How does the Nifty move on Budget Day? What history tells us?
- 1st February 2026
- 10:10 AM
- 1 min read
Summary
The Union Budget remains one of the most closely tracked macro events for Indian equity markets, shaping expectations around fiscal discipline, taxation, government spending and sectoral priorities. While Budget announcements often trigger sharp intraday volatility, historical data suggests that market reactions on the day itself are usually mixed and short-lived.The Union Budget remains one of the most closely tracked macro events for Indian equity markets, shaping expectations around fiscal discipline, taxation, government spending and sectoral priorities. While Budget announcements often trigger sharp intraday volatility, historical data suggests that market reactions on the day itself are usually mixed and short-lived.
As Union Budget 2026 is presented today, February 1, historical Budget Day data from the past several years offers insight into how the Nifty 50 typically reacts to Budget announcements.
How the Nifty has moved on Budget Day
| Date | Change (%) |
| 01-02-2025 | -0.11% |
| 01-02-2024 | -0.13% |
| 01-02-2023 | -0.26% |
| 01-02-2022 | 1.40% |
| 01-02-2021 | 4.70% |
| 01-02-2020 | -2.50% |
| 01-02-2019 | -1.10% |
| 01-02-2018 | -0.20% |
| 05-07-2017 | 1.80% |
| 01-02-2016 | -0.60% |
| 29-02-2015 | 0.70% |
Source: Moneycontrol
Bottomline
Budget Day tends to be volatile, with sharp intraday moves but limited follow-through. More decisive market action typically unfolds in the sessions after the Budget, once investors digest policy details and execution signals.
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