The equity markets will follow standard timings on Budget day. The pre-open session will take place between 9 am and 9:08 am, followed by normal market trading from 9:15 am to 3:30 pm. Trade modifications will be permitted until 4:15 pm. With markets open during the Budget speech at 11 am, investors are expected to closely track sector-specific announcements and fiscal signals as they unfold.
This will be only the second time in Independent India’s history that stock markets are open on a Sunday. More recently, markets were open on a Saturday during the 2025 Budget, reflecting a shift towards allowing live market participation during major policy events.
Commodity markets will also remain open on February 1. The MCX will conduct a special live trading session, following regular timings. MCX’s pre-open session will begin at 8:45 am and run till 8:59 am, with normal trading from 9 am to 5 pm. Client code modifications will be allowed till 5:15 pm. The decision ensures uninterrupted trading in commodities such as gold, silver, crude oil and agri-linked contracts as the Budget is announced.
In addition, the National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange, which focuses on agricultural commodities, will also operate on this non-business day. NCDEX will open its pre-open session at 9:45 am, with trading scheduled between 10 am and 5 pm. Client code modifications will be permitted until 5:15 pm. The exchanges communicated these arrangements through a circular issued on January 16.
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Budget and stock market contextHistorically, Budget day itself has not delivered outsized moves for Indian equity markets, despite the attention it attracts. Data from the past 15 years shows that the Nifty’s average movement on Budget day has been just 0.19%, indicating that sharp reactions are relatively rare.
This year’s Budget is being presented at a time when market sentiment is cautious, with recent volatility and global uncertainties weighing on risk appetite. Expectations from the Budget, however, remain measured. Analysts broadly expect the government to stay committed to fiscal consolidation while maintaining support for growth through capital expenditure. There is anticipation of double-digit growth in capex, with focus areas likely to include defence, infrastructure, power, renewable energy and manufacturing-linked incentive schemes.
Given the low bar set by the market, a steady and predictable Budget without major surprises could help stabilise sentiment rather than trigger sharp swings. With NSE, BSE and MCX all open for live trading, February 1 is set to be a closely watched session.
(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times.)
