Sunday typically brings tranquility to Dalal Street, but this week marks a significant departure from routine. With the Union Budget 2026 scheduled for presentation in less than twenty-four hours, Indian investors have been vigilantly monitoring signals about this crucial document that charts the nation's economic course and reveals the government's fiscal strategies.
Historic Sunday Budget Presentation
The Centre has maintained the tradition of presenting the Union Budget on February 1 for numerous consecutive years, and 2026 continues this pattern. However, this year's calendar alignment creates a unique situation where the Budget date coincides with a Sunday, marking the first such occurrence since 1999. This unusual timing has generated considerable discussion among market participants about trading arrangements.
Will Stock Markets Operate on Budget Day?
This question has been circulating among investors since Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented last year's Budget on a Saturday when stock exchanges remained operational. The precedent has left market participants speculating whether the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and National Stock Exchange (NSE) would replicate this approach for Sunday, February 1, 2026.
Both leading exchanges have provided definitive answers through official circulars released earlier this month. They confirmed that special trading sessions will indeed be conducted on Budget presentation day, despite it falling on a Sunday. The standard market timings from 9:15 am to 3:30 pm will be maintained throughout these sessions.
The NSE circular specifically stated: "On account of the presentation of the Union Budget, members are requested to note that Exchange shall be conducting live trading session on February 01, 2026, as per the standard market timings." However, the exchange clarified that T+0 settlement facilities will not be available due to a designated settlement holiday.
Commodity Market Trading Arrangements
Beyond the equity markets, India's commodity trading platform will also remain accessible to traders during the Budget presentation. The Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) issued its own circular announcing a special live trading session on Sunday, February 1, 2026.
The commodity market will follow an extended schedule with three distinct phases:
- Special Session: 8:45 a.m. to 8:59 a.m.
- Trading Session: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Client Code Modification Session: 9:00 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.
Expert Guidance for Budget Day Trading
Regarding intraday trading strategies for Budget 2026, financial experts have emphasized extreme caution. Santosh Meena, Head of Research at Swastika Investmart, highlighted that Budget Day has consistently ranked among the most volatile trading sessions in Indian market history. He noted that dramatic price fluctuations during these sessions frequently result in substantial losses for retail investors who may be unprepared for such turbulence.
The cautious market sentiment was evident during Friday's trading session as Indian equity markets retreated from recent peak levels. Aggressive selling pressure in metal and information technology stocks contributed to the decline, while mixed global indicators and a weakening rupee limited intraday recovery attempts.
Some sectors provided counterbalance with FMCG, healthcare, media, consumer durables, and select public sector banks showing gains. Overall market sentiment remained guarded as investors carefully balanced pre-Budget positioning against emerging global economic challenges.
This unusual Sunday trading session represents a significant moment for India's financial markets, combining traditional Budget anticipation with exceptional calendar circumstances. Market participants now prepare for what could be one of the most memorable trading days in recent history.
