Stock Market LIVE: Sensex, Nifty on way to recovery post crash after Budget 2026

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Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman concluded her Budget 2026-27 speech in the Lok Sabha on Sunday after around one and a half hours.

Stock market LIVE: India’s two benchmark equity indices, the Sensex of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE), crashed on Sunday afternoon after finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2026 in Parliament on Sunday. This is a record ninth consecutive time Sitharaman is presenting the budget.

Finance minister’s Budget speech made a key 10,000 crore allocation for the biopharma sector, following which, firms such as Max Health and Sun Pharma were among the major gainers on Sunday morning.

However, shares of Coal India, Titan, Tata Steel remained amongst the losers in NSE, as of Sunday noon.

The finance minister also said that the government will focus on helping women move from credit-based livelihoods to becoming owners of their own enterprises as she presented the Union Budget 2026-27 and announced the launch of “She MARTS”, which will operate as retail outlets run by self-help entrepreneurs and owned by the community. The proposal was made due to the success of the Lakhpati Didi programme, she said.

Budget 2026 | Key highlights

-No changes in Income Tax slabs 2026

-New Income tax act will come into effect from April 1, 2026

-Taxpayers with ITR1 and ITR2 to continue to file till Jul 31

-FM proposed to reduce TCS rates for education, medical purposes

-FM proposed to allow duty-free imports of specified inputs

-FM proposed to increase limit for duty-free imports of inputs used for processing sea foods

-FM proposed to exempt duty on 17 medicines

-FM proposed to exempt Minimum Alternate Tax for non-residents

-FM proposed high-powered ‘Education to Employment and Enterprise’ standing committee

-FM proposed 7 high-speed rail corridors

-FM proposed to increase public capex to 12.2 lakh crores

-FM proposed integrated programme with five sub-parts

-FM Sitharaman proposed to operationalise 20 new national waterways over next 5 years

-FM Sitharaman proposed setting up mega textile parks

-FM Sitharaman proposed to set up 10,000 crore to create champion SMEs

-FM proposed Bio Pharma Shakti to develop India as global bio-pharma hub

-FM Sitharaman announced Semiconductor Mission 2.0

Stock market to remain open today

Since the budget is being presented on Sunday, the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) announced that equity markets will remain open for trading on Sunday, February 1, though usually weekends are off for both exchanges.

“On account of the presentation of the Union Budget, members are requested to note that Exchange shall be conducting a live trading session on February 01, 2026, as per the standard market timings (9:15 am-3:30 pm),” the NSE said in a circular.

How stock market reacted ahead of Budget 2026

Before the Union Budget 2026 presentation in Parliament, both Sensex and Nifty witnessed a drop in early trade on Friday after a three-day rally. While the 30-share BSE Sensex dropped 619.06 points to 81,947.31 in opening trade, the 50-share NSE Nifty dropped 171.35 points to 25,247.55.

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Finance minister’s Budget speech made a key 10,000 crore allocation for the biopharma sector, following which, firms such as Max Health and Sun Pharma were among the major gainers on Sunday morning.

However, shares of Coal India, Titan, Tata Steel remained amongst the losers in NSE, as of Sunday noon.

The finance minister also said that the government will focus on helping women move from credit-based livelihoods to becoming owners of their own enterprises as she presented the Union Budget 2026-27 and announced the launch of “She MARTS”, which will operate as retail outlets run by self-help entrepreneurs and owned by the community. The proposal was made due to the success of the Lakhpati Didi programme, she said.

Budget 2026 | Key highlights

-No changes in Income Tax slabs 2026

-New Income tax act will come into effect from April 1, 2026

-Taxpayers with ITR1 and ITR2 to continue to file till Jul 31

-FM proposed to reduce TCS rates for education, medical purposes

-FM proposed to allow duty-free imports of specified inputs

-FM proposed to increase limit for duty-free imports of inputs used for processing sea foods

-FM proposed to exempt duty on 17 medicines

-FM proposed to exempt Minimum Alternate Tax for non-residents

-FM proposed high-powered ‘Education to Employment and Enterprise’ standing committee

-FM proposed 7 high-speed rail corridors

-FM proposed to increase public capex to 12.2 lakh crores

-FM proposed integrated programme with five sub-parts

-FM Sitharaman proposed to operationalise 20 new national waterways over next 5 years

-FM Sitharaman proposed setting up mega textile parks

-FM Sitharaman proposed to set up 10,000 crore to create champion SMEs

-FM proposed Bio Pharma Shakti to develop India as global bio-pharma hub

-FM Sitharaman announced Semiconductor Mission 2.0

Stock market to remain open today

Since the budget is being presented on Sunday, the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) announced that equity markets will remain open for trading on Sunday, February 1, though usually weekends are off for both exchanges.

