On February 1, 2025, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present her eighth consecutive Union Budget, shaping India’s economic policies for the upcoming financial year. This highly anticipated budget will set the tone for fiscal policies, tax reforms, and growth initiatives, impacting businesses, investors, and taxpayers alike.
To provide unparalleled insights and real-time analysis, Business Today will feature expert commentary, market reactions, and strategic investment advice from leading financial analysts and economists. Join us for an in-depth exploration of the Union Budget 2025-26, covering critical sectors, fiscal strategies, and their implications on India’s economic landscape.
Table of Contents
Pre-Budget Insights: Key Expectations and Fiscal Outlook
Before the budget is officially unveiled, industry leaders and financial experts will weigh in on anticipated policy changes and economic reforms. Anurag Singh, Managing Partner at Ansid Capital, along with other distinguished financial experts, will set the stage for discussions on expected fiscal policies, economic growth targets, and taxation strategies.
Key aspects of the pre-budget discussion include:
- Fiscal Deficit & Government Borrowing: Managing fiscal discipline while boosting economic growth.
- Taxation Policies: Potential revisions in income tax slabs, corporate tax rates, and GST reforms.
- Infrastructure & Capex Allocation: Government’s roadmap for investment in key sectors like railways, highways, and smart cities.
- Manufacturing & Make in India: Policies to enhance domestic manufacturing and boost exports.
- Digital & Fintech Growth: Strengthening India’s position as a global digital economy leader.
Market Preview: Trading Strategies & Investment Outlook
Ahead of the budget, a detailed market preview will be provided by experts including Gaurang Shah, Senior VP at Geojit Financial Services, and Shivangi Sarda, Technical & Derivatives Analyst at MOFSL. The session will highlight key trading strategies, sectoral trends, and market expectations.
Key discussion points:
- Stock Market Volatility: Expected fluctuations and how traders can prepare.
- Sectoral Impact Analysis: Banking, IT, FMCG, and auto sector outlook post-budget.
- Commodity & Forex Markets: Implications for the rupee, gold, and crude oil.
Live Budget Analysis: Expert Reactions & Economic Forecasts
As the budget is unveiled, top market experts and economists will provide real-time analysis of key announcements and policy measures. The distinguished panel includes:
- Vaishali Parekh, VP – Technical Research & Analysis at Prabhudas Lilladher
- Sharad Avasthi, Head of Research (PCG) at SMIFS
- Arun Kejriwal, Market Expert
- Manish Sonthalia, CIO at Emkay Investment Managers
- Punita Kumar Sinha, Managing Partner at Pacific Paradigm Advisors
This segment will cover:
- Corporate & Individual Taxation: New tax policies and their impact on businesses and salaried professionals.
- Disinvestment & PSU Reforms: Government’s strategy to reduce fiscal burden.
- Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) & Global Trade: Strengthening India’s position in global markets.
Sector-Wise Breakdown: How the Budget Affects Key Industries
1. Stock Markets & Investments
Market analysts Shankar Sharma (Founder, GQuant), Taher Badshah (CIO, Invesco Mutual Fund), and Aashish Somaiyaa (CEO, WhiteOak Capital AMC) will evaluate the budget’s immediate impact on financial markets.
- Equity Market Movements: Trends in Sensex and Nifty.
- Investment Strategies: Navigating the post-budget financial landscape.
- Mid-Cap & Small-Cap Stocks: Sectors poised for growth.
2. Taxation & Fiscal Policies
Tax expert TP Oswal and former Finance Secretary Subhash Garg will provide an in-depth analysis of personal income tax, corporate tax amendments, and GST changes.
3. Infrastructure & Real Estate
Government spending on roads, railways, urban development, and affordable housing will be discussed by:
- Dhiraj Relli, CEO of HDFC Securities
- Vijay Kedia, MD of Kedia Securities
- Saurabh Mukherjea, CIO of Marcellus Investment Managers
4. Banking & Financial Services
Banking experts will discuss:
- Recapitalization of Public Sector Banks (PSBs)
- Financial Inclusion Initiatives
- Impact of Digital Banking Reforms
Live Coverage