Benchmark domestic equity indices, the Sensex and the Nifty, plunged nearly two per cent in a volatile special trading session for the Union Budget today. Barring IT, all other sectoral indices ended lower. Markets started the day on a positive note but quickly dipped into negative territory. However, they managed to recover from the initial losses and traded higher as the budget presentation approached. Despite this recovery, benchmark indices faced significant pressure following Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s Union Budget speech. Investor sentiment turned cautious due to a combination of higher-than-expected borrowing figures, and hike in the Securities Transaction Tax on futures and options trades. The Sensex tanked 1,547 points to close at 80 thousand and 723, while the Nifty slid 495 points to settle at 24 thousand 825.
News On AIR | February 1, 2026 4:46 PM
Barring IT, domestic market ends lower
