The Indian stock market is open for a rare and historic Sunday trading session on February 1, 2026, to align with the live Union Budget presentation. Benchmark indices are poised for high volatility as Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s speech at 11 am will dictate sentiment alongside major corporate earnings.
Is the Stock Market Open Today?
Yes, both the BSE and NSE are conducting a full trading session this Sunday, a move designed to prevent a disruptive gap opening on Monday following the high-impact Budget announcements. The special session will follow standard weekday timings, with the normal trading window running from 9:15 AM to 3:30 PM IST.
What Time Will the Market Open and Close?
Exchanges have mandated a standard weekday schedule. The key timings are:
- Pre-open session: 9:00 AM – 9:08 AM.
- Normal trading: 9:15 AM – 3:30 PM.
- Closing session: 3:40 PM – 4:00 PM.
- The commodity market (MCX) is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Which Budget Terms Should Investors Focus?
Analysts identify several fiscal indicators as critical for market direction. These include the Fiscal Deficit target for FY27, expected near 4.3-4.4% of GDP; the scale of the government’s Capex push; and any changes to Direct Tax or Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG) tax structure. Announcements on Disinvestment and Defence allocations will also trigger sector-specific moves.
Which Stocks to Watch on Budget Day?
Specific stocks are poised for significant movement due to Budget expectations and freshly released quarterly results. The following companies are on high alert:
IDFC First Bank: The stock will react to its Saturday earnings, which showed a 12% yearly rise in core income for Q3.
Bajaj Auto: Reported an 18.6% year-on-year jump in Q3 net profit to ₹2,502 crore.
NTPC: Posted a 5.8% increase in December quarter net profit to ₹4,987 crore, though revenue saw a slight dip.
Bharat Dynamics: Profit margins plummeted to 4.6%, and Q3 net profit decreased 50% year over year.
Sun Pharma: Gained over 2.5% in early trade after announcing Q3 results showing a 16% profit rise and US formulation sales of $477 million.
Between Budget 2025 and Budget 2026
(1 Feb 2025 – 31 Jan 2026):Top 15 Stocks That Outperformed the Market: pic.twitter.com/5IUHEYQgzI
— Pankaj Parekh (@DhanValue) February 1, 2026
Where Are Early Gains and Losses Concentrated?
As of 10:00 AM IST, benchmark indices traded marginally lower with sector-specific movements. The Nifty 50 was at 25,326.7 (-0.36%), and the Sensex at 82,325.5 (-0.29%). Notable early movers included:
Top Gainer: Sun Pharma.
Top Loser: Hindalco, plunging over 5.7% amid a global commodity crash that saw silver prices collapse nearly 19% on Saturday. Defence stocks like Bharat Electronics and Hindustan Aeronautics saw early gains on expectations of a heightened capital outlay in the Budget.
Why Are Other Major Companies in the News?
Beyond earnings, corporate developments are influencing specific shares. Adani Green Energy issued a new statement clarifying it is not involved in a US SEC civil case filed against its directors. Hindustan Petroleum Corporation (HPCL) signed a strategic agreement with startup Maraal Aerospace at the India Energy Week 2026 in Goa. AstraZeneca Pharma received regulatory approval to import and market its drug Durvalumab in India.
Why Are These 10 Stocks in Focus?
A combination of Budget expectations and quarterly results places specific stocks in the spotlight. IDFC First Bank and Sun Pharma are reacting to earnings released Saturday, while Bajaj Auto rides on strong Q3 profit growth of 18.6%. NTPC and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation (HPCL) are in focus for clean-energy policies, with HPCL signing a new aerospace tech agreement. Bharat Dynamics faces pressure after a 50% profit drop.
Defence: HAL and BEL are watched for expected capex hikes.
Commodities: Hindalco fell over 5.7% early, hit by a global metals crash.
What is the Early Market Performance?
As of approximately 10:00 AM IST, indices traded with modest losses amid cautious trade. The Nifty 50 was at 25,326.7, down 0.36%, while the Sensex was at 82,325.5, down 0.29%. Sectoral moves were stark, with Sun Pharma gaining over 2.5% on earnings and metal stocks like Hindalco plunging on tumbling global silver prices.
