a target of ₹7,400.
Key Takeaways:
- Breakouts/breakdowns require volume confirmation to avoid false signals.
- Combine RSI and MACD to validate momentum.
- Always align trades with broader market trends (e.g., Nifty direction).
Action Steps:
- Use TradingView’s “Breakout Scanner” to find stocks nearing key levels.
- Set RSI/MACD alerts on platforms like Zerodha Kite.
- Review pre-market volume trends to shortlist candidates.
By mastering these strategies, you’ll transform random trades into calculated, high-probability opportunities.
5. How to Use News and Events to Pick Intraday Stocks
Earnings Reports, RBI Policies, and Global Cues
“News and events are rocket fuel for intraday volatility. Learn how to select stocks for intraday trading by leveraging breaking news, earnings reports, and global trends to spot high-potential moves.”
1. Earnings Reports: Ride the Profit/Loss Wave
Impact: Earnings announcements often trigger 5–10% intraday swings as markets react to results vs. expectations.
- Pre-Earnings Play: Trade stocks with high implied volatility (e.g., Infosys, TCS) ahead of results.
- Example: If Infosys is expected to beat estimates, traders buy calls or shares pre-earnings.
- Post-Earnings Reaction: Stocks like Reliance often gap up/down post-results. Trade the momentum.
Strategy:
- Use platforms like Moneycontrol Earnings Calendar to track dates.
- Avoid holding through earnings unless scalping the initial spike.
2. RBI Policies: Banking Sector Volatility
Impact: Rate hikes/cuts, liquidity measures, or CRR changes directly affect banks (HDFC Bank, SBI), NBFCs, and realty stocks.
- Bullish Signal: A rate cut announcement at 10:00 AM can trigger a 3–5% rally in Bank Nifty stocks.
- Bearish Signal: Tightening liquidity rules may crash PSU banks like PNB.
Example:
Event | Stock | Typical Reaction |
---|---|---|
RBI rate cut | Kotak Bank | +4% intraday |
Inflation worries | Axis Bank | -3% intraday |
Pro Tip: Monitor RBI Governor’s press conference live for real-time trades.
3. Global Cues: Follow the Domino Effect
Impact: Indian markets mirror global trends. Key triggers:
- U.S. Markets: A 2% drop in Nasdaq Futures often drags Indian IT stocks (TCS, Wipro) down at open.
- Crude Oil Prices: Rising oil prices hit aviation (IndiGo) and uplift OMC stocks (IOC, HPCL).
- Geopolitical Tensions: Wars or trade wars spike volatility in defense (BEL) or export-heavy stocks.
How to Trade:
- Track SGX Nifty (pre-open) and Dow Futures for opening gaps.
- Use Bloomberg/Reuters for real-time global news alerts.
Case Study: Trading Tata Motors on Fed Rate News
- Event: U.S. Fed hints at rate hikes (9:00 PM IST).
- Global Reaction: Dow Jones drops 1.5%; Tata Motors (with JLR’s U.S. exposure) likely to gap down.
- Intraday Action: Short Tata Motors at open with a stop-loss above pre-market high.
- Result: Stock falls 4%, booking ₹20/share profit.
Key Takeaways
- Earnings: Trade volatility pre/post announcements but avoid holding overnight.
- RBI Policies: Focus on banking stocks for quick moves.
- Global Cues: Align trades with SGX Nifty and sectoral impacts.
Action Steps:
- Bookmark Investing.com’s Economic Calendar for event dates.
- Set Google Alerts for keywords like “RBI meeting” or “Fed rate decision.”
- Use NSE’s pre-open session (9:00–9:15 AM) to gauge opening gaps.
6: Which Options Are Best for Intraday Trading?
Stocks vs. Futures vs. Options
“How to select stocks for intraday trading starts with choosing the right instrument. Let’s break down stocks, futures, and options to answer ‘which option is best for intraday’—comparing liquidity, risk, and profitability to align with your strategy.”