“On account of the presentation of the Union Budget, members are requested to note that Exchange shall be conducting a live trading session on February 01, 2026, as per the standard market timings (9:15 am-3:30 pm),” the NSE said in a circular.

How stock market reacted ahead of Budget 2026

Before the Union Budget 2026 presentation in Parliament, both Sensex and Nifty witnessed a drop in early trade on Friday after a three-day rally. While the 30-share BSE Sensex dropped 619.06 points to 81,947.31 in opening trade, the 50-share NSE Nifty dropped 171.35 points to 25,247.55.

Follow all the updates here:

Feb 01, 2026 3:15:25 PM IST

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: Microsoft India President says Budget 2026 sets a clear direction for India’s next phase of growth

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: Puneet Chandok, President of Microsoft India and South Asia, said that the the Union Budget 2026 sets a clear direction for India’s next phase of growth, with AI, digital infrastructure, and services positioned as central to national progress. By placing AI at the heart of economic and governance priorities, the Government has signalled its commitment to building a more productive, competitive, and technology‑led economy.

“The Budget’s focus on data centres, cloud and AI infrastructure is equally significant. Long‑term policy certainty recognises that digital infrastructure is now strategic national infrastructure. As AI adoption accelerates across sectors, secure and resilient compute capacity will underpin public services, enterprise innovation, and long‑term competitiveness,” he said.

“At Microsoft, our commitments in India closely align with this direction. We are expanding hyperscale cloud and AI infrastructure, including new regions, while continuing to invest in skilling at scale. Our efforts aim to support India’s transition from Digital Public Infrastructure to AI Public Infrastructure, enabling trusted, inclusive innovation with impact across the country,” he added.

Feb 01, 2026 3:04:37 PM IST

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: BEL, Adani Ports, Reliance, Maruti among losers in NSE

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: BEL, Adani Ports, Tata Steel, ITC, Reliance, and Maruti were among the major losers in the NSE, as of 3.03 pm.

Feb 01, 2026 2:23:55 PM IST

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: Wipro, Max Health, Titan, Sun Pharma among major gainers in NSE

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: Hours after finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented Budget 2026 in Parliament, Wipro, Max Health, Titan, Sun Pharma, and TCS remained among the major gainers in the National Stock Exchange, as of 2.22 pm.

Feb 01, 2026 1:54:04 PM IST

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: Brokerage stocks tanks over 18 pc as Budget hikes STT on commodity futures

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: Shares of brokerage-related companies nosedived 18 per cent on Sunday after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed raising securities transaction tax on commodity futures to 0.05 per cent from 0.02 per cent in the Union Budget 2026-27.

On the BSE, shares of Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) tumbled 18.08 per cent to 2,068.40, while Billionbrains Garage Ventures, the parent company of Groww, plunged 13 per cent to 154, and IIFL Capital Services declined 10.4 per cent to 296.10 apiece.

Angel One’s stock dropped 11.84 per cent to 2,237.95, and Anand Rathi Share And Stock Brokers depreciated 8.05 per cent to 532.15. (PTI)

Feb 01, 2026 1:14:03 PM IST

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: BSE, NSE on way to recovery, but still remain in red

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: The benchmark equity indices, the Sensex of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE), are on way to recovery after suffering a crash on Saunday afternoon post FM Nirmala Sitharaman’s speech.

However, both the indices still remain in red. As of 1.13 pm, BSE was down by 653.47 points at 81,616.31 and NSE was down by 227.60 points at 25,093.0.

Feb 01, 2026 12:48:53 PM IST

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: HDFC, Sun Pharma, TCS among major gainers in BSE

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: As of 12.44 pm on Sunday, only HDFC, Sun Pharma, TCS were among major gainers in BSE while Titan, Axis Bank, ITC, BEL were among major losers.

