Robust Trading Volumes Highlight Investor Interest
On 18 Feb 2026, ITC Ltd. recorded a total traded volume of 1.77 crore shares, translating to a traded value of approximately ₹582.27 crores. This volume represents a substantial increase compared to its recent averages, with delivery volume on 17 Feb rising by an impressive 174.36% against the five-day average delivery volume. Such a surge in volume is indicative of heightened investor interest and possibly accumulation activity, signalling that market participants are positioning themselves ahead of anticipated developments.
The stock opened at ₹326.00 and traded within a range of ₹324.80 to ₹331.25, closing at ₹330.85 as of 11:34 AM IST, marking a 1.40% gain on the day. Despite this positive price movement, ITC underperformed its sector, which gained 2.17% on the same day, and lagged behind the broader Sensex, which declined marginally by 0.17%. This divergence suggests selective buying interest in ITC amid broader sector strength.
Price and Moving Average Analysis
Technically, ITC’s last traded price remains above its 5-day and 20-day moving averages, reflecting short-term bullish momentum. However, it continues to trade below its longer-term 50-day, 100-day, and 200-day moving averages, indicating that the stock has yet to break out of its medium- to long-term consolidation phase. This mixed technical picture suggests cautious optimism among traders, with the potential for further upside if the stock can sustain above these critical resistance levels.
Over the past three consecutive trading sessions, ITC has delivered a cumulative return of 5.24%, signalling a steady recovery from recent lows. This performance, however, remains modest relative to the sector’s gains, underscoring the need for investors to weigh sectoral trends alongside stock-specific factors.
Fundamental and Market Positioning Context
ITC Ltd. operates within the FMCG sector, specifically in the cigarettes and tobacco industry, which has demonstrated resilience and growth potential. The company boasts a large market capitalisation of ₹4,12,963 crores, categorising it firmly as a large-cap stock. Despite its size and market presence, ITC’s current Mojo Score stands at 48.0 with a Mojo Grade of Sell, downgraded from Hold on 9 Feb 2026. This downgrade reflects concerns over valuation, earnings momentum, or sectoral headwinds as assessed by MarketsMOJO’s proprietary scoring system.
Its Market Cap Grade is rated 1, indicating a high market capitalisation but possibly signalling limited upside from a valuation perspective. The downgrade and relatively low Mojo Score suggest that while the stock is liquid and actively traded, investors should exercise caution and consider the broader fundamental outlook before committing fresh capital.
Handpicked from 50, scrutinized by experts – Our recent selection, this Mid Cap from Bank - Public, is already delivering results. Don't miss next month's pick!
- - Expert-scrutinized selection
- - Already delivering results
- - Monthly focused approach
Volume Surge Drivers and Market Sentiment
The extraordinary volume spike in ITC shares can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the stock’s recent three-day gain of over 5% has likely attracted momentum traders and short-term investors seeking to capitalise on the upward trend. Secondly, the sector’s overall strength, with the cigarettes and tobacco segment gaining 2.17% on the day, provides a supportive backdrop for ITC’s price action.
However, the underperformance relative to the sector and the downgrade in Mojo Grade suggest that institutional investors may be selectively trimming positions or awaiting clearer signals before committing further. The delivery volume surge indicates genuine accumulation rather than speculative trading, which could bode well for medium-term stability if sustained.
Liquidity and Trading Implications
ITC’s liquidity profile remains robust, with the stock’s traded value comfortably supporting trade sizes up to ₹13.5 crores based on 2% of the five-day average traded value. This liquidity ensures that large institutional trades can be executed without significant price impact, making ITC a preferred choice for portfolio managers seeking exposure to the FMCG sector.
Investors should note that while the stock is liquid and actively traded, the mixed signals from technical and fundamental indicators warrant a balanced approach. Monitoring volume trends alongside price action will be critical in assessing whether the recent accumulation translates into sustained upward momentum or if profit-taking pressures emerge.
Holding ITC Ltd. from FMCG? See if there's a smarter choice! SwitchER compares it with peers and suggests superior options across market caps and sectors!
- - Peer comparison ready
- - Superior options identified
- - Cross market-cap analysis
Outlook and Investor Takeaways
In summary, ITC Ltd.’s exceptional volume surge on 18 Feb 2026 highlights renewed investor interest amid a cautiously optimistic price environment. The stock’s recent gains and delivery volume spike suggest accumulation, yet the downgrade to a Sell rating and underperformance relative to the sector temper enthusiasm.
Investors should closely monitor whether ITC can break above its longer-term moving averages to confirm a sustained uptrend. Given the company’s large-cap status and liquidity, it remains a key FMCG sector player, but valuation concerns and sector dynamics warrant a measured approach.
For those holding ITC, it may be prudent to review peer comparisons and consider alternative FMCG stocks with stronger momentum or more favourable fundamental grades. Conversely, traders looking for short-term opportunities might capitalise on the current momentum while maintaining tight risk controls.
Overall, ITC’s trading activity underscores the importance of volume analysis as a tool to gauge market sentiment and potential price direction in large-cap FMCG stocks.
Only Rs. 9,999 - Get MojoOne for 1 Year + 3 Months FREE (60% Off) Start Today
