Budget 2026 Live Updates: Sitharaman Set for Historic Ninth Presentation
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is poised to present her ninth consecutive budget in the Lok Sabha today, marking a significant milestone in India's fiscal history. The budget speech, scheduled for 11 am, is expected to unveil key policy decisions and major takeaways that will shape the nation's economic trajectory.
Precious Metals See Sharp Decline Ahead of Budget
In a notable pre-budget development, gold and silver prices have hit lower circuit levels, reflecting investor caution. Silver prices experienced a sharp sell-off on Saturday, plunging nearly 19 per cent to Rs 3.12 lakh per kg. Similarly, gold rates slipped over 2 per cent to Rs 1.65 lakh per 10 grams.
This decline is attributed to profit-booking by investors amid a global market rout, driven by a stronger US dollar. Gold prices weakened further, falling by Rs 3,500, or 2.07 per cent, to Rs 1,65,500 per 10 grams, inclusive of all taxes. This follows a previous session where gold of 99.9 per cent purity declined 7.6 per cent after hitting a record high of Rs 1,83,000 per 10 grams.
Stock Markets and Investor Focus
All eyes are on the stock markets, with investors closely monitoring the BSE and NSE for reactions to the budget announcements. The anticipation builds as Sitharaman prepares to deliver her speech, which is likely to address critical economic issues and set the tone for the fiscal year.
Recap of Last Budget's Highlights
Looking back at Budget 2025-26, it provided major relief for income-tax payers through changes in slab rates under the new tax regime. With the inclusion of standard deduction, salaried individuals earning an annual taxable income of up to Rs 12.75 lakh were exempt from paying any tax, a move that garnered widespread attention.
As the nation awaits the live updates from the budget presentation, the focus remains on how Sitharaman's ninth budget will balance economic growth with fiscal prudence, especially in light of the recent volatility in precious metal markets.
