Adani Ports Sees Sharp Open Interest Surge Signalling Renewed Market Interest

Open Interest and Volume Dynamics

The latest data reveals that ADANIPORTS recorded a futures volume of 1,39,791 contracts, supporting the rise in open interest. The futures value stands at approximately ₹1,51,490.67 lakhs, while the options segment commands a substantial ₹89,331.56 crores in notional value, underscoring the stock’s prominence in the derivatives market. The combined derivatives turnover totals ₹1,58,896.83 lakhs, indicating robust trading activity.

This increase in open interest by 12,906 contracts, or nearly 16%, is a clear indication that fresh positions are being established rather than old ones being squared off. Such a pattern often precedes significant price moves, as traders position themselves for anticipated volatility or directional shifts.

Price Action and Technical Context

On the price front, ADANIPORTS closed at ₹1,548, just 2.56% shy of its 52-week high of ₹1,583.90. The stock rebounded after three consecutive days of decline, touching an intraday high of ₹1,564.50, marking a 3.51% gain during the session. Notably, the share price is trading above all key moving averages – 5-day, 20-day, 50-day, 100-day, and 200-day – signalling a strong uptrend and positive momentum.

Relative to its sector, the stock’s 1-day return of 2.28% slightly outperformed the Transport Infrastructure sector’s 2.17% gain and significantly outpaced the Sensex’s modest 0.33% rise. This relative strength highlights investor preference for ADANIPORTS amid broader market conditions.

Market Positioning and Investor Behaviour

Despite the bullish derivatives activity, delivery volumes tell a nuanced story. The delivery volume on 20 Feb stood at 5.68 lakh shares, down 42.86% from the 5-day average, indicating a decline in long-term investor participation. This divergence suggests that while traders are actively positioning in the derivatives market, actual shareholding by investors is more cautious or profit-taking may be underway.

Liquidity remains healthy, with the stock’s average traded value supporting trade sizes up to ₹5.43 crores based on 2% of the 5-day average traded value. This liquidity ensures that institutional and retail participants can execute sizeable trades without significant market impact.

Implications of the Open Interest Surge

The sharp rise in open interest, alongside increasing volumes and price strength, typically signals that traders are building fresh positions with a directional bias. Given the stock’s proximity to its 52-week high and positive technical indicators, the market appears to be positioning for further upside potential.

However, the decline in delivery volumes suggests that long-term investors remain cautious, possibly awaiting confirmation of sustained momentum before committing fresh capital. This dynamic often results in short-term volatility as speculative traders dominate price action.

From a risk perspective, the stock’s large market capitalisation of ₹3,56,192.08 crores and its classification as a large-cap entity in the Transport Infrastructure sector provide a degree of stability. The recent upgrade in its Mojo Grade from Sell to Hold on 3 Feb 2026, with a current Mojo Score of 57.0, reflects improving fundamentals and market sentiment, though the rating still advises measured optimism.

Sectoral and Market Context

The Transport Infrastructure sector has gained 2.33% on the day, with ADANIPORTS outperforming slightly. This sectoral strength is supported by ongoing government initiatives to boost port capacities and logistics efficiency, which bode well for companies like Adani Ports. The stock’s ability to outperform its sector and the broader Sensex indicates strong investor confidence in its growth prospects.

Technical analysts will note the stock’s sustained trading above all major moving averages as a bullish confirmation, while the recent trend reversal after a three-day decline may attract momentum traders seeking to capitalise on renewed buying interest.

Outlook and Investor Takeaways

Investors should view the surge in open interest as a signal of heightened market interest and potential directional bets on ADANIPORTS. The stock’s technical strength and sector tailwinds support a cautiously optimistic outlook. However, the reduced delivery volumes caution that sustained institutional buying is yet to materialise fully.

Given the current Mojo Grade of Hold, investors may consider maintaining existing positions while monitoring for confirmation of trend continuation or signs of profit booking. The stock’s liquidity and large-cap status make it suitable for both institutional and retail portfolios, but risk management remains essential amid the speculative activity in derivatives.

In summary, the derivatives market activity around Adani Ports & Special Economic Zone Ltd reflects a market positioning that favours upside potential, supported by strong volumes and technical indicators. Yet, the divergence in delivery volumes suggests a wait-and-watch approach for longer-term investors.

Company and Market Metrics at a Glance

• Market Capitalisation: ₹3,56,192.08 crores (Large Cap)
• Latest Open Interest: 94,653 contracts (up 15.79%)
• Futures Volume: 1,39,791 contracts
• Futures Value: ₹1,51,490.67 lakhs
• Options Value: ₹89,331.56 crores
• Combined Derivatives Turnover: ₹1,58,896.83 lakhs
• Closing Price: ₹1,548 (2.56% below 52-week high)
• Day’s High: ₹1,564.50 (3.51% gain)
• Delivery Volume (20 Feb): 5.68 lakh shares (-42.86%)
• Mojo Score: 57.0 (Hold, upgraded from Sell on 3 Feb 2026)
• Sector Performance: +2.33%
• Sensex Performance: +0.33%

Conclusion

The recent surge in open interest and volume in Adani Ports & Special Economic Zone Ltd’s derivatives market signals a renewed bullish sentiment and potential directional bets for further price appreciation. While technical indicators and sectoral strength support this view, the decline in delivery volumes advises caution. Investors should balance optimism with prudence, keeping an eye on evolving market dynamics and fundamental developments.

Limited Period Only. Start at Rs. 9,999 - Get MojoOne for 1 Year + 3 Months FREE (60% Off) Get 71% Off →