Budget 2026 Stock Market Live Updates: Key Sectors Under Investor Radar
As Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman prepares to present her ninth consecutive Union Budget today, February 1, 2026, the Indian stock markets are poised for significant activity. Investors across the BSE and NSE are closely monitoring developments, with particular attention on sectors expected to receive budgetary emphasis.
Infrastructure Stocks Take Center Stage
The Budget 2026 is anticipated to place substantial focus on infrastructure development, making related stocks a primary watchlist item. Railway sector companies including Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), RITES, IRCTC, Titagarh Rail Systems, and Jupiter Wagons are expected to see heightened trading interest. Similarly, road infrastructure players like Larsen & Toubro (L&T), IRB Infrastructure, and Ashoka Buildcon are likely to remain in focus throughout the trading session.
Defence and Power Sectors in Spotlight
Beyond traditional infrastructure, defence manufacturing stocks are projected to attract investor attention following expected budgetary allocations. Key companies to watch include Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), and BEML. The power sector, too, remains crucial with stocks like NTPC, Adani Power, Power Grid Corporation, Tata Power, and JSW Energy anticipated to respond to policy announcements.
Banking and Manufacturing Sectors Await Policy Cues
Banking stocks, including major players such as HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, State Bank of India (SBI), Bank of Baroda, and Punjab National Bank (PNB), are also expected to remain in the spotlight as investors assess budgetary impacts on financial services. Additionally, manufacturing sectors encompassing automobiles, electronics, and pharmaceuticals are likely to witness volatility based on budget provisions affecting industrial growth and production incentives.
The aviation sector, represented by companies like GMR Airports and IndiGo, rounds out the list of key areas under market scrutiny today. As trading progresses, real-time reactions to budget announcements will shape market movements, with the Sensex and Nifty 50 indices reflecting broader investor sentiment.
