Budget 2026, Feb. 1 -- Indian stock market benchmarks - Sensex, Nifty 50 are likely to witness a cautious to mildly negative opening on February 2 as investors continue to process key Budget announcements along with weak global cues. The absence of market-friendly tax relief and the sharp increase in Securities Transaction Tax (STT) on derivatives are expected to weigh on early sentiment, particularly in high-beta and F&O-heavy counters.

According to Aakash Shah, Technical Research Analyst at Choice Equity Broking, "Indian equities are likely to see a cautious to mildly negative opening on Feb 2 as investors digest key Budget announcements alongside weak global cues."

He added that pressure from a stronger dollar, weakness in cryptocurr...