1. Stocks (Cash Market)
- Liquidity: High for large-caps (e.g., Reliance, HDFC Bank), low for small-caps.
- Risk: Limited to capital invested (unless using leverage).
- Profitability: Depends on price movement (1–3% daily swings).
- Best For: Beginners due to simplicity and lower leverage risks.
Example: Buying 100 shares of Tata Motors at ₹600 and selling at ₹615 (2.5% gain).
2. Futures
- Liquidity: Very high in index futures (Nifty, Bank Nifty) and stock futures (e.g., Infosys).
- Risk: High due to leverage (5–10x exposure). Margin calls can amplify losses.
- Profitability: High (5–10% daily returns possible with leverage).
- Best For: Experienced traders comfortable with volatility.
Example: Shorting 1 lot of Nifty Futures (75 units) at 19,500 and covering at 19,300 (200-point profit = ₹15,000).
3. Options
- Liquidity: High for index options (Bank Nifty, Nifty) and near-expiry contracts. Low for weekly small-cap options.
- Risk: Limited to premium paid (buying) or unlimited (selling/writing).
- Profitability: High if volatility is timed right (e.g., 50–100% returns on premium).
- Best For: Traders who understand Greeks (Delta, Theta) and volatility.
Example: Buying a Bank Nifty 44,000 Call Option (premium: ₹200) that rises to ₹400 if the index rallies.
Comparison Table
Factor | Stocks | Futures | Options |
---|---|---|---|
Liquidity | High (large-caps) | Very High | Moderate-High |
Risk | Moderate | High | Variable |
Capital Needed | ₹10,000+ | ₹50,000+ (margin) | ₹5,000+ (premium) |
Profit Potential | 1–5% daily | 5–20% daily | 50–200% daily |
Time Sensitivity | None | Expiry monthly | High (theta decay) |
Which Option is Best for Intraday?
- Beginners: Start with large-cap stocks (low leverage, predictable moves).
- Advanced Traders: Use index futures (Nifty/Bank Nifty) for high liquidity and leverage.
- Volatility Experts: Trade weekly index options (e.g., Bank Nifty calls/puts) for explosive gains.
Pro Tip: For most traders, Nifty Futures strike the best balance of liquidity, leverage, and risk.
Case Study: Intraday Trade in Bank Nifty Futures
- Instrument: Bank Nifty Futures (1 lot = 40 units).
- Strategy: Buy at 44,000 if RBI policy is dovish, target 44,300 (300 points).
- Outcome: Profit = 300 pts x ₹40 = ₹12,000 (minus brokerage).
Final Takeaway:
- Stocks: Safety and simplicity.
- Futures: Leverage + liquidity.
- Options: High risk-reward with volatility.
Choose based on your risk appetite, capital, and expertise. Start small, master one instrument, and scale up!
7: Common Mistakes to Avoid in Intraday Stock Selection
Overlooking Stop-Loss and Risk Management
Case Study: How Emotional Trading Leads to Losses
Meet Rahul, a novice intraday trader. On May 15, he bought 200 shares of Yes Bank at ₹18.50, expecting a bounce. Instead, the stock dipped to ₹18.20. Instead of exiting with a pre-set 1% stop-loss, Rahul hoped for a recovery. By noon, Yes Bank crashed to ₹17.50 on news of RBI scrutiny. His ₹200 loss ballooned to ₹2,000 (10% loss).
Why This Happens:
- Emotional Bias: Fear of booking losses or greed for recovery overrides logic.
- No Stop-Loss Discipline: Without predefined exit rules, small losses snowball.
How to Fix It:
- Rule-Based Trading: Set stop-loss at 1-2% below entry. For example:
- Buy Price: ₹100 → Stop-Loss: ₹98 (2% risk).
- Position Sizing: Risk only 1-2% of capital per trade.
Pro Tip: Use bracket orders (automated stop-loss and target) on platforms like Zerodha to enforce discipline.
