Diwali 2025 cracker stocks to light up your portfolio: Experts pick Axis Bank, DLF, Paytm, MTAR Tech and more

As festive cheer lifts investor sentiment this Diwali season, top market experts Rajesh Palviya of Axis Securities and Kunal Bothra of Kunal Bothra Advisors shared their list of “cracker stocks” — high-conviction picks across banking, auto, infra, and tech that could deliver solid returns in 2025 with ET Now.

From safe bets like SBI and Hero MotoCorp to high-risk rockets like Paytm and MTAR Tech, the experts believe investors can find sparks of opportunity in a consolidating market.

Axis Bank: A turnaround play in private banking

Kunal Bothra kicked off his Diwali picks with Axis Bank, calling it one of the best risk-reward trades in the private banking space.

“Private banks have underperformed for months, but Axis Bank looks ready for a turnaround,” he said.

He recommends a buy at current levels, targeting Rs 1,225 with a stop loss at Rs 1,150.

Bothra added that the recent correction of 20–30 points has made the setup “much more lucrative for short-term traders.”

Safe sparklers: SBI and Hero MotoCorp

Rajesh Palviya’s “safe sparklers” list features State Bank of India (SBI) and Hero MotoCorp — both largecaps showing strong momentum.

“SBI has been forming higher highs for five consecutive years — a sign of sustained buying,” Palviya said.
He recommends buying SBI between Rs 830–Rs 880, targeting Rs 960–Rs 1,040 over the next 6–12 months.

On Hero MotoCorp, Palviya noted strong breakout signals on both monthly and weekly charts.

“Hero MotoCorp is outperforming peers — we expect it to hit Rs 6,300–Rs 6,400,” he said.

ICICI Bank: Catch-up rally in the making

For medium-term investors, Bothra highlighted ICICI Bank, which he believes could soon join the banking rally.

“If Bank Nifty leads the next market leg, ICICI can’t stay behind,” he noted.

The counter trades just below Rs 1,400, with a target of Rs 1,475–Rs 1,500 and a stop loss at Rs 1,325.

He expects the bank to benefit as financials regain leadership.

High-risk rockets: MTAR Tech and Paytm

Palviya’s “high-risk rockets” for this Diwali are MTAR Technologies and Paytm — both showing strong breakouts on charts.

MTAR Tech, he said, has given a monthly breakout from a falling channel backed by strong volumes.

“We project a target of Rs 2,380–Rs 2,500 with an accumulation zone at Rs 2,090–Rs 2,180,” Palviya said.

Paytm too has regained investor attention after a prolonged consolidation.

“The stock is making higher highs and trading above all key moving averages,” he noted, setting a target of Rs 1,500 and a buy range of Rs 1,200–Rs 1,275.

Long-term bet: DLF

Among long-term plays, Bothra turned contrarian with DLF, calling it a value buy in the real estate space.

“After correcting nearly 30% from its 2024 high, DLF now offers an attractive entry,” he said.

He recommends a buy near Rs 700, with a target of Rs 880 and a stop loss at Rs 700.

Bothra expects a cyclical turnaround in the realty index over the next few months.

Value bombs: Inox Green and NBCC

Rounding off the Diwali list, Palviya named Inox Green and NBCC as his “value bombs.”

Inox Green recently broke out of a long consolidation phase between Rs 115–Rs 210.

“We see upside to Rs 285–Rs 300,” he said, suggesting accumulation between Rs 240–Rs 257.

For NBCC, he pointed to a major breakout from a rounding bottom formation on yearly charts.

“With a target of Rs 130–Rs 140 and a buy range of Rs 102–Rs 111, NBCC looks like a strong infra play,” Palviya added.

Diversify, but stay selective

As investors light diyas and prepare portfolios for Samvat 2082, both experts agreed that the key is diversification with discipline.

“This Diwali, balance your portfolio — mix safe sparklers with high-risk rockets for the best fireworks,” said Bothra.