Stocks Inform

How to Select Stocks for Intraday in 2025: 9 Powerful Tips

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

How to Select Stocks for Intraday
How to Select Stocks for Intraday

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

2. Capitalizing on Volatility

3. Minimizing Risk Exposure

4. Aligning with Market Trends

5. Reducing Emotional Trading

Practical Example: Good vs. Bad Intraday Stock Choices

StockLiquidity (Avg. Volume)Volatility (Beta)Why It Works/Fails
Reliance5 million shares1.2High liquidity, trends with Nifty.
XYZ Penny Co.50,000 shares3.5Illiquid, 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:

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:

Tools to Measure Volatility:

  1. Average True Range (ATR): A 14-day ATR >2% signals high volatility.
  2. 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:

Example:

StockCorrelation with NiftyIntraday Signal
Axis Bank0.85Follows Nifty Bank trends.
Biocon0.60Reacts to pharma news.

Pro Tip: Track index futures pre-market to gauge opening trends.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Liquidity ensures seamless trades.
  2. Volatility fuels profit potential but requires risk management.
  3. Correlation with indices provides a roadmap for entries/exits.

Action Steps:

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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).
  3. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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

StockVolumeATRPattern ObservedNews Catalyst
Reliance3M shares2.8%Bullish EngulfingOil price surge
ICICI Bank2.5M shares2.2%Trading above 20 EMARBI policy today

Action Steps for Traders:

  1. Run your screener at 3:30 PM (before market close) to shortlist stocks.
  2. Mark key support/resistance levels on charts.
  3. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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:

StockBreakout LevelOutcome
Reliance₹2,850Rallied 3% intraday post-breakout.
HDFC Bank₹1,620Fell 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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).
  3. 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:

Key Takeaways:

  1. Breakouts/breakdowns require volume confirmation to avoid false signals.
  2. Combine RSI and MACD to validate momentum.
  3. Always align trades with broader market trends (e.g., Nifty direction).

Action Steps:

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.

Strategy:

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.

Example:

EventStockTypical Reaction
RBI rate cutKotak Bank+4% intraday
Inflation worriesAxis 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:

How to Trade:

Case Study: Trading Tata Motors on Fed Rate News

  1. Event: U.S. Fed hints at rate hikes (9:00 PM IST).
  2. Global Reaction: Dow Jones drops 1.5%; Tata Motors (with JLR’s U.S. exposure) likely to gap down.
  3. Intraday Action: Short Tata Motors at open with a stop-loss above pre-market high.
  4. Result: Stock falls 4%, booking ₹20/share profit.

Key Takeaways

  1. Earnings: Trade volatility pre/post announcements but avoid holding overnight.
  2. RBI Policies: Focus on banking stocks for quick moves.
  3. Global Cues: Align trades with SGX Nifty and sectoral impacts.

Action Steps:

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)

2. Futures

3. Options

Comparison Table

FactorStocksFuturesOptions
LiquidityHigh (large-caps)Very HighModerate-High
RiskModerateHighVariable
Capital Needed₹10,000+₹50,000+ (margin)₹5,000+ (premium)
Profit Potential1–5% daily5–20% daily50–200% daily
Time SensitivityNoneExpiry monthlyHigh (theta decay)

Which Option is Best for Intraday?

  1. Beginners: Start with large-cap stocks (low leverage, predictable moves).
  2. Advanced Traders: Use index futures (Nifty/Bank Nifty) for high liquidity and leverage.
  3. 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

Final Takeaway:

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:

How to Fix It:

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:

Case Study: The 2021 “Evergrande Crisis” Pump

How to Avoid This:

  1. Verify Sources: Cross-check tips with financial news (Moneycontrol, ET Markets).
  2. Technical Check: Use charts to confirm if the stock is in a buy zone (e.g., above 20-day EMA).
  3. Liquidity Check: Ensure average volume >500k shares to avoid manipulation.

Key Takeaways

  1. Stop-Loss Saves Capital: Treat it like a seatbelt—non-negotiable.
  2. Tips ≠ Strategy: “Selecting intraday stocks involves” your own analysis, not hearsay.
  3. Emotion vs. Discipline: Greed/fear costs more than missing a trade.

Action Steps:

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:

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:

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:

Pro Tip: Use MT5’s “Market Scanner” to find gap-up/gap-down stocks at market open.

Comparison Table: Which Tool Should You Use?

PlatformKey FeaturesIdeal ForPricing
Zerodha KiteHeatmaps, bracket ordersBeginners₹20/trade
Upstox ProMarket depth, backtestingTechnical traders₹20/trade
MetaTrader 5Algo trading, global chartsAdvanced/professionalsFree (broker-dependent)

Case Study: Using Zerodha Kite to “Choose Intraday Stocks”

  1. Step 1: At 9:00 AM, use the “Volume Screener” to shortlist stocks with >1 million shares traded.
  2. Step 2: Apply the “RSI <30” filter to Tata Motors (oversold, likely to bounce).
  3. Step 3: Enter a long trade at ₹620 with a 1% stop-loss.
  4. Result: Tata Motors rallies 3% to ₹638, booking a ₹18/share profit.

Key Takeaways

  1. Zerodha Kite: Simplifies stock selection with user-friendly tools.
  2. Upstox Pro: Ideal for technical traders needing depth and backtesting.
  3. MetaTrader 5: Best for algo-driven strategies and global markets.

Action Steps:

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.

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.

Action: Filter for stocks with ATR >1% for intraday opportunities.

Step 3: Technical Analysis

a) Identify Key Levels (15-minute Chart)

b) Candlestick Pattern

c) Momentum Indicators

Step 4: Entry, Stop-Loss, and Target

Step 5: Trade Outcome

Key Metrics Summary

FactorTCS DataIdeal Intraday Range
Volume2.5M shares/day>1M shares
ATR₹45 (1.5%)>1% daily movement
RSI35 (oversold)30–70
Spread₹0.10<₹0.50

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

  1. Ignoring Volume: Trading low-volume stocks like XYZ Ltd. risks slippage.
  2. Overleveraging: Even with TCS’s stability, risking >2% per trade erodes capital.
  3. Misreading Indicators: A bullish MACD crossover without volume confirmation can be false.

Key Takeaways

  1. Liquidity First: Always “select highly liquid stocks with substantial trading volumes” like TCS.
  2. Volatility + Technicals: Combine ATR, RSI, and candlestick patterns for high-probability setups.
  3. 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 successliquidity, volatility, technical analysis, and pre-planning—you transform speculation into calculated decision-making. Let’s recap:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

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