Budget 2026: Are NSE and BSE Open Today? Here’s What Investors Need to Know

As India wakes up to Budget 2026, one question dominates investor conversations this morning—are the stock markets open today, or is it a trading holiday?
Let's walk through the day as it unfolds, calmly and clearly, with facts, numbers, and market context—nothing more, nothing less.

Market Performance on Budget 2026 Day

On February 1, both the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the BSE are open for trading.
This is not a regular trading day. It is a special trading session scheduled specifically for the presentation of the Union Budget 2026–27, which will be announced at 11:00 AM by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

While equity markets are open, it’s important to note:

• Debt markets are closed

• Foreign exchange markets are closed

This setup keeps the focus firmly on equities on Budget Day 2026.

Early indicators suggest a firm start. GIFT Nifty futures closed at 25,443, pointing to an opening above the previous Nifty 50 close of 25,320.65.

Main Budget 2026 News Driving Market Mood

The mood around Budget 2026 is shaped by policy direction rather than immediate announcements. Investors are tracking signals around:

• Economic growth direction

• Government capital expenditure

• Policy support for export-linked sectors

Since the last budget, Indian markets have moved, but not evenly. The Nifty 50 has gained 7.8% since the previous budget. However, this performance has lagged behind other Asian and emerging markets, mainly due to:

• Persistent foreign fund outflows

• Subdued corporate earnings

Global factors have also weighed on sentiment. In January 2026, equities had a weak start:

• Nifty fell 3.1%

• Sensex declined 3.5%

This marked the worst monthly performance in 11 months. Nearly USD 4 billion flowed out during the month, pushing the rupee to record lows.

Economic Backdrop Going Into Budget 2026

The broader economic picture provides important context to Budget 2026.

According to the Economic Survey released recently:

• India’s GDP growth for FY27 is projected between 6.8% and 7.2%

• This compares with an estimated 7.4% growth in FY26

While growth remains strong by global standards, the slight moderation explains why markets are sensitive to policy cues today.

Since the previous budget, several policy measures have already been implemented:

• GST rate cuts

• Interest rate reductions

• Liquidity easing

These steps have helped improve domestic earnings visibility and supported consumption demand across the economy.

Sector Signals Investors Are Watching

Although no trading calls or forecasts are being made, certain areas are naturally under focus during Budget 2026, based purely on existing data and market context.

• Export-oriented sectors remain in focus due to ongoing global trade pressures

• Defence spending has been a point of discussion as domestic manufacturing continues to evolve

• Capital expenditure trends matter due to their link with infrastructure and industrial activity

These themes explain current market attention but do not imply outcomes or expectations.

Summary: What Budget 2026 Means for Markets Today

To sum it up clearly:

• NSE and BSE are open today for a special Budget 2026 trading session

• Union Budget 2026–27 will be presented at 11 AM

• Equity markets are active, but debt and forex markets remain closed

• GIFT Nifty at 25,443 signals a positive opening bias

• Markets are reacting to:

  • Growth trends

  • Capital expenditure direction

  • Recent foreign outflows and earnings pressure

Budget 2026 is not just about today’s numbers. It’s about how markets read the story behind them. And today, that story is unfolding in real time—on the trading screens.

Source: Moneycontrol