Chasing “Hot Tips” Without Research
Why “Selecting Intraday Stocks Involves” Disciplined Analysis
A WhatsApp forward claims “XYZ Pharma will jump 20% today!” You buy blindly, only to see it crash 15% on FDA warnings. Sound familiar?
Why Tips Fail:
- Late Information: Tips often circulate after the price has moved (pump-and-dump schemes).
- No Context: Tips ignore liquidity, technicals, or market trends.
Case Study: The 2021 “Evergrande Crisis” Pump
- Tip: “Buy Tata Steel—China steel demand will surge!”
- Reality: Tata Steel had high debt exposure to Evergrande’s collapse. The stock fell 12% intraday.
How to Avoid This:
- Verify Sources: Cross-check tips with financial news (Moneycontrol, ET Markets).
- Technical Check: Use charts to confirm if the stock is in a buy zone (e.g., above 20-day EMA).
- Liquidity Check: Ensure average volume >500k shares to avoid manipulation.
Key Takeaways
- Stop-Loss Saves Capital: Treat it like a seatbelt—non-negotiable.
- Tips ≠ Strategy: “Selecting intraday stocks involves” your own analysis, not hearsay.
- Emotion vs. Discipline: Greed/fear costs more than missing a trade.
Action Steps:
- Before Trading: Write down your stop-loss and target.
- Avoid Social Media: Mute stock tip groups during market hours.
- Review Trades: Log mistakes in a journal (e.g., “Ignored stop-loss on X date”).
8: Tools and Software for Effective Stock Selection
Best Platforms for Intraday Traders
“How to select stocks for intraday trading starts with mastering the right tools. Platforms like Zerodha Kite, Upstox Pro, and MetaTrader transform chaos into precision, helping you select intraday stocks with data-driven confidence.”
1. Zerodha Kite (India’s Most Popular Platform)
Why It’s Great for Intraday:
- Advanced Screeners: Filter stocks by volume, volatility, and momentum to “select highly liquid stocks with substantial trading volumes.”
- Example: Use the “Most Active Stocks” list to find Nifty 50 movers.
- Charting Tools: Built-in technical indicators (RSI, MACD) and candlestick patterns for spotting breakouts.
- Bracket Orders: Automate stop-loss and target levels to enforce discipline.
Best For: Beginners and intermediate traders.
Pro Tip: Use Kite’s “Heatmaps” to spot sectoral trends pre-market.
2. Upstox Pro (Powerhouse for Advanced Traders)
Why It’s Great for Intraday:
- Market Depth (DOM): View real-time buy/sell orders to gauge liquidity.
- Customizable Alerts: Set alerts for price levels, volume spikes, or news events.
- Example: Get notified if Reliance crosses ₹2,800 with 2x average volume.
- Backtesting: Test strategies on historical data to refine your stock selection.
Best For: Traders who rely on technical analysis and algo strategies.
Pro Tip: Use the “Option Chain” feature to identify high-open interest strikes for index trading.
3. MetaTrader 5 (Global Platform for Algorithmic Trading)
Why It’s Great for Intraday:
- Algorithmic Trading: Code custom scripts (Expert Advisors) to auto-trade based on criteria like volume or volatility.
- Multi-Asset Charts: Track stocks, forex, and commodities on one screen.
- Economic Calendar: Stay ahead of global events impacting indices like Nifty.
Best For: Tech-savvy traders and algorithmic enthusiasts.
Pro Tip: Use MT5’s “Market Scanner” to find gap-up/gap-down stocks at market open.
Comparison Table: Which Tool Should You Use?
Platform | Key Features | Ideal For | Pricing |
---|---|---|---|
Zerodha Kite | Heatmaps, bracket orders | Beginners | ₹20/trade |
Upstox Pro | Market depth, backtesting | Technical traders | ₹20/trade |
MetaTrader 5 | Algo trading, global charts | Advanced/professionals | Free (broker-dependent) |
Case Study: Using Zerodha Kite to “Choose Intraday Stocks”
- Step 1: At 9:00 AM, use the “Volume Screener” to shortlist stocks with >1 million shares traded.
