Trending stocks Today, May 22, 2026: Vodafone Idea Stays Most Traded Stock on NSE as JSW Cement Jumps and Central Bank Falls

Mumbai, May 22:Vodafone Idea remained the most actively traded stock on the NSE for the eighth consecutive session on Friday, extending gains as investors cheered the telecom operator’s 5G expansion plans and infrastructure initiatives. Trading activity was also driven by strong moves in JSW Cement following robust quarterly earnings, while Central Bank of India came under pressure after the government launched a stake sale. Ola Electric, meanwhile, staged a mild rebound after a sharp earnings-led decline in the previous session, though concerns over demand and competition in the electric scooter segment remain.

Vodafone Idea Limited (up 2.20%)

Shares of Vodafone Idea extended gains on Friday, remaining the most actively traded stock for at least the eighth straight session as investors continued to bet on the telecom operator’s fundraising plans and network expansion efforts.

The company on Thursday said it would expand its fifth-generation (5G) services across multiple cities in West Bengal by June, adding to optimism around its long-delayed rollout strategy.

Earlier this week, Vodafone Idea also announced that it had entered into a power purchase agreement and a share purchase agreement to acquire a 26% stake in MTK Quantum Green Energy, signalling efforts to strengthen its energy infrastructure and lower operating costs.

The stock had already surged on Wednesday after hitting a 52-week high in the previous session.

The sharp rebound was triggered after the telecom operator said it was “deeply engaged” with an State Bank of India-led consortium for a proposed ₹35,000-crore funding package, reviving investor hopes around its delayed network expansion and 5G rollout plans.

Chief Executive Officer Abhijit Kishore said discussions with lenders were progressing “rapidly” following recent relief on adjusted gross revenue (AGR) dues and proposed promoter equity infusion measures.

The renewed buying interest came after the stock had declined in the previous session, when investors shifted focus from the Aditya Birla Group’s proposed ₹4,730-crore capital infusion to the company’s weak operational performance.

Vodafone Idea reported a consolidated net profit of ₹51,970 crore for the March quarter, largely due to a one-time accounting gain linked to AGR liabilities. However, revenue growth remained muted at around 3% year-on-year, highlighting persistent concerns over the company’s competitive position in India’s intensely contested telecom market.

While optimism surrounding fresh funding and government relief measures has improved near-term sentiment, investors remain cautious about Vodafone Idea’s massive debt burden and the substantial capital expenditure required to meaningfully strengthen its network and compete with larger rivals such as Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel.

JSW Cement Limited (up 7.99%)

Shares extended their rise after the company reported a sharp jump in fourth-quarter operating profit, aided by stronger cement demand and margin expansion in a seasonally favourable quarter. The company’s Q4 EBITDA rose more than 50% year-on-year, while margins expanded to over 19%, boosting investor sentiment. The rally was further supported by a multi-fold rise in net profit. 

Central Bank of India (down 6.54%)

Shares of state-run lender Central Bank of India fell after the government launched an offer for sale (OFS) to divest up to an 8% stake in the bank, raising concerns over near-term supply pressure on the stock. The Centre aims to raise as much as ₹2,245 crore through the stake sale as part of its broader disinvestment and minimum public shareholding roadmap for public sector banks.

Ola Electric Mobility Limited (up 1.94%)

Shares of Ola Electric rebounded today after tumbling in the previous session, when investors reacted sharply to the EV maker’s weak March-quarter earnings. The company reported a steep 57% year-on-year decline in revenue to ₹265 crore, overshadowing a narrower consolidated net loss of ₹500 crore versus ₹870 crore a year earlier, helped by aggressive cost-cutting measures. Concerns remain over slowing demand, market share erosion and intensifying competition in India’s electric scooter market.

Brokerages maintain a cautious outlook on the stock. Emkay Global reiterated its “Sell” rating, citing weak revenue visibility and ongoing pressure on deliveries, while analysts also highlighted growing competition from rivals including Bajaj Auto, TVS Motor and Ather Energy.

Source:

• NSE