Adani Energy to Varun Beverages - Jay Thakkar suggests three stocks to buy for short-term in F&O segment

Market Expert Jay Thakkar Recommends 3 Top F&O Picks for Short-Term Traders

In the fast-moving world of derivatives trading, market timing and stock selection can be the difference between gains and losses. Renowned market strategist Jay Thakkar, Head of Alternate Research at Sharekhan by BNP Paribas, has recently spotlighted three high-potential stocks in the Futures & Options (F&O) segment, recommending them for short-term bullish trades. The recommended picks include Adani Energy Solutions, Varun Beverages, and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)—each identified for its robust technical structure and potential upside in the near term.

1. Adani Energy Solutions: Positive Breakout on the Charts

Stock Price (as of July 12): ₹1,025.85
Target: ₹1,100 | Stop Loss: ₹970 | Upside Potential: ~7%

Adani Energy Solutions has caught the attention of technical analysts with its bullish price structure, backed by strong volumes and a positive Relative Strength Index (RSI) divergence.

“The stock has formed a base and given a breakout from a triangle pattern on the daily chart. The consolidation seems complete, and momentum is picking up,” said Jay Thakkar.

The Adani Group stock has been on an uptrend amid a broader recovery in Adani counters post-Hindenburg volatility. Traders may consider this counter for short-term accumulation, particularly given its strategic position in India’s power transmission and green energy grid expansion.

2. Varun Beverages: Cool Gains Ahead Despite Market Heat

Stock Price (as of July 12): ₹1,560.20
Target: ₹1,650 | Stop Loss: ₹1,510 | Upside Potential: ~6%

Beverage major Varun Beverages, a key PepsiCo bottler in India and several international markets, has also made it to Thakkar’s short-term watchlist. The stock has maintained strong relative strength during recent market dips.

“It is trading above all key moving averages and has shown a decisive breakout from a narrow consolidation range,” Thakkar highlighted.

The company reported robust Q1 earnings, backed by volume growth and operational efficiency, which has further boosted sentiment. As a consumption-driven counter, Varun Beverages remains a strong candidate in the F&O segment with a favorable risk-reward ratio for short-term traders.

3. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL): Defending the Bulls

Stock Price (as of July 12): ₹5,078.75
Target: ₹5,400 | Stop Loss: ₹4,900 | Upside Potential: ~6.3%

Public sector aerospace major HAL continues to be a top pick among defense-related stocks, with strong institutional interest and government support under the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission. According to Thakkar, the stock has formed a bullish flag pattern on the daily chart and looks set to resume its upward trajectory.

“HAL is showing strength despite sectoral rotation. A breakout above ₹5,100 can lead to a quick 5-6% move in the near term,” he explained.

With multiple defense contracts in the pipeline and strong order visibility, HAL offers not only short-term trading opportunities but also longer-term strategic value.

F&O Segment Outlook: Momentum Plays in Focus

The broader derivatives market has witnessed renewed interest in high-beta and momentum-driven counters, especially in the wake of recent FII inflows and easing global concerns. Thakkar’s stock recommendations reflect this shift toward fundamentally strong and technically sound counters with breakout potential.

The Nifty F&O segment has seen an uptick in open interest (OI) in select stocks, with bullish positions building up steadily in energy, defense, and FMCG-related counters. Market participants are advised to remain cautious and stick to defined stop losses, as short-term volatility remains a risk.

Expert View: Risk Management Is Key

While short-term trades offer opportunities for quick returns, disciplined execution and tight stop-loss strategies are crucial. Thakkar advises traders to monitor price-action closely and exit positions if targets are met or technical structure changes.

“Markets are in a range-bound phase with sectoral rotation at play. It’s important to ride momentum but not get caught in reversals,” Thakkar cautioned.

Investor Outlook: Riding the Momentum, Cautiously

The stocks suggested by Jay Thakkar are suited for traders looking to capture 5-7% short-term gains within a time frame of 1–2 weeks. While all three have favorable setups, market watchers recommend a close watch on global cues, domestic macroeconomic data, and sector-specific developments, particularly in the energy and defense space.

For investors with a medium-term horizon, these picks could also serve as entry points, provided technical support levels hold firm.