Business

The domestic equity markets witnessed heavy selling pressure on Sunday as stocks fell sharply during Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's Union Budget 2026 speech, with investors reacting strongly to a steep increase in Securities Transaction Tax (STT) on futures and options (F&O) trades.

In an effort to discourage futures and options (F&O) trading, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has proposed to raise Securities Transaction Tax (STT) on such derivatives trade.

Speaking while presenting the Union Budget 2026-27, Sitharaman announced that these segments will be brought under a single category named "Information Technology Services".

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday announced a series of tax-related proposals in the Union Budget 2026 aimed at improving ease of living, simplifying compliance, and providing relief to common taxpayers.

She highlighted a significant evolution in how the government views women's work. She spoke about the successful foundation laid by previous initiatives, specifically noting that she intends to "build on the success of 'Lakpati Didi Programme'" which has already helped millions of women find their footing through self-help groups.

During the presentation of the Union Budget 26-27, the Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, proposed to introduce a market-making framework with suitable access to funds and derivatives on corporate bond indices. She also proposed introducing total-return swaps for corporate bonds.