**Market Brief: Pre-Budget Rally & Economic Optimism** **Current Snapshot** Indian equity benchmarks staged a smart recovery today, buoyed by a robust Economic Survey and positive global cues. The **Nifty 50** reclaimed the **25,400** mark, closing at **25,419** (+76 points), while the **Sensex** settled at **82,566** (+222 points). Broader markets participated in the move, with the Nifty Midcap index rising **0.32%**, signaling improved risk appetite ahead of the Union Budget. **Key Drivers & Trends** * **Economic Survey Boost:** The Economic Survey 2025-26, tabled today, projects a solid **7%** GDP growth for the coming fiscal year. It highlights India as an "oasis of stability" amid global uncertainties, reinforcing investor confidence. * **EU Trade Deal:** Sentiment remains supported by the landmark India-EU trade agreement signed earlier this week, which is expected to unlock significant export opportunities for textiles, chemicals, and machinery. * **Fed Pause:** Global risk sentiment stabilized after the US Federal Reserve maintained status quo on interest rates, aligning with market expectations. **Institutional Activity** Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) remain cautious, registering a net outflow of over **₹3,000 crore** in recent sessions, continuing their "sell on rise" strategy. However, Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) continue to anchor the market with consistent buying, absorbing the foreign supply and stabilizing liquidity. **Sectoral Performance** * **Leaders:** **Metals**, **Banking**, and **Realty** stocks led the rally today. Companies like **Tata Steel** (+4.3%) and **Vedanta** (+3.9%) saw strong buying interest. * **Pharma & Exports:** The pharma sector remains a long-term structural play, with exports hitting a record **$30.5 billion** in FY25. However, stock-specific action was mixed today, with names like **Cipla** seeing minor profit booking. * **Auto:** **Tata Motors** faced pressure, dropping **3.3%** after reporting a **48%** decline in Q3 net profit, highlighting the varied earnings performance this season. **Outlook** The market focus now shifts entirely to Sunday, **February 1**, for the Union Budget 2026 announcements. Traders are eyeing fiscal consolidation targets and capex allocations. With volatility (India VIX) cooling to **13.37**, the near-term texture is "buy on dips," provided **25,300** holds as a key support level for the Nifty.