New Delhi, Feb. 4 -- Stocks to buy for the long term: At first glance, it appears that the Indian stock market has failed to sustain gains despite a pro-growth Union Budget 2026 and an India-US trade deal.

Even though the Union Budget 2026 avoided populism and maintained its focus and growth and fiscal consolidation, a hike in STT on F&O triggered a massive selloff. In the next session, the market rebounded as dust settled over STT and market focus shifted to the Budget's pro-growth measures.

On February 3, the indices jumped sharply after an India-US trade deal was announced. However, the next day, the market traded mutedly.

With the major event behind, the market's focus has shifted back to fundamentals, such as earnings growth and v...