The Economic Times

Indian IT firms are likely to favor share buybacks over dividends following recent tax reforms. Market expert Sushovan Nayak believes the new rules make buybacks more tax-efficient for both companies and many shareholders. This shift is expected to encourage cash-rich IT giants like Wipro, LTIM, and TCS to continue returning capital to investors through buybacks in the coming period.

Latent View Analytics shares jumped nearly 8% after the company posted a 19% year-on-year rise in Q3FY26 profit and strong revenue growth. Improved margins, new client additions and rising institutional participation supported sentiment, while management reiterated focus on scaling AI and Agentic AI capabilities.

Despite a sharp post-Budget market sell-off, brokerages remain bullish on structurally strong themes ranging from defence and infrastructure to data centres, EVs and rare earths. With capital expenditure rising and policy continuity intact, analysts have identified 35 stocks positioned to benefit from Indias long-term growth strategy.

Indias defence stocks enter a volatile phase despite a 22% jump in Budget capex, as valuations run ahead of fundamentals. Brokerages remain bullish on BEL, HAL and Mazagon Dock, citing strong order pipelines and indigenisation tailwinds, but warn that execution risks and lofty expectations could cap near-term upside.

India's central bank intervened to strengthen the rupee after the federal budget announcement, which negatively impacted government bonds and equities. While the budget prioritized manufacturing, it lacked the bold reforms investors sought. Analysts predict continued rupee weakness and rising local currency rates due to the budget's conservative approach and a global risk-off sentiment.

Indian bonds experienced a sharp decline following the federal budget, with the 10-year benchmark yield reaching a near-year high. This downturn was driven by record government borrowing plans, dampening investor sentiment. Elevated yields will increase borrowing costs across the economy and complicate the central bank's efforts to support growth.

Trump announced Kevin M. Warsh as his Fed chair pick, influenced by Treasury vetting led by Scott Bessent. Warshs dovish stance contrasts with past hawkish positions, raising questions about his independence and alignment with Trumps rate-cut preferences. Markets watch his approach to interest rates and Fed-Treasury coordination amid political scrutiny.

President Donald Trump backed Fed chair nominee Kevin Warsh, signalling confidence that he would support lower interest rates. However, the nomination could face delays as Republican Senator Thom Tillis threatens to stall any Fed pick until a Justice Department probe into Jerome Powell concludes, creating fresh uncertainty around the confirmation process.

Indian equity markets reacted negatively to the Union Budget and a hike in securities transaction tax. Market veteran Ravi Dharamshi stated the disappointment arose from the absence of measures to attract foreign capital. He noted that foreign institutional investors have been net sellers for over a year. Dharamshi described the budget as fiscally credible, with well-managed key parameters.

The Union Budget 2026-27 delivers fiscal prudence without sacrificing growth, keeping deficit consolidation on track while sustaining strong capex. Markets reacted cautiously to the STT hike, but measures on buybacks, PIS liberalisation, bond market development and support for sunrise sectors signal a steady, reform-oriented roadmap focused on long-term competitiveness.

Indian data centre stocks rallied as the Union Budget announced a tax holiday until 2047 for foreign cloud service providers, aiming to position India as a global hub. Companies like Anant Raj, Techno Electric, and Netweb Technologies are expected to benefit from increased data centre development and infrastructure demand.

U.S. equity markets enter a crucial week as earnings from megacaps, including Alphabet and Amazon, follow Microsofts disappointing results. Investors eye the February 6 jobs report for labour market insights. Strong AI-driven growth, corporate earnings, and Fed policy shape cautious optimism, while gold, silver, and valuations add volatility to markets.

Billionbrains Garage Ventures, Groww's parent, saw its shares tumble following the Union Budget's hike in Securities Transaction Tax on futures and options. The increased STT rates, impacting derivatives trading, led to a broad sell-off in brokerage and exchange stocks. While potentially equity-positive long-term, the move could cause short-term portfolio rebalancing.

Nilesh Shah of Kotak MF highlights the Union Budget 2026's focus on continuity, fiscal prudence, and long-term growth drivers. The budget prioritizes reforms and execution, with capital expenditure exceeding net market borrowing for the first time. While STT hikes and SGB taxation pose challenges, increased focus on skilling and manufacturing are seen as positives.