Feb 01, 2026 12:35:50 PM IST

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: Sitharaman raises tax on Futures and Options transactions. Check full details

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday announced hike in STT (Securities Transaction Tax) on Futures and Options, a move likely to impact derivatives trading costs. Sensex and Nifty crashed after the announcement and the conclusion of Sitharaman’s Budget speech.

The government will also tax buyback proceeds for all types of shareholders as capital gains, FM Sitharaman announced.

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday presented the Union Budget 2026-27 in Parliament, unveiling the government’s fiscal strategy for the coming year. Read more.

Feb 01, 2026 12:32:06 PM IST

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: Sensex, Nifty witness drop after FM’s derivates announcement

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: Both Sensex and Nifty witnessed drops during FM Nirmala Sitharaman’s Budget 2026 speech.

As of 12.31 pm, BSE dropped 1.87% to 80,731.49, and NSE dropped 2.42% to 24,597.

Feb 01, 2026 12:20:56 PM IST

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: FM announces tax holiday for foreign companies setting up data centres in India

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: The finance minister proposed a tax holiday until 2047 for any foreign company that sets up data centres in India for the world. A safe harbour of 15% on cost for companies provided data services from India is a related entity.

Feb 01, 2026 12:08:54 PM IST

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: FM proposes increasing time limit for filing revised ITR

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposes to increase time limit for filing revised I-T return from December 31 to March 31, on payment of nominal fee.

Feb 01, 2026 12:03:29 PM IST

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: FM Proposes rule-based automated process for small taxpayers

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed rule-based automated process for small taxpayers during her Budget 2026 speech.

Feb 01, 2026 11:54:32 AM IST

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: Govt plans to support states in creating five university township

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, while presenting the Budget 2026 in the Parliament, said that the government will support states, through the challenge route, in creating five university townships in the vicinity of major industrial and logistics corridors.

“These planned academic zones will host multiple universities, colleges and research institutions, skill centres, and residential complexes. In higher education, particularly in STEM institutions, prolonged hours of study and laboratory work pose challenges for girl students. Through VGF (Viability Gap Funding) and capital support, one girls’ hostel will be established in every district. To promote astrophysics and astronomy through immersive experiences, four telescope infrastructure facilities will be set up or upgraded: the National Large Solar Telescope, the National Large Optical–Infrared Telescope, the Himalayan Chandra Telescope, and the COSMOS II Planetarium,” she said.

Feb 01, 2026 11:50:45 AM IST

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: Coal India, Titan, Tata Steel among major NSE losers

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: Among the major losers of the National Stock Exchange as FM Nirmala Sitharaman presented Budget 2026 in the Parliament are Coal India, Titan, Tata Steel, and others. Check full list.

Feb 01, 2026 11:32:48 AM IST

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: Maxhealth, Sunpharma among major gainers in NSE

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: Maxhealth, Sunpharma were among the top 20 gainers in NSE after finance minister’s key announcement for biopharma. See full list of gainers.

Feb 01, 2026 11:27:27 AM IST

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: FM proposes ₹10,000 cr investment in biopharma

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: During her Budget 2026 presentation in the Parliament, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed 10,000 crore investment in the biopharma sector over the next five years.

What are Biopharmaceuticals?

Biopharmaceuticals, or biologics, are complex medicines manufactured from living organisms, cells, or tissues rather than through chemical synthesis, reported PTI.

Feb 01, 2026 11:22:32 AM IST

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: Shares of Dixon Technologies, Amber Enterprises, Syrma SGS Technology rise

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: Shares of Dixon Technologies, Amber Enterprises and Syrma SGS Technology shares jumped by 4% each after finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced 40,000 crore outlay for electronics components manufacturing during Budget 2026 presentation.

Feb 01, 2026 11:12:47 AM IST

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: Biopharma in focus in FM’s Budget speech

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: In Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s Budget presentation, biopharma remains in key focus.

“India’s disease burden is observed to be shifting to non-communicable diseases,” she said.

“Biologic medicines are key to longevity. To develop India’s global bio-pharma hub, propose Biopharma Shakti with `10,000 cr outlay over,” she added.

