Top Traded by Volume Today 20-Mar-2026: Most Active Stocks
Indian benchmark indices rebounded sharply on Friday, with the Nifty 50 climbing 184 points (0.80%) to close at 23,186 and the Sensex gaining 561 points (0.75%) to settle at 74,769. The market breadth was firmly positive, with 2,504 stocks advancing against 1,389 declining. Sectoral leadership was seen from PSU Banks, Metals, and IT, which drove the recovery, while private banks underperformed, weighed down by weakness in index heavyweight HDFC Bank.
Large Cap Top Traded by Volume
HDFC Bank Ltd (-2.41%) The stock witnessed massive selling pressure and was the most active counter by value following the resignation of its part-time chairman, Atanu Chakraborty. This unexpected high-level departure spooked investors, leading to a sharp decline in the share price and its American Depository Receipts (ADRs) hitting a new 52-week low. The heavy trading volume of over 10 crore shares was driven by institutional and retail investors offloading their positions.
ITC Ltd (+0.62%) ITC saw high trading volume but registered a modest gain as the broader FMCG sector lagged the market rally. The high volume indicates significant investor participation, though the stock's performance was subdued compared to leaders in the metal and IT sectors. The activity reflects churning in the counter amidst a recovering market.
Eternal Ltd (+1.49%) Eternal Ltd was among the most actively traded large-cap stocks, gaining in line with the broader market rebound. The significant trading volume suggests heightened investor interest as market sentiment turned positive. The stock's movement was primarily supported by the overall market recovery.
Tata Steel Ltd (+3.23%) Shares of Tata Steel rallied on high volume, driven by a strong sector-wide upmove in metal stocks. Positive sentiment across the metals space, fueled by value buying, led to significant investor interest in the counter. The stock was a key gainer in the Nifty 50, reflecting the strong momentum in the sector.
Adani Power Ltd (+0.30%) Adani Power recorded high trading volumes amid a positive day for the broader energy sector. While the stock's price change was minimal, the high volume points to active trading as investors responded to positive cues in the power and energy space. The activity was part of a broader interest in energy stocks during the session.
Mid Cap Top Traded by Volume
Vodafone Idea Ltd (+4.59%) Vodafone Idea was the most traded stock by volume, surging nearly 5% after the latest TRAI data revealed a significant slowdown in its subscriber losses for January 2026. This was the company's smallest monthly subscriber decline in two years, signaling a potential operational turnaround. The positive data prompted a strong investor reaction, leading to a spike in both price and volume.
Yes Bank Ltd (+1.03%) Yes Bank continued to feature among the volume leaders, a common trend driven by high retail investor participation. The stock registered a modest gain in a strong market. Its high trading volume reflects sustained interest, partly supported by the bank's improving asset quality metrics, including a continuous reduction in its Gross and Net NPA levels over recent years.
Suzlon Energy Ltd (+2.19%) Suzlon Energy gained on the back of high trading volumes, benefiting from positive sentiment in the broader renewable energy sector. As the market rebounded, investors showed renewed interest in green energy themes. The stock's movement was in line with the gains seen across the Nifty Energy index.
Mangalore Refinery And Petrochemicals Ltd (+3.46%) MRPL shares rallied on strong volumes, propelled by a sector-wide surge in oil and gas stocks. The rally was triggered by easing crude oil prices and a broad market rebound, which improved sentiment for oil marketing companies. MRPL was a key beneficiary of this positive momentum in the energy space.
NMDC Ltd (+2.52%) NMDC shares gained amid high trading activity, driven by the strong performance of the metals and mining sector. With the BSE Metal index gaining over 2%, investor sentiment for commodity-linked stocks was robust. The company's stock rose as part of this broader sectoral rally.
Small Cap Top Traded by Volume
Jaiprakash Power Ventures Ltd (-2.33%) The stock saw exceptionally high trading volume but closed in the red. The selling pressure and high activity were likely influenced by negative developments concerning its parent company, Jaiprakash Associates, whose shareholders received nil value in a recent NCLT-approved resolution plan. This news likely created a negative overhang, leading to significant churning and investor exits.
Sagility Ltd (+4.22%) Sagility Ltd attracted high trading volumes and closed with gains of over 4%. While there was no specific news today, the stock's performance was likely supported by strong underlying fundamentals and positive analyst sentiment. The company has a track record of good quarterly growth and holds strong buy recommendations from several analysts.
Reliance Power Ltd (+3.76%) Reliance Power gained on high volumes, driven by renewed retail interest in the power sector amid the market's broad recovery. As a high-beta stock, it often sees increased activity during positive market phases. The buying interest was part of a larger trend of investors looking at power and energy stocks.
Brainbees Solutions Ltd (+19.99%) Shares of Brainbees Solutions surged and locked in at the 20% upper circuit on the back of massive trading volume. This explosive move indicates a significant breakout driven by intense buying pressure. The stock was one of the top gainers across the market, signaling a strong and sudden shift in investor interest.
Inox Green Energy Services Ltd (+7.38%) Inox Green Energy rallied significantly with robust trading volumes. The stock benefited from strong momentum in the renewable energy sector. As a player in green energy services, it attracted investor attention during a session where thematic buying in the clean energy space was prominent.
Market Overview
The Indian stock market staged a strong comeback on March 20, 2026, snapping the previous session's steep losses. The Sensex closed 561 points higher at 74,769, while the Nifty 50 advanced 184 points to end the day at 23,186. The recovery was broad-based, as indicated by the positive advance-decline ratio, where 2,504 stocks gained compared to 1,389 that fell on the BSE.
Sectoral performance was led by strong buying in PSU Banks, Metals, IT, and Energy stocks, which benefited from value buying and easing crude oil prices. However, the financial services sector, particularly private banks, remained a laggard. The underperformance was primarily due to heavy selling in HDFC Bank following the resignation of its chairman, which weighed on the Bank Nifty index. Despite this, the overall market sentiment was buoyed by a rebound in global markets and bargain hunting after the recent correction.
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