Budget 2026 highlights: Stock markets shut today for 77th Republic Day celebrations

Budget 2026 Live: “...As far as the Budget is concerned, the EU trade deals are expected to happen tomorrow. I think that will be a significant step in bringing America to the negotiating table if India secures a very good deal with the EU. I’m not really going to comment on the Budget — that is for our Finance Minister to do.”

“I’m hopeful that something happens tomorrow. Let’s see what comes out of it. I think for textiles as well, the news reported in the papers today is that India is negotiating for zero duty on textiles. That would not only be good for the industry, but also from an employment point of view, as textiles are among the largest employers in the country.”

Budget 2026 Live: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present her ninth consecutive Union Budget in the Lok Sabha on February 1, amid expectations of a major overhaul of the Customs duty regime, along the lines of the rationalisation seen under the GST framework.

The Budget is also expected to outline a roadmap for targeting the debt-to-GDP ratio, as India’s fiscal management focus shifts from deficit control to debt reduction.

For individual taxpayers, who received significant relief last year through an increase in the income tax exemption limit to ₹12 lakh and subsequent GST rate cuts, expectations remain centred on further relief, particularly in the form of a higher standard deduction.

Budget 2026 Live: "Budget session is about to commence. I request the PM and MEA to brief the Parliament and the nation on developments around the world today. A discussion should be taken up in the Parliament."

She also said, "Regarding the investments in Davos, CMs of all states have visited there. What has actually come in, and what is the reality, how many jobs will be created - all of these will have to be evaluated. But a major change that can be seen is that all CMs of India are going to Davos now. Competition is rising...This is good. But it has to become a reality..."

Budget 2026 Live: While markets stayed closed on the first working day of the week, Indian investors will have a special trading session later this week.

The Indian stock market will open on Sunday as the Union Budget 2026 is set to be presented over the weekend.

This marks the first time in history that the Union Budget will be tabled on a Sunday.

Budget 2026 Live: “It is the honor of a lifetime to be Chief Guests at the Republic Day celebrations. A successful India makes the world more stable, prosperous and secure. And we all benefit,” EU Chief Ursula von der Leyen wrote on X.

The statement came ahead of the “historic” trade agreement between New Delhi and the 27-nation bloc.

Budget 2026 Live: Prices of precious metals including gold and silver are expected to stay firm over the next week as the United States Supreme Court is yet to hear on trade tariffs and the Federal Reserve's upcoming interest rate decision, news agency PTI reported quoting analysts.

Apart from gold and silver rates, domestic bullion settlement could also observe changes in import duties and fiscal measures after the Union Budget is presented by finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday, February 1.

Budget 2026 Live: According to a report by news agency PTI, defence expenditure is expected to receive higher allocation at the Union Budget, 2026, which is set to be presented by Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday, February 1, 2026.

The expectation is attributed to the rising geopolitical tensions that have dotted the globe over the past one year.

Budget 2026 Live: As the new and simplified Income Tax Act, 2025 will come to effect from April 1, the budget is expected to outline transition provisions, rules and further FAQs for better understanding of the regime, as per an ANI report.

Incentives including a hike in standard deduction to encourage individuals to shift to new income tax regime which offers low tax rates but no exemptions will be some of the key targets of the Union Budget 2026, the report read.

Budget 2026 Live: The special Sunday session on February 1, 2026 is aimed at allowing investors and market participants to react immediately to Budget announcements, which typically have a significant impact on equity markets, sectors, and individual stocks, according to a report by news agency ANI.

Market participants would closely track the announcements like fiscal measures, taxation proposals, and sector-specific allocations, related to the Budget, which will be presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

With the stock market closed on the first day on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day and open on Sunday for presentation of the Union Budget 2026, this week marks an uncommon trading calendar, with a rare blend of a national holiday closure and a weekend trading session.

Budget 2026 Live: While markets remained shut on the first working day of the week, Indian investors will see a special trading session at the end of this week.

The Indian stock market will remain open on Sunday as the Union Budget 2026 is scheduled to be presented over the weekend this year. This year's budget will be the first in history to be presented on a Sunday.

Budget 2026 Live: On the occasion of the 77th Republic Day celebrations, Indian stock markets, that is the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and National Stock Exchange (NSE) will observe a holiday today.

Apart from the equities, the Indian currency markets will also remain shut for the day, aligning with its holiday schedule.

Trading in the commodity derivatives segment will be conducted during the evening session, as per the exchange schedule, providing limited market activity despite the national holiday, reported news agency ANI.