Feb 01, 2026 11:08:47 AM IST

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: Nirmala Sitharaman says inspired by 3 ‘kartavya’ in Budget 2026

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: Nirmala Sitharaman said that this year’s Budget is inspired by three ‘kartavyas’-

First – accelerate and sustain economic growth by enhancing competitiveness

Second – to fulfill aspirations of our people

Third – to ensure that every family, community, region has access to resources, opportunities

Feb 01, 2026 11:03:06 AM IST

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: Nirmala Sitharaman starts Budget presentation

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman starts Budget 2026 presentation in the Parliment.

Feb 01, 2026 10:59:53 AM IST

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: BEL, Sunpharma among major gainers; Titan, Tatasteel among losers in BSE

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: Among the major gainers in BSE 30 are BEL, Sunpharma, Reliance, and Adaniports while Titan, Tatasteel, TCS are among the losers.

Feb 01, 2026 10:50:26 AM IST

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: Sensex, Nifty witness slight fluctuation after opening flat

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: Sensex, Nifty opened flat on Sunday morning ahead of Budget 2026 presentation, following which, the stock markets witnessed minor fluctuations.

While BSE was at 82,495.07 after gaining 225.29 points, NSE was at 25,370.95 after gaining 50.30, as of 10.49 am.

Feb 01, 2026 10:35:59 AM IST

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: Why are gold, silver prices seeing such fluctuation? Explained

Gold and silver prices witnessed a surge at the beginning of 2026, with the former’s prices peaking above USD 5,500 (AUD 7,900) per ounce for the first time on Thursday this week. In India, 24 karat gold reached record level of 1.8 lakh per 10 gram earlier this week before starting to drop.

Silver, which gained even faster than gold, went more than USD 120 (AUD 172) per ounce last week. This was among its strongest run in decades, The Conversation reported.

However, the safe-haven assets’ prices crashed on Friday, with gold dropping to around USD 5068 (AUD 7,282), and silver to to USD 98.50. Read more.

Feb 01, 2026 10:33:52 AM IST

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: Which sectors accounted for the major expenditure in last year’s budget?

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: In Budget 2025, these sectors bagged major shares of expenditure.

Agriculture and Allied Activities: 1,71,437 crore

Commerce & Industry: 65,553 crore

Defence: 4,91,732 crore

Education: 1,28,650 crore

Energy: 81,174 crore

Health: 98,311 crore

Home Affairs: 2,33,211 crore

IT and Telecom: 95,298 crore

Rural Development: 2,66,817 crore

Social Welfare: 60,052 crore

Scientific Departments: 55,679 crore

Urban Development: 96,777 crore

Feb 01, 2026 10:29:34 AM IST

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: Sun Pharma shares climb nearly 4% post earnings announcement

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: Shares of Sun Pharmaceutical Industries on Sunday climbed nearly 4 per cent after the firm posted a 16 per cent increase in its consolidated net profit for the third quarter ended December 31, 2025.

The stock climbed 3.81 per cent to 1,655.80 on the BSE.

At the NSE, the stock edged higher by 3.78 per cent to 1,655.70.

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries on Saturday posted a 16 per cent increase in its consolidated net profit to 3,369 crore for the third quarter ended December 31, 2025, led by growth across business segments. Read more.

Feb 01, 2026 10:21:11 AM IST

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: ‘Markets likely to remain highly volatile,’ says Enrich Money CEO

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: Ponmudi R, CEO of Enrich Money, an online trading and wealth-tech firm, said ahead of Budget Presentation, “Markets are likely to remain highly volatile, with sharp moves possible in either direction depending on key announcements around fiscal policy, capex push, sector-specific incentives, and the fiscal deficit target (expected around 4.3–4.4 per cent of GDP for FY27),” reported PTI.

Feb 01, 2026 10:09:20 AM IST

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: Who were the major gainers, losers among 30-share BSE Sensex

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: From the 30 Sensex firms, Sun Pharma climbed nearly 3 per cent after the firm posted a 16 per cent increase in consolidated net profit to 3,369 crore in the third quarter ended December 31, 2025, led by growth across business segments.

Bharat Electronics, Power Grid, NTPC and HDFC Bank were among the other major gainers.

However, Infosys, Tata Steel, Eternal and Tech Mahindra were among the laggards. (PTI)

Feb 01, 2026 9:55:12 AM IST

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: Nirmala Sitharaman arrives at Parliament to present Budget 2026

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, along with minister of state for finance Pankaj Chaudhary, has arrives at Parliament to present the Budget. Sitharaman showed the digital tablet, containing the Budget document, enclosed in a traditional red ‘bahi-khata’ style pouch.

