Budget 2026: BSE and NSE to stay open for trading on Feb 1

India’s stock exchanges will operate as usual on February 1, 2026, for the Union Budget 2026-27 announcement, even though it falls on a Sunday.

Budget presentations have traditionally occurred on February 1, with markets remaining open for trading regardless of weekend schedules.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will deliver the Union Budget 2026-27 speech in the Lok Sabha at 11 am on February 1.

The National Stock Exchange announced in a circular: “Members should note that the exchange will conduct a live trading session on February 1, 2026, following standard market hours (9:15 am to 3:30 pm) due to the Budget presentation.”

As February 1 is a settlement holiday, shares purchased on January 30 will be ineligible for sale on Budget Day. Similarly, stocks acquired on February 1 cannot be sold on the following trading day.

This marks Sitharaman’s ninth consecutive Budget presentation, extending her record as one of India’s longest-serving finance ministers. It will also represent the second full Budget since the NDA government’s third-term mandate in 2024.

Market analysts project investors will closely examine debt metrics, fiscal deficit outcomes, and planned borrowings in the upcoming Budget. Borrowings are anticipated to rise modestly by 3% year-on-year, potentially reflecting a FY27 fiscal deficit target of 4.1–4.2% of GDP as part of continued fiscal consolidation.

The Department of Economic Affairs spearheads Budget preparation, outlining government expenditure estimates, revenue projections, and new fiscal year initiatives.

The Economic Survey 2025-26 was presented on January 29, followed by a media briefing by Chief Economic Adviser V. Anantha Nageswaran and senior officials.

(With inputs from IANS)