Precious metals are witnessing high volatility, with silver likely to hold support near $65 and gold around $4,440 per troy ounce, says Manoj Kumar Jain of Prithvi Finmart. Prices remain sensitive to dollar fluctuations and geopolitical tensions. On MCX, gold and silver have defined support and resistance levels. Jain advises investors to wait for stability before taking fresh positions.

The Union Budget 2026 has increased Securities Transaction Tax (STT) on equity derivatives, impacting futures and options trading costs. STT on Nifty futures has risen from 0.02% to 0.05%, increasing the cost per lot by approximately Rs 500. Options trading also sees a 50% STT hike on premiums, raising concerns about market liquidity and foreign participation.

Following Union Budget 2026, market participants are analyzing its impact. Sundararaman Ramamurthy believes the STT hike will encourage longer-term equity investments and attract foreign funds by strengthening India's manufacturing and infrastructure. The budget's significant capital expenditure projection is seen as a step towards developed India.

Sensex and Nifty rebounded from losses in a special weekend session, as investors assessed the implications of the federal budget, which fell short of expectations for measures to attract foreign capital.

Hindustan Copper shares rebounded on Monday despite a sharp drop in global copper prices, as value buyers stepped in after a steep two-day correction. The stock had fallen 21% across Friday and Sundays special Budget session, with metal price weakness continuing to weigh on near-term sentim

Gold and other precious metals are experiencing significant drops. This decline is linked to increased margin requirements on futures trading set by CME. Investors are also reacting to President Donald Trump's choice for Fed chair, Kevin Warsh, and his potential approach to interest rates. Silver has reached a three-week low. The market is closely watching these developments.

The Indian central bank likely intervened before Monday's local spot market opening, preventing the rupee from nearing record low levels. Traders reported the central bank's actions helped shore up the currency to 91.77 per dollar, a gain of 0.2% from Friday's close. This intervention appears aimed at preventing a fall below the 92 mark.

Mahindra Group CEO Anish Shah calls the Union Budget excellent for India's future growth. He highlights its role in sustaining economic momentum amid global challenges. The budget focuses on infrastructure, SMEs, and manufacturing, boosting competitiveness. It also emphasizes self-reliance and inclusion for farmers, women, and youth. Increased defence spending and the India-EU FTA are seen as positive steps.

Gold and silver have maintained their value in a volatile 2026, prompting investor interest. However, experts advise limiting precious metal exposure to 10-15% to avoid deviating from core asset allocation, even amidst talk of a commodity supercycle. Earnings are tepid, with banks performing adequately, while most sectors are expected to miss high market expectations.

ITC shares are expected to remain in focus after cigarette prices rose sharply following the implementation of higher excise duties from February 1. The tax hike has raised demand and margin concerns, pressured the stock in recent sessions, and intensified worries around illicit trade despite stable underlying business fundamentals.

MCX shares tumble 20% in 3 days as gold and silver prices experience a significant decline, impacting volume and earnings. This volatility stems from speculation surrounding US monetary policy and the Federal Reserve chair nomination. Despite external pressures, MCX reported a substantial 151% year-on-year jump in net profit for Q3FY26, driven by robust operational performance and increased trading activity.

Hero MotoCorp shares are expected to stay in focus after the company reported strong year-on-year growth in January dispatches, supported by healthy scooter and motorcycle demand. Rising EV traction through VIDA and steady international performance reinforced its leadership position, even as near-term technical indicators reflected mild pressure.

Hindustan Zinc shares will be watched closely. Silver prices have seen a significant drop, affecting the company's stock. This comes after Hindustan Zinc recently became India's most valued metal company. Analysts have provided positive ratings and target prices for the stock. The company reported strong Q3 earnings and has plans for future capital expenditure to support expansion.

On February 1, four stocks from the Nifty500 universe entered the RSI Trending Up scan after gaining over 3%. Their RSI readings moved above the 50 mark from lower levels, signalling improving price momentum and rising buying interest, a technical signal traders often track for potential bullish continuation.

India's market borrowings are set for a significant jump in FY27, with gross borrowings reaching Rs 17.2 lakh crore. This substantial increase, a 17.7% rise year-on-year, is expected to put pressure on bond markets. Net borrowings will also climb, highlighting the government's continued reliance on market funding to bridge its fiscal deficit.