- Step 2: Apply the “RSI <30” filter to Tata Motors (oversold, likely to bounce).
- Step 3: Enter a long trade at ₹620 with a 1% stop-loss.
- Result: Tata Motors rallies 3% to ₹638, booking a ₹18/share profit.
Key Takeaways
- Zerodha Kite: Simplifies stock selection with user-friendly tools.
- Upstox Pro: Ideal for technical traders needing depth and backtesting.
- MetaTrader 5: Best for algo-driven strategies and global markets.
Action Steps:
- Start Free: Most platforms offer demo accounts—practice before risking capital.
- Combine Tools: Use Kite for screening and MT5 for algo execution.
- Stay Updated: Follow platform blogs/tutorials to master features.
9: Real-Life Example: How to Select a Winning Intraday Stock
Step-by-Step Walkthrough: Analyzing TCS Using Liquidity, Volatility, and Technicals
“Learn how to select stocks for intraday trading by breaking down Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)—a Nifty 50 heavyweight—using liquidity, volatility, and technical tools. Master selecting a good stock for intraday with this real-world analysis.”
Step 1: Liquidity Check
Why It Matters: High liquidity ensures you can enter/exit trades quickly.
- TCS Data:
- Average Daily Volume: 2.5 million shares.
- Bid-Ask Spread: ₹0.10 (tight spread).
- Comparison: A low-volume stock like XYZ Ltd. trades 50,000 shares/day with a ₹2 spread, risking slippage.
Action: Confirm TCS’s liquidity using platforms like NSE India or Zerodha Kite.
Step 2: Volatility Assessment
Why It Matters: Volatility drives intraday profit potential.
- TCS Metrics:
- ATR (14-day): ₹45 (price moves ~1.5% daily).
- Beta: 0.9 (moves slightly less than Nifty).
- Verification: Use TradingView’s ATR indicator to confirm volatility.
Action: Filter for stocks with ATR >1% for intraday opportunities.
Step 3: Technical Analysis
a) Identify Key Levels (15-minute Chart)
- Resistance: ₹3,800 (previous day’s high).
- Support: ₹3,750 (20-day EMA).
b) Candlestick Pattern
- Pattern Observed: Bullish Engulfing at ₹3,755 (signals reversal).
- Confirmation: High volume (1.8x average) during the pattern.
c) Momentum Indicators
- RSI (14-period): 35 (oversold, hinting at bounce).
- MACD: Bullish crossover (MACD line crosses above signal line).
Step 4: Entry, Stop-Loss, and Target
- Entry: Buy at ₹3,760 (break above morning consolidation).
- Stop-Loss: ₹3,730 (1% below entry to limit risk).
- Target: ₹3,820 (next resistance level, 1.6% gain).
Step 5: Trade Outcome
- Scenario: TCS breaks ₹3,800 by noon, hits ₹3,820 by 2:30 PM.
- Profit: ₹60/share (₹6,000 on 100 shares).
- Why It Worked: Liquidity ensured smooth execution; volatility and technicals aligned.
Key Metrics Summary
Factor | TCS Data | Ideal Intraday Range |
---|---|---|
Volume | 2.5M shares/day | >1M shares |
ATR | ₹45 (1.5%) | >1% daily movement |
RSI | 35 (oversold) | 30–70 |
Spread | ₹0.10 | <₹0.50 |
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Ignoring Volume: Trading low-volume stocks like XYZ Ltd. risks slippage.
- Overleveraging: Even with TCS’s stability, risking >2% per trade erodes capital.
- Misreading Indicators: A bullish MACD crossover without volume confirmation can be false.
Key Takeaways
- Liquidity First: Always “select highly liquid stocks with substantial trading volumes” like TCS.
- Volatility + Technicals: Combine ATR, RSI, and candlestick patterns for high-probability setups.
