Multi Commodity Exchange Sees Surge in Call Option Activity Amid Bullish Momentum

Feb 19 2026 10:00 AM IST
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Multi Commodity Exchange of India Ltd (MCX) has witnessed a significant uptick in call option trading, signalling strong bullish sentiment among investors as the stock continues to outperform its sector and broader market indices. With a robust Mojo Score upgrade to 82.0 and a fresh 'Strong Buy' rating, MCX is attracting heightened attention in the capital markets space ahead of the 24 February 2026 expiry.
Multi Commodity Exchange Sees Surge in Call Option Activity Amid Bullish Momentum

Robust Call Option Activity Highlights Investor Optimism

The most active call options for MCX are concentrated at the ₹2,500 strike price, with 4,908 contracts traded on 19 February 2026. This activity generated a turnover of ₹6.5 crores, reflecting substantial investor interest in leveraged bullish positions. Open interest at this strike stands at 3,009 contracts, indicating sustained commitment from market participants ahead of the weekly expiry.

The underlying stock price closed at ₹2,419.80, trading just below the ₹2,500 strike, suggesting that traders are positioning for a potential upside breakout in the near term. The call option volume and open interest data underscore a consensus expectation of upward price momentum, supported by recent technical and fundamental developments.

Price Performance and Technical Strength

MCX has outperformed its sector by 3.36% on the day, registering a 3.40% gain compared to the Capital Markets sector's decline of 0.21% and the Sensex's marginal fall of 0.13%. The stock has recorded consecutive gains over the past two sessions, delivering a cumulative return of 5.92% during this period. Notably, MCX opened with a gap up of 2.55% and touched an intraday high of ₹2,431.30, marking a 3.84% rise from the previous close.

From a technical standpoint, MCX is trading above all key moving averages — 5-day, 20-day, 50-day, 100-day, and 200-day — signalling a strong uptrend and positive market sentiment. This technical strength aligns with the bullish positioning seen in the options market, reinforcing the likelihood of further gains in the near term.

Fundamental Upgrades and Market Capitalisation

On 18 November 2025, MCX's Mojo Grade was upgraded from 'Buy' to 'Strong Buy', reflecting improved fundamentals and enhanced growth prospects. The company holds a Mojo Score of 82.0, placing it among the top-rated stocks in the Capital Markets sector. Despite a Market Cap Grade of 2, MCX commands a substantial market capitalisation of ₹61,733.53 crores, categorising it as a mid-cap stock with significant institutional interest.

However, delivery volumes have seen a slight dip, with a 2.19% decline against the 5-day average, registering 16.87 lakh shares on 18 February. This marginal fall in investor participation could be a temporary consolidation phase amid the ongoing rally.

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Expiry Patterns and Strategic Positioning

The 24 February 2026 expiry has emerged as a focal point for option traders, with the ₹2,500 call strike dominating volumes. This expiry is the nearest weekly expiry, and the concentration of open interest at this strike price suggests that traders are betting on a breakout above this level within the next five trading sessions.

Such positioning often reflects confidence in upcoming catalysts, which could include quarterly earnings, regulatory announcements, or sectoral developments that favour MCX's business model. The strong call option activity also indicates that traders are willing to pay a premium for upside exposure, anticipating a rally that could push the stock price beyond the current resistance zone.

Liquidity and Trading Viability

MCX's liquidity profile supports active trading, with a 5-day average traded value sufficient to accommodate trade sizes of up to ₹18.28 crores based on 2% of average volume. This liquidity ensures that both institutional and retail investors can enter and exit positions without significant price impact, further encouraging option market participation.

The combination of high liquidity, strong technicals, and positive fundamental upgrades creates a conducive environment for sustained bullish momentum in MCX shares and their derivatives.

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Sector Context and Comparative Outlook

Within the Capital Markets sector, MCX stands out as a mid-cap leader with a strong growth trajectory. Its recent outperformance relative to the sector and benchmark indices highlights its resilience amid broader market volatility. The upgrade to a 'Strong Buy' Mojo Grade reflects improved earnings visibility and operational efficiencies that differentiate MCX from peers.

Investors looking for exposure to the commodities and derivatives trading space may find MCX's current valuation and technical setup attractive, especially given the bullish sentiment evident in the options market. However, cautious monitoring of delivery volumes and sectoral headwinds remains prudent to gauge sustainability of the rally.

Outlook and Investor Considerations

Given the confluence of strong call option activity, technical momentum, and fundamental upgrades, MCX appears well-positioned for further gains in the near term. The ₹2,500 strike price call options expiring on 24 February 2026 serve as a key indicator of market expectations, with traders anticipating a breakout above this level.

Investors should consider the stock’s liquidity, recent price action, and sector dynamics when formulating strategies. While the bullish signals are compelling, prudent risk management remains essential, especially in the derivatives segment where leverage can amplify outcomes.

Overall, MCX’s current market behaviour and option market positioning suggest a favourable risk-reward profile for investors seeking exposure to India’s capital markets infrastructure.

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