Feb 01, 2026 9:42:53 AM IST

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: Sensex, Nifty open flat, what numbers say

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: The Nifty 50 index opened at 25,333.75, registering a marginal gain of 13.10 points or 0.05 per cent, while the BSE Sensex opened at 82,445.97, up by 176.19 points or 0.21 per cent.

Feb 01, 2026 9:20:56 AM IST

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: Sensex, Nifty open flat ahead of Budget presentation

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: Sensex, Nifty have opened flat ahead of Budget 2026 presentation by finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Parliament today at 11 am.

Feb 01, 2026 9:16:38 AM IST

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: What stocks to buy today?

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: Choice Broking executive director Sumeet Bagadia, while talking about which stocks to buy or sell on Budget day 2026, suggested a eight names – Eicher Motors, HUL, SBI, Ujjivan Small Finance Bank, Asahi India Glass, Star Health, and CUB, reported Mint.

Feb 01, 2026 9:04:40 AM IST

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: ‘Expectations balanced between growth support and fiscal prudence,’ says expert

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Investments Ltd, said ahead of Budget 2026 that markets are expected to remain largely event-driven, with the Union Budget acting as the key domestic trigger.

“Expectations are balanced between growth support and fiscal prudence,” he said.

“Cyclical sectors may continue to show relative resilience if supported by policy measures, while IT and export-oriented stocks are likely to remain sensitive to global macro cues. Overall, markets are expected to stay range-bound, underpinned by strong domestic fundamentals but constrained by external uncertainties, including geopolitical risks, global tariff developments, and the U.S. Fed’s evolving policy outlook,” he added.

Feb 01, 2026 8:47:40 AM IST

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: What are the expectations related to technology and AI?

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: With the recent buzz around AI hardware and data centers, this sector is looking for “sovereign leveler” policies.

Key Expectations: Tax incentives for AI and Robotics-led innovation; policy support for data center ecosystems to handle rising domestic data localization.

Stocks in Focus: Tata Elxsi, Netweb Technologies, Bharti Airtel (Nxtra Data), RailTel.

Feb 01, 2026 8:27:36 AM IST

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: What are key expectations related to renewable energy and power?

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: The focus has shifted toward grid stability and energy storage. The industry is seeking Viability Gap Funding (VGF) for battery storage systems to handle intermittent solar and wind power.

Key Expectations: Extension of PLI schemes to the entire solar value chain (polysilicon to modules); incentives for green hydrogen and nuclear energy (Small Modular Reactors).

Stocks in Focus: Tata Power, Adani Green Energy, NTPC, Suzlon Energy, Hitachi Energy.

Feb 01, 2026 8:15:08 AM IST

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: What are the expectations related to defence in this year’s Budget?

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: The “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India) theme remains a pillar of the budget as defence remains in focus. Market analysts anticipate a 15% rise in defence capex.

Key Expectations: Expansion of indigenization lists; increased R&D funding for drones, AI, and cyber warfare.

Stocks in Focus: Bharat Electronics (BEL), HAL, Mazagon Dock, Cochin Shipyard, Bharat Dynamics.

Feb 01, 2026 8:04:27 AM IST

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: What are expectations related to automotive and electric vehicles?

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: Given your interest in the auto industry, this is a critical budget. The sector is pushing for GST rationalization (a uniform 5% rate on all EV components) and the extension of the PLI scheme for advanced chemistry cells.

• Key Expectations: Targeted subsidies for electric motorcycles; incentives for charging infrastructure and battery recycling.

• Stocks in Focus: * OEMs: Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M), Maruti Suzuki.

Two-Wheelers: Bajaj Auto, TVS Motor.

Ancillaries: Amara Raja Energy & Mobility (EV batteries), Lumax Auto.

Feb 01, 2026 7:52:48 AM IST

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: What are expectations related to infrastructure and railways in this year’s budget

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: In terms of infrastructure and railways, key areas which are in focus during Budget presentations, the government this year is expected to sustain its high capital expenditure (capex) push, with an emphasis on the PM Gati Shakti scheme and the expansion of Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs).

• Key Expectations: 10–12% rise in capital outlay for railways; focus on track expansion and regional connectivity (UDAN).

• Stocks in Focus: * Construction: Larsen & Toubro (L&T), KEC International.

