Indian Stock Markets to Remain Open on Sunday, February 1 for Union Budget 2026
**Sunday Session: Market Brief**
**Unprecedented Sunday Trade**
Indian equity markets will conduct a full live trading session tomorrow, **Sunday, February 1, 2026**, aligning with the presentation of the Union Budget. This marks a rare departure from standard schedules, being only the second Sunday session in independent India.
**Trading Logistics**
* **Hours:** Regular market timing applies. Pre-open at **09:00 AM**, normal trading from **09:15 AM** to **03:30 PM**.
* **Settlement:** February 1 is a settlement holiday. Trades executed on Friday (**Jan 30**) and Sunday (**Feb 1**) will settle together on Monday, **February 2**. Intraday profits from Friday are effectively locked until Monday.
**Current Market Pulse**
Sentiment remains cautious leading into the event. Markets closed the Friday session on a weak note due to profit-booking in metals and global headwinds.
* **Sensex:** Closed at **82,269.78** (down **296** points)
* **Nifty 50:** Settled at **25,320.65** (down **98** points)
* **Trend:** January has been shaky, with nearly **70%** of Nifty 500 stocks witnessing corrections.
**Budget Day Dynamics**
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Budget at **11:00 AM**. While high volatility is anticipated intraday, historical data suggests the "real" trend often emerges later.
* **Day-of Impact:** Historically muted. Average Nifty returns on Budget Day hover around **+0.19%**.
* **Post-Event:** The week following the budget typically sees stronger directional moves, with Nifty averaging **+1.35%** returns once policy clarity sets in.
**Sector Watch**
Traders are closely monitoring fiscal deficit targets (expected around **4.1–4.2%**) and borrowing numbers. Volatility is expected to remain elevated as the market digests announcements in real-time.
... [Union Budget 2026 | Sunday Budget & Markets Open](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SAMz1svQeI)
This video provides a quick visual overview of the special Sunday trading schedule and expectations for the Union Budget 2026 session.
http://googleusercontent.com/youtube_content/0