Market Recap: Top Gainers and Losers on August 18

The Indian stock market witnessed a wave of excitement on August 18, as traders and investors navigated through a mix of upbeat reform expectations, corporate updates, and earnings-driven moves. The day was marked by a broad-based rally, with the Nifty briefly reclaiming the 25,000 mark, while certain individual stocks took center stage—either racing to new highs or tumbling under pressure.

Cement Sector Leads the Charge

One of the biggest stories of the day came from cement companies. Hopes surrounding potential reforms in GST lifted the entire sector, giving heavyweight names like Ultratech, Shree Cement, ACC, and JK Cement a major push. Most of these stocks soared close to 5%, sparking optimism that infrastructure-linked plays may have strong momentum ahead. The rally also reflected the market’s broader confidence in a pickup in construction activity.

Midcaps and Smallcaps Shine Bright

It wasn’t just the blue-chip names that stole the spotlight. Midcap and smallcap indices outperformed as investors widened their bets beyond the usual heavyweights. Many counters in these segments posted gains of up to 9%, highlighting the return of risk appetite and showcasing renewed interest in niche companies with strong growth potential.

Big Movers of the Day

• Adani Green Energy jumped more than 6% after its subsidiary Mundra Solar Energy secured a green light to begin operations. This move was celebrated as a key milestone for the group’s solar module venture, further strengthening its position in the renewable energy space.
• Coal India, on the other hand, slipped nearly 2% after the stock turned ex-dividend. The decline was largely technical in nature, as investors adjusted positions post the company’s dividend announcement.
• NLC India saw an initial surge after news of a long-term solar power deal with the state of Rajasthan. However, gains were pared toward the end of the session, with traders booking profits after the initial spike.
• Confidence Petroleum climbed about 4%, buoyed by the launch of 13 new auto-LPG stations. The move added to the company’s positive quarterly growth momentum, reflecting expanding footprints in alternative fuel distribution.
• Jain Irrigation fell roughly 4% after the company revealed plans to raise around ₹199 crore through convertible share warrants. While the fundraising aims to support operations, short-term dilution fears weighed on investor sentiment.
• IFGL Refractories faced a sharp drop of about 5% after its Japanese promoter, Krosaki Harima, offloaded a significant stake via an off-market deal. The exit raised questions about long-term strategic commitment, causing jitters among shareholders.
• South Indian Bank was among the top performers, rallying nearly 6%. The jump came after the Reserve Bank of India cleared the appointment of PR Seshadri as its new Managing Director, effective from October 1. The leadership change was viewed positively by the market.
• Yatharth Hospitals surged close to 10% on the back of stellar Q1FY24 earnings. Net profit soared 73% year-on-year to ₹19 crore, with EBITDA climbing 61%. Strong occupancy rates and expansion strategies further boosted confidence in the healthcare player.
• Indian Hume Pipe posted gains of around 5% after securing a ₹639-crore order for a rural water supply scheme in Odisha. The contract strengthened its order book and showcased the company’s ability to win large-scale infrastructure projects.
• Sakthi Sugars slipped about 3% after an Asset Reconstruction Company sold a major chunk of its stake. The stake sale increased trading volumes and added selling pressure on the counter.

Midcap Strengthens Momentum

Several midcap names demonstrated resilience and strength, breaking key technical barriers.

• Ashok Leyland, Blue Star, and Endurance Technologies were among the biggest gainers, each climbing over 7%.
• Stocks such as Godrej Industries, Apollo Tyres, Voltas, and Sundaram Finance rose between 5–7%, supported by strong institutional buying.
• Additional momentum was seen in Marico, Honeywell Automation, Bank of India, PI Industries, Yes Bank, and Aditya Birla Fashion Retail, many of which crossed crucial moving averages, signaling strong upward trends.

The Bigger Picture

The session on August 18 highlighted a market riding on optimism but still sprinkled with caution. While sectors like cement and renewable energy offered powerful upswings, a few pockets showed signs of stress—particularly companies facing stake sales, fundraising pressures, or promoter exits.

The mix of corporate actions, government policy expectations, and strong quarterly results created a day of dynamic trading. For investors, the broader takeaway was clear: opportunities are plentiful, but selective positioning remains key in navigating the volatility of the Indian stock market.