**Market Brief: Post-Budget Rebound** **Date:** February 2, 2026 Indian equity markets staged a robust recovery today, sharply reversing the losses from the **Budget-day sell-off**. Sentiment improved significantly as investors turned to value buying in blue-chip stocks, shrugging off concerns over the **STT hike** on derivatives announced yesterday. **Benchmark Performance** The **BSE Sensex** surged **944 points** (+1.17%) to close at **81,666**, while the **Nifty 50** climbed **263 points** (+1.06%) to reclaim the **25,000** mark, settling at **25,088**. The recovery was broad-based, though the **IT sector** remained under pressure. **Sectoral Movers** Gains were led by the **Auto** and **Metal** indices, which rose **2.1%** and **1.8%** respectively. Energy stocks also saw buying interest, aided by a decline in global crude oil prices. **Stocks in Focus** * **Power Grid Corporation:** Emerged as the top index gainer, rallying **7.6%**. The surge followed management’s decision to hike its **FY26 capex guidance** to **₹32,000 crore**. * **Latent View Analytics:** Witnessed high traction, jumping over **8%** with a significant spike in trading volumes, driven by strong Q3 earnings growth of **19% YoY**. * **Sundaram Finance:** Climbed nearly **6%** intraday after reporting robust **Q3 numbers**, with net profit rising **19%** to **₹541 crore**. **Key Takeaway** The sharp bounce-back indicates market resilience, with focus shifting rapidly from tax tweaks to corporate fundamentals and earnings visibility.