Union Budget 2026 Pre-Live Updates – January 31, 2026: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget tomorrow. Investors, industries, and citizens are watching for potential tax relief, MSME incentives, IT/AI support, EV & green energy funding, and PSU sector expansions. Markets, commodities, and precious metals are reacting ahead of the official announcement, setting the tone for the year.
02:00 PM IST – IT/ITeS and Technology Sector
Expected Policy Impact:
-
Tax incentives for R&D and AI adoption
-
Enhanced support for cloud computing infrastructure
-
Startups and tech exporters may get expanded incentives
-
Increased funding for tech incubators and innovation hubs
Industry Outlook:
Indian IT/ITeS has historically benefited from tax incentives and export‑linked rewards. With exports growing ~8–10% yearly and digital transformation accelerating, the Budget may:
-
Boost software exports by +5–7%
-
Expand AI, cybersecurity, and cloud services adoption
-
Increase hiring and salaries in tech domains
Market Reaction:
Tech index components could outperform benchmarks, drawing investor flows into NIFTY IT and midcap tech names.
01:30 PM IST – Banking & Finance Sector
Likely Outcomes:
-
MSME lending and digital financial inclusion targeted
-
PSU and private banks may see lower loan defaults and higher credit growth
-
Fintech players could benefit from regulatory support
Market Reaction:
Banking stocks may gain 1–2% as liquidity improves and credit supply expands.
Citizen Impact:
Better access to affordable credit and enhanced digital payments reduce transaction costs for individuals and small businesses.
01:00 PM IST – Gold & Silver Price Update
-
**Gold (24K, Delhi): ₹16,934/gm (+0.2%)
-
Silver: ₹21,500/kg (+0.3%)
Precious Metals Impact:
Gold and silver are acting as safe‑haven assets against inflation and fiscal uncertainty. If the Budget signals higher spending without adequate revenue measures, precious metals could continue upward by 1–2% in the near term.
12:30 AM IST – Stock Market Previews
-
Sensex: 60,400 (+80 pts, +0.13%)
-
Nifty 50: 18,280 (+35 pts, +0.19%)
Market Effect:
Markets are pricing in corporate tax incentives, foreign investment inflows, and renewed capex. Banking, IT, green energy, and PSU stocks are showing early strength as traders reposition ahead of potential stimulus measures.
12:00 PM IST – Pre‑Budget Overview
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget 2026–27 tomorrow. Key macroeconomic targets include:
-
GDP Growth: 6.5–7%
-
Fiscal Deficit: <4.5% of GDP
-
Capex: +15–20% (major push for public projects)
What this means:
The government is signaling continued support for infrastructure, technology, startups, and green energy — which generally boosts investor confidence and can lift markets ahead of the actual Budget speech.
Date: January 31, 2026
Coverage Time: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM IST
Event: Pre-Budget Insights, Market & Sector Expectations