Budget 2026, Feb. 3 -- The immediate market reaction to Budget 2026 was sharp and emotional with the Indian stock markets cracking around 2% in the special budget session on Sunday, February 1. The increase in Securities Transaction Tax (STT) on futures and options, the absence of headline tax giveaways, and the pressure on brokerage and exchange stocks triggered visible volatility across indices. However, latest developments in the India-US trade deal have led to a recovery in the stock markets with US President Donald Trump reducing tariffs from 25% to 18%.

However, beneath the surface, market experts believe the Budget sends a far more powerful signal - one of predictability, discipline, and long-term capital formation.

Rather than o...