Budget 2026 Share Market Today Highlights: Indian equity markets closed sharply lower today as investor sentiment turned cautious after the announcement of a hike in Securities Transaction Tax (STT). The move sparked profit-taking across sectors, with heavyweight stocks bearing the brunt of the selling pressure. The BSE Sensex ended around 80,712 points, down nearly 1.9 per cent, while the NSE Nifty 50 settled near 24,780, sliding over 2.1 per cent amid broad-based selling.
The declines reflected heavy profit-booking and concerns that higher STT — especially on futures and options — could cut into derivatives market liquidity and increase costs for active traders.
Stock Market Today
As the Union Budget is being presented on Sunday, February 1, both the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) were open today for a special live trading session. Markets were operating during regular hours, allowing investors to react in real time to the finance minister’s speech and subsequent policy announcements.
Income Tax Slabs Budget 2026 Live Updates
Sectors In Focus On Budget Day
Banking, real estate, defence, railways and textiles stocks are in focus as the Budget unfolds. Infrastructure, power and agriculture counters are being watched closely as Nirmala Sitharaman announced government capex and policy support, while financials and housing-related stocks are reacting to tax and interest-rate related cues.