Stock Indices Trade Lower Amid Volatility Before Budget Presentation
Sensex slips 241 points as investors await fiscal measures, taxation proposals, and government spending plans
Mumbai, Feb 1: Indian stock markets opened on a cautious note ahead of the special Sunday trading session, with the BSE Sensex falling nearly 241 points as investors held back ahead of key policy announcements from the Union Budget.
The Sensex dropped 240.83 points, or 0.29 per cent, to open at 81,947.31 from Friday’s close of 82,566.37, reflecting subdued investor sentiment and intraday volatility. During the session, the index touched a high of 82,430.82 and a low of 81,941.03, underscoring swings driven by cautious trading and selective profit booking.
Market participants remained on the sidelines, waiting for clarity on fiscal measures, tax proposals, and government expenditure priorities. The unusual Sunday session, held to coincide with the Budget presentation, saw lighter trading volumes compared with regular weekdays.
Sectoral activity was muted, with budget-sensitive stocks closely monitored, though gains were limited. Select heavyweight counters dragged the index lower, while broader markets mirrored the subdued trend, highlighting a defensive and risk averse approach.
Analysts expect heightened volatility in the coming sessions as markets digest the Budget announcements and evaluate sector-specific implications.
