The budget introduces a significant change in how share buybacks are taxed. Individual shareholders will now pay a lower 12.5% tax on buyback proceeds, moving from dividend taxation to capital gains. Promoters will face different rates, with foreign promoters taxed at 30% and Indian promoters at 22%.Read More

India’s recent hike in Securities Transaction Tax (STT) on futures and options has triggered a significant market downturn, mirroring a similar event in 2004. The move, aimed at curbing speculation, has increased trading costs for all participants, impacting brokers and foreign investors particularly hard.Read More

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman defended the sharp hike in securities transaction tax on futures and options, citing risks from excessive speculation in derivatives. The Budget 2026 move triggered a sell-off in brokerage and exchange stocks, with the government saying the increase aims to curb systemic risk and protect small retail investors.Read More

Sensex fell 1,547 points during Budget 2026 special session, yet select stocks defied weakness. Oil India, Bharat Electronics, Axis Bank and SBI hit fresh 52-week highs, signalling strong momentum and bullish breakouts.Read More

Market veteran Sunil Singhania noted that while the Union Budget initially disappointed, increased allocations to railways, defense, and infrastructure offer long-term growth potential. However, recurring tax changes, particularly to STT and capital gains, create investor uncertainty. Singhania emphasized the need for policy stability to attract foreign investment and support India’s ambitious economic expansion goals.Read More