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

Looking ahead The focus is on strengthening the foundations for next phase of economic growth rather than near-term outcomes; equities may see a good year if global markets stay stableRead More

India is opening a new avenue for foreign investors to buy listed stocks directly. This move aims to attract global wealth seeking exposure to the Indian market. The government has increased investment limits for individuals residing outside India. This initiative provides an alternative to existing investment channels and seeks to build resilience against foreign portfolio...Read More

The government’s budget introduced changes impacting capital markets, including increased trading costs for futures and options, and revised tax treatment for Sovereign Gold Bonds. While buybacks are now more tax-friendly, efforts are underway to boost corporate bond liquidity and support export-competitive sectors like deep-tech and manufacturing.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

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

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

NSE’s long-awaited IPO may debut in 7–8 months after Sebi approval, with 4–4.5% stake sold via offer for sale. CEO Ashish Chauhan said pricing will depend on market conditions, aiming mainly to provide liquidity to existing shareholders and transparency.Read More

Indian markets fell sharply in Budget weekend trade after a surprise STT hike on futures and options. Sensex and Nifty slid nearly 2% as analysts warned of volatility, weak sentiment below key levels, and continued pressure from derivatives taxation changes.Read More

To discourage misuse of tax arbitrage, promoters will be subject to an additional buyback tax, raising the effective tax rate to 22 per cent for corporate promoters and 30 per cent for non-corporate promoters, she stated.Read More