Budget 2026 Triggers Special Sunday Stock Market Session
The Indian financial calendar marks a significant event as the Union Budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 is scheduled for presentation on Sunday, 1st February 2026. In an unusual move, despite regular weekend closures, both the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) will conduct a special trading session exclusively for Budget 2026. This session will operate from 9:15 AM to 3:30 PM, allowing investors to react immediately to budget announcements.
Market Timing and Trading Restrictions
While equity markets will be active during this special Sunday window, traders must note specific restrictions. The commodity market will also remain open during its morning shift from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. However, a crucial limitation exists: traders will not be able to sell cash-bought stocks on Friday for this session. Similarly, during the Monday session following the budget, selling of cash-bought stocks from Sunday will be restricted, creating unique trading dynamics for market participants.
Current Market Sentiment: Cautious Outlook
Sumeet Bagadia, Executive Director at Choice Broking, provides insight into the prevailing market mood. He notes that Indian stock market sentiment remains cautious, with key benchmark indices showing limited buying interest at elevated levels. The Nifty 50 index specifically faces resistance in the 25,450 to 25,500 range, while finding support between 25,200 to 25,150.
Technical Analysis and Derivative Data
Elaborating on the Nifty 50 outlook, Bagadia states: "The Nifty 50 index is facing resistance at 25,450–25,500 zone, while crucial support is located around 25,150–25,200. The daily RSI stands at 40.59 and is trending downward, reflecting weakening momentum and a persisting bearish bias in the near term."
Derivative data reveals significant activity with heavy call writing at the 25,500 strike and substantial put writing at the 25,300 strike, establishing this range as a critical near-term pivot point. Bagadia advises traders to maintain a cautious stance near key support levels and await a decisive breakout above resistance before initiating fresh directional positions.
Budget 2026: Eight Stock Recommendations
For investors seeking opportunities on the Budget 2026 date, Sumeet Bagadia has identified eight stocks with specific buy/sell recommendations:
- Eicher Motors: Buy at ₹7,122, Target ₹7,650, Stop Loss ₹6,900. The stock demonstrates a well-established primary uptrend with consistent positioning above rising long-term moving averages, indicating bullish continuation.
- Hindustan Unilever (HUL): Buy at ₹2,373, Target ₹2,550, Stop Loss ₹2,300. Currently in a broader consolidation phase following previous downtrend, showing early signs of stabilization through basing price action.
- State Bank of India (SBI): Buy at ₹1,077, Target ₹1,150, Stop Loss ₹1,030. Displays strong bullish trend structure with higher highs and higher lows, recently breaking to fresh swing highs confirming uptrend continuation.
- Ujjivan Small Finance Bank: Buy at ₹65.40, Target ₹70, Stop Loss ₹63. Shows strong bullish continuation setup after steady base formation, trading above all key exponential moving averages (20, 50, 100, 200 EMA).
- Asahi India Glass: Buy at ₹1,001.80, Target ₹1,077, Stop Loss ₹965. Exhibits constructive bullish continuation after healthy consolidation within broader uptrend, positioned above all key EMAs across timeframes.
- Star Health: Buy at ₹469, Target ₹505, Stop Loss ₹450. Shows potential trend reversal after prolonged correction, forming higher low and attempting breakout above short-term moving averages.
- City Union Bank (CUB): Buy at ₹302, Target ₹322, Stop Loss ₹290. Displays strong bullish continuation after higher-low consolidation pattern, trading above all key EMAs with fresh breakout confirmation.
- JK Tyre: Buy at ₹520, Target ₹558, Stop Loss ₹500. Shows bullish continuation after rounded base completion, trading above all key EMAs with positive moving average alignment.
Key Investment Takeaways
- Investors should focus on stocks demonstrating strong bullish technical setups as Budget 2026 approaches
- Maintain cautious trading approach given current market resistance and support levels
- Utilize technical indicators like EMAs and RSI to guide investment decisions
- Special Sunday trading session creates unique opportunities and restrictions
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only. The views and recommendations expressed are those of individual analysts and not Mint. Investors are advised to consult certified experts before making any investment decisions.
