**MARKET BRIEF: Post-Budget Rebound & Policy Reset** **Date:** February 3, 2026 **Market Pulse** Markets staged a powerful recovery today following the initial Budget-day volatility. The **BSE Sensex** surged **2.54%** to close at **83,739.13**, while the **Nifty 50** climbed **2.55%** to settle at **25,727.55**. Sentiment shifted from caution over the Securities Transaction Tax (STT) hike to optimism regarding revised trade tariffs and clearer tax certainties. **Key Budget 2026 Updates** **1. Share Buybacks: New Tax Regime** The taxation on share buybacks has shifted from the company to the shareholder. Buyback proceeds will now be taxed as **capital gains** (Short Term or Long Term based on holding period) rather than dividend income. * **Impact:** This reduces the effective tax burden for many retail investors compared to the earlier slab-rate dividend tax. However, promoters face a higher effective rate (approx. 22-30%) to curb tax arbitrage. **2. Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs): Exemption Tightened** Capital gains tax exemption on SGBs is now restricted. * **New Rule:** Tax-free status on redemption applies **only** if the bond was subscribed to during the original issue and held till maturity. * **Secondary Market:** Investors buying SGBs on the exchange will now pay capital gains tax upon redemption, dampening secondary market liquidity. **3. Dividend Income: Deduction Scrapped** The government has withdrawn the deduction (previously capped at 20%) on interest expenses incurred for borrowing funds to invest in dividend-yielding assets. * **Impact:** Higher tax outgo for High Net-Worth Individuals (HNIs) using leverage for dividend strategies. **4. Relief for Accident Victims** Interest accrued on compensation awarded by the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) is now **fully tax-exempt**. TDS on these payments has also been scrapped, ensuring victims receive the full payout without procedural delays. **Compliance & Ease of Doing Business** * **Small Business Deadline:** The income tax filing deadline for businesses and professionals (non-audit cases) is permanently extended from July 31 to **August 31**, easing the mid-year compliance rush. * **Simplified Form 15G/15H:** Retail investors can now file a **single consolidated declaration** through depositories. This eliminates the need to submit separate forms to every company in a portfolio to prevent TDS on dividends. **Actionable Insight:** Review SGB holdings in your portfolio; secondary market units may now require capital gains tax planning upon maturity.