Railways: RVNL, IRCON, Titagarh Rail Systems, IRCTC.

Cement: UltraTech Cement, Ambuja Cements, JK Cement.

Feb 01, 2026 7:39:01 AM IST

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates:What is the market sentiment ahead of this year’s Budget?

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: The market sentiment is focused on a transition from “subsidy-led growth” to “infrastructure and manufacturing independence.”

With a projected fiscal deficit target of 4.2%, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is expected to balance growth with fiscal discipline. Below are the key sectoral expectations and the stocks currently in the spotlight.

Feb 01, 2026 7:22:55 AM IST

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: What restrictions are in place today in stock markets

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: Since today is technically a settlement holiday, there are a few specific restrictions to keep in mind:

No T+0 Settlement: Same-day settlement is not available today.

Selling Restrictions: Stocks bought on Friday (30 January) cannot be sold today. Similarly, stocks bought today can only be sold starting tomorrow, Monday.

Fund Availability: Any profits or sale proceeds from Friday’s trades will not be available in your account today. They will be credited Monday.

Commodity Markets: The MCX is also open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and the NCDEX is open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Feb 01, 2026 7:11:43 AM IST

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: Where is the Union Budget printed?

All budget-related documents were traditionally printed at a dedicated press within North Block, a practice that began in 1980 after earlier printing locations, including Rashtrapati Bhavan and a Minto Road press, were abandoned due to document leaks.

Feb 01, 2026 7:01:46 AM IST

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: When will the stock market open today?

The pre-open market will start at 9 am and end at 9.08 am, and the normal market will function between 9.15 am and 3.30 pm, according to a circular issued by NSE.

Feb 01, 2026 6:51:49 AM IST

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: What makes this year’s budget unique?

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget 2026 today. While the budget is traditionally presented on this date every year, February 1 this time falls on a Sunday, making the occasion a rare one. This will be the ninth consecutive budget to be presented by Sitharaman.

Feb 01, 2026 6:41:45 AM IST

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: When and where to watch Nirmala Sitharaman’s budget speech

People can watch live coverage of the Union Budget 2026 on Hindustan Times.com website or the official YouTube channel.

People can also watch the government’s broadcast live through the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha feeds, available in multiple languages on the Sansad TV YouTube channel.

The state-owned Doordarshan (DD) channels will also broadcast the proceedings live on February 1.

In addition, the live feed will be accessible on the official budget website (indiabudget.gov.in), as well as through the finance ministry’s and Press Information Bureau’s (PIB) social media handles.

Feb 01, 2026 6:32:25 AM IST

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: What is the ‘halwa’ ceremony before the Budget?

The final phase of preparation of the Union Budget is marked by the traditional ‘halwa ceremony’, which Nirmala Sitharaman participated in earlier in the week, signalling the completion of budget drafting for 2026-27. The ceremony was held in the basement of North Block on Raisina Hill, as the new ministry offices at Kartavya Bhawan-1 do not house a printing press. The halwa ceremony is a customary ritual in which a traditional Indian dessert is prepared and served to ministry officials and staff involved in the budget preparation.

While the Narendra Modi government has discontinued several colonial-era Budget traditions, such as presenting the budget at 5 pm and keeping the railways’ budget separate, the halwa ceremony has been retained.

Feb 01, 2026 6:21:51 AM IST

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: How is the budget officially prepared?

The preparation of India’s budget is a months-long, highly confidential exercise involving multiple ministries, senior bureaucrats, and ministers, culminating in the presentation of the Annual Financial Statement in Parliament. It includes consultations, inputs from ministries, series of meetings, an assessment before budget which is present as the Economic Survey, a traditional halwa ceremony, followed by the final drafting and finalising of budget documents during a mandatory ‘lock-in’ period.

Feb 01, 2026 6:12:07 AM IST

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: What is the Union Budget

Union Budget is the most comprehensive report of the Indian government’s finances, in which revenues from all sources and outlays for all activities are consolidated, according to the ministry of finance. The budget also contains estimates of the government’s accounts for the next fiscal year.

Feb 01, 2026 6:01:44 AM IST

Budget 2026 stock market LIVE updates: When will Nirmala Sitharaman present Union Budget 2026

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present Union Budget 2026 in the Parliament today at around 11 am. This is the ninth consecutive time Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget.