Top Traded by Value Today 23-Mar-2026: Most Active Stocks

Indian markets witnessed a sharp sell-off on Monday, driven by escalating geopolitical tensions and persistent foreign institutional investor (FII) selling. The Nifty 50 plummeted 579.90 points (-2.51%) to close at 22,534.60, while the Sensex plunged over 1,650 points. Market breadth was extremely weak, with financials, PSU banks, and metal stocks leading the decline across the board.

Large Cap Top Traded by Value

HDFC Bank Ltd (-4.70%)

HDFC Bank was the most actively traded stock by value, plunging after multiple reports pointed to a leadership crisis and governance concerns. The crisis is reportedly linked to client losses from Credit Suisse AT1 bonds and was intensified by the recent resignation of part-time chairman Atanu Chakraborty. These developments triggered a sharp sell-off, with the stock hitting a new 52-week low on massive trading volumes.

Reliance Industries Ltd (-0.52%)

Reliance Industries saw high trading volume but demonstrated relative resilience compared to the broader market's steep fall. The stock's modest decline was part of the market-wide negative sentiment driven by global geopolitical fears and rising oil prices. Its significant trading value reflects its heavyweight status, attracting both sellers reacting to market panic and buyers finding value during the dip.

ICICI Bank Ltd (-1.84%)

ICICI Bank was heavily traded as it succumbed to a severe sell-off across the banking sector, hitting a 52-week low. The Nifty Bank index crashed over 3%, dragging all its constituents, including ICICI Bank, deep into the red. The widespread panic in financial stocks overshadowed a positive 'Buy' rating from Motilal Oswal, leading to significant selling pressure.

Larsen & Toubro Ltd (-2.70%)

Larsen & Toubro continued its downward trend, contributing to the day's high trading value as selling pressure intensified. The stock has been underperforming, falling approximately 22% in March, and the broader market crash provided a fresh trigger for the sell-off. Investor sentiment was weak amid the ongoing correction in the counter.

State Bank of India (-2.52%)

State Bank of India witnessed high trading activity as it fell in line with the sharp correction in PSU banking stocks. There was no specific negative news for the company; its decline was a direct result of the risk-off sentiment that hammered the entire banking and financial services space. The Nifty Bank's 3% plunge led to a broad-based sell-off in sector heavyweights like SBI.

Mid Cap Top Traded by Value

Multi Commodity Exchange of India Ltd (-4.14%)

MCX shares fell sharply amid broad market weakness and negative sentiment in the commodities space. Reports of falling prices for metals like gold, silver, and copper on the exchange likely dampened investor sentiment for the company's stock. The high trading volume indicates significant selling pressure as investors exited positions during the market turmoil.

Dixon Technologies (India) Ltd (-4.24%)

Dixon Technologies was among the most active mid-cap stocks as it corrected sharply with the broader market. The Nifty Midcap 100 index fell nearly 4%, and high-growth stocks like Dixon witnessed intense profit-booking amid the risk-off environment. The sell-off was driven by market-wide panic rather than any company-specific news.

Hindustan Copper Ltd (-8.08%)

Hindustan Copper plunged on the back of falling global copper prices, which slipped due to concerns over subdued domestic demand. As a leading copper producer, the company's profitability is directly linked to the commodity's price, and the decline in copper futures triggered a sharp sell-off in the stock. The counter saw very high trading volumes, reflecting the strong investor reaction.

Waaree Energies Ltd (-3.19%)

Waaree Energies saw active trading as the stock corrected along with the broader mid-cap segment. The market-wide sell-off prompted investors to book profits in stocks that have performed well recently. The decline was primarily driven by overall negative market sentiment rather than any fundamental trigger specific to the company.

IndusInd Bank Ltd (-5.12%)

IndusInd Bank was one of the top traded stocks by value as it was caught in the fierce sell-off that gripped the banking sector. The Nifty Bank index's steep 3% fall created widespread panic among investors, leading to a sharp decline in the stock on high trading volumes. The move was part of a sectoral downturn rather than a reaction to company-specific news.

Small Cap Top Traded by Value

Gujarat Alkalies & Chemicals Ltd (+14.44%)

Gujarat Alkalies was a standout performer, surging over 14% on a day of market collapse. The stock witnessed exceptionally high trading volume of over 7 crore shares, indicating massive buying interest. This strong outperformance in a deeply negative market suggests a company-specific trigger or strong speculative interest that defied the broader trend.

DCX Systems Ltd (+7.32%)

DCX Systems rallied significantly against the market trend, backed by unusually high trading volume of nearly 9 crore shares. The stock's sharp upward move in a bearish market points towards strong accumulation, possibly driven by a block deal or renewed institutional interest. This buying momentum allowed the stock to buck the widespread selling pressure.

NOCIL Ltd (+11.23%)

NOCIL shares jumped over 11% on the back of staggering trading volumes exceeding 9.4 crore shares. Similar to Gujarat Alkalies, this chemical sector stock showed immense relative strength. The concentrated buying interest in a few chemical stocks suggests a possible sector-specific positive development that attracted investors despite the market crash.

Brainbees Solutions Ltd (-11.82%)

Brainbees Solutions was among the top traded small caps as it witnessed a sharp fall of nearly 12%. The stock was hit by the intense risk-aversion that gripped the market, which typically leads to a flight of capital from small-cap counters. The high trading volume reflects panic selling from investors amid the broader market downturn.

Kaynes Technology India Ltd (-5.87%)

Kaynes Technology declined amid the broad-based sell-off, particularly impacting technology and manufacturing stocks. As investors rushed to reduce risk, small-cap stocks like Kaynes faced significant selling pressure. The active trading in the counter was driven by the overall negative sentiment prevailing in the market.

Market Overview

Indian equity markets experienced a bloodbath on Monday, with benchmark indices recording their worst fall in recent times. The Nifty 50 closed below the 22,600 mark, down 2.51%, while the Sensex crashed over 1,650 points. The sell-off was triggered by a confluence of negative global cues, including escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, crude oil prices surging past $110 a barrel, and a weakening rupee that hit a new lifetime low against the US dollar.

All sectoral indices ended in the red, with Nifty Bank, PSU Bank, Metal, and Realty being the worst performers, falling over 3%. Persistent selling by Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) and rising US bond yields further soured investor sentiment. The market breadth was overwhelmingly negative, and the India VIX, a measure of volatility, soared over 17%, indicating heightened fear among market participants.

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