Fortis Healthcare Sees Sharp Open Interest Surge Amid Rising Market Momentum

Open Interest and Volume Dynamics

On 26 Feb 2026, Fortis Healthcare’s open interest (OI) in derivatives rose sharply by 3,435 contracts, a 20.46% increase from the previous day’s 16,789 contracts to 20,224 contracts. This notable expansion in OI accompanied a volume of 21,383 contracts, indicating that fresh positions were being established rather than existing ones being squared off. The futures segment alone accounted for a value of approximately ₹25,314 lakhs, while options contributed a substantial ₹13,780 crores, culminating in a total derivatives value of ₹29,054 lakhs. Such figures underscore the growing interest among traders and institutional investors in Fortis Healthcare’s price trajectory.

Price Performance and Technical Positioning

Fortis Healthcare’s stock price touched an intraday high of ₹961.4, marking a 3.29% rise on the day and outperforming the hospital sector’s marginal 0.03% gain and the Sensex’s slight decline of 0.10%. The stock has recorded gains for two consecutive sessions, delivering a cumulative return of 3.27% over this period. 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 bullish technical setup. This alignment of moving averages often attracts momentum traders and reinforces positive market sentiment.

Investor Participation and Liquidity

Investor participation has surged markedly, with delivery volumes on 25 Feb reaching 11.05 lakh shares, a 116.75% increase compared to the five-day average. This heightened delivery volume suggests that investors are not merely trading on a speculative basis but are willing to hold shares, reflecting confidence in the company’s fundamentals. Additionally, the stock’s liquidity remains robust, with the average traded value supporting trade sizes up to ₹2.21 crore without significant market impact, making it attractive for institutional investors and large traders alike.

Market Positioning and Directional Bets

The surge in open interest alongside rising volumes and price gains suggests that market participants are increasingly bullish on Fortis Healthcare. The 20.46% jump in OI indicates that new long positions are being built, possibly anticipating further upside in the stock price. This is corroborated by the stock’s outperformance relative to its sector and benchmark indices. Traders appear to be positioning for a sustained rally, supported by positive technical signals and improving fundamentals.

However, the MarketsMOJO Mojo Score for Fortis Healthcare currently stands at 51.0, with a Mojo Grade of Hold, downgraded from Buy on 13 Jan 2025. This reflects a cautious stance, suggesting that while the stock shows promise, investors should remain vigilant to potential volatility or sector-specific headwinds. The company’s market capitalisation is ₹71,834 crore, placing it firmly in the mid-cap category within the hospital sector, which is known for its growth potential but also sensitivity to regulatory and operational risks.

Sector and Peer Comparison

Within the hospital sector, Fortis Healthcare’s recent price momentum and derivatives activity stand out. The sector’s modest 0.03% gain on the day contrasts with Fortis’s 2.22% rise, highlighting its relative strength. This outperformance may attract switching interest from investors seeking superior returns within healthcare. The stock’s liquidity and rising delivery volumes further enhance its appeal as a tradable mid-cap stock with solid fundamentals.

Implications for Investors

For investors, the sharp rise in open interest combined with strong price action and volume signals a potential opportunity to capitalise on Fortis Healthcare’s upward momentum. The stock’s technical strength, supported by trading above all major moving averages, suggests that the current trend may continue in the near term. However, the Hold rating and moderate Mojo Score advise a balanced approach, weighing the stock’s growth prospects against sector risks and valuation considerations.

Market participants should monitor open interest trends closely, as sustained increases often precede significant price moves. Additionally, tracking delivery volumes and liquidity metrics can provide insights into the quality of investor participation, distinguishing genuine accumulation from speculative trading. Given Fortis Healthcare’s mid-cap status and sector dynamics, it remains a key stock to watch for directional bets in the hospital industry.

Conclusion

Fortis Healthcare Ltd’s recent surge in derivatives open interest and robust volume patterns reflect a growing bullish sentiment among investors and traders. The stock’s outperformance relative to its sector and benchmark indices, coupled with strong technical positioning, supports the case for continued upside potential. While the Mojo Grade of Hold suggests caution, the overall market positioning indicates that Fortis Healthcare remains an attractive candidate for investors seeking exposure to the hospital sector’s growth trajectory.

As always, investors should consider their risk tolerance and investment horizon before increasing exposure, keeping an eye on evolving market conditions and company-specific developments.

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