- Plan Before Trading: Define entry/exit rules to avoid emotional decisions.
By following this structured approach, you’ll turn intraday trading from gambling into a disciplined strategy.
Conclusion: Mastering Intraday Stock Selection
Intraday trading thrives on strategy, not luck. By focusing on the four pillars of success—liquidity, volatility, technical analysis, and pre-planning—you transform speculation into calculated decision-making. Let’s recap:
- Liquidity First: Always prioritize “selecting highly liquid stocks with substantial trading volumes” like Reliance or HDFC Bank. These ensure seamless entry/exit, minimizing slippage and emotional stress.
- Harness Volatility: Use tools like ATR and Beta to identify stocks with just enough price swing (e.g., Tata Motors, ICICI Bank). Too little movement stifles profits; too much heightens risk.
- Technicals Rule: Candlestick patterns (bullish engulfing), momentum indicators (RSI, MACD), and key support/resistance levels are your roadmap. For instance, a breakout above ₹3,800 in TCS with rising volume signals a high-probability trade.
- Plan Relentlessly: Define entry points, stop-losses (1-2% risk), and targets before trading. This shields you from impulsive decisions during market chaos.
But knowledge without practice is just theory.
👉 Start with Virtual Trading: Platforms like Zerodha’s Kite Simulator or Upstox’s Paper Trading let you test strategies risk-free. Practice spotting liquid stocks, setting stop-losses, and analyzing volatility until it becomes second nature.
Remember: Even Warren Buffett started with a paper portfolio. Master the basics, stay disciplined, and soon, you’ll turn “how to select stocks for intraday” from a question into your competitive edge.
Your Next Step: Open a demo account today. Experiment, refine, and when you’re ready—trade like a pro. 🚀
The market rewards the prepared. Will you be ready?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Selecting Stocks for Intraday Trading
How much capital do I need for intraday trading?
Answer:
There’s no fixed minimum, but ₹10,000–₹25,000 is a practical starting point for beginners. This allows you to:
Trade 1–2 liquid stocks (e.g., Reliance, TCS) with margin benefits (up to 5x leverage).
Manage risk effectively (1–2% per trade).
Example: With ₹20,000, you can trade ₹1 lakh worth of HDFC Bank shares using intraday leverage.
Pro Tip: Start small—even ₹5,000 in a virtual trading account (e.g., Zerodha’s Kite Simulator) helps build confidence.
Can beginners succeed in intraday trading?
Answer:
Yes, but success demands education, discipline, and practice:
Learn First: Master technical analysis, risk management, and market hours.
Paper Trading: Practice 3–6 months on platforms like Upstox’s Paper Trading.
Start Small: Trade 1–2 stocks initially (e.g., SBI, Infosys).
Stat: Only 5–10% of intraday traders sustain profits long-term—those who treat it as a skill, not gambling.
What time is best for intraday stock selection?
Answer:
Pre-Market (9:00–9:15 AM): Analyze SGX Nifty, global cues, and news to shortlist stocks.
First Hour (9:15–10:30 AM): High volatility offers entry opportunities.
Last Hour (2:30–3:30 PM): Institutional activity creates trends.
Example: Use TradingView’s pre-market screener at 9:00 AM to filter stocks with gap-ups/downs.
Which is the best stock for intraday?
Answer:
There’s no single “best” stock, but ideal candidates:
High Liquidity: Reliance, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank (avg. volume >1 million shares).
Volatility: Tata Motors, Adani Ports (Beta >1.2).
News Sensitivity: Nifty Bank stocks during RBI policy days.
Pro Tip: Use Zerodha Kite’s “Most Active Stocks” list daily to find trending picks.
Is intraday trading profitable?
Answer:
Yes, but only for disciplined traders:
Winners: Follow strict stop-losses, trade liquid stocks, and stick to a plan.
Losers: Chase tips, overtrade, or ignore risk management.
Stat: A 2020 SEBI report found 82% of active intraday traders lose money.