Widely read:
Mid- and small-cap stocks stole the spotlight on July 18, with Excel Industries and JP Power rallying on earnings and takeover buzz. Meanwhile, Alok Industries cooled off after a sharp run-up, while Vodafone Idea remained hot amid telecom sector optimism.
But what’s driving the action—and which stocks could be next?
NSE’s Most Active Equities – July 18, 2025
Trading on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) on July 18, 2025, was led by mid- and small-cap stocks, with Excel Industries, Jaiprakash Power Ventures, and Alok Industries among the most traded names by volume. The broader market remained subdued, but these counters stood out on the back of strong earnings, corporate buzz, and sector-specific tailwinds.
Excel Industries (NSE: EXCELINDUS)
- LTP: ₹1.19 | Change: +3.5% | Volume: ~8.57 crore
Excel Industries surged after it reported Q4 FY25 consolidated net profit of ₹12.41 crore, an 86% YoY jump, pushing FY25 net profit up by over 400%. Investors reacted positively to the earnings beat, with the stock reclaiming its recent highs.
Jaiprakash Power Ventures (NSE: JPPOWER)
- LTP: ₹24.50 | Change: +3% | Volume: ~6.61 crore
JP Power shares extended gains to hit a new 52-week high amid takeover speculation and strong quarterly results. Market chatter suggests interest from large infrastructure players, which, along with profit growth, has led to significant retail and institutional buying.
Alok Industries (NSE: ALOKINDS)
- LTP: ₹20.95 | Change: -5% | Volume: ~6.55 crore
Alok Industries saw profit-booking after a strong rally earlier in the week. The company, backed by Reliance Industries (40% stake), was in focus due to optimism in the textile sector following reports of increased export competitiveness. Investors took profits ahead of its Q1 FY26 earnings.
Vodafone Idea (NSE: IDEA)
- LTP: ₹7.73 | Change: -0.4% | Volume: ~6.53 crore
Telecom player Vodafone Idea saw elevated volumes, staying near its recent highs. Despite a minor dip, investors remained hopeful about fundraising plans (~₹25,000 crore) and AGR relief talks. The stock has rallied in recent weeks on the back of renewed government engagement.
GTL Infrastructure (NSE: GTLINFRA)
- LTP: ₹1.76 | Change: +0.6% | Volume: ~5.96 crore
GTL Infra continued its small-cap momentum rally, driven by interest in 5G infrastructure plays and speculative trading. Although there was no new information, analysts attributed the move to technical strength and the ongoing sentiment in the infrastructure sector.
Market Context
While Nifty and large-cap stocks remained flat due to global uncertainties, traders turned to mid- and small-cap counters for action. High volumes in Excel, JP Power, and GTL Infra reflected sectoral momentum and earnings-led buying. The session saw investors gravitate toward theme-based opportunities—from energy takeovers and textile tailwinds to growth in telecom infrastructure.
Investor Takeaway:
The top-volume stocks on July 18 indicate strong retail and momentum interest in fundamentally improving mid-cap and theme-driven small-cap stocks. Investors are advised to review the underlying fundamentals, especially in volatile names like GTL Infra and Vodafone Idea, where sentiment may outpace fundamentals. Access full stock ratings and financials, and which stock is good for you on Value Research Stock Advisor.
Disclaimer: This is not a stock recommendation. This story was created with the assistance of artificial intelligence and has been reviewed by human experts for accuracy and is intended for informational purposes only. Please take it with a grain of salt and conduct your own research or consult a financial advisor before making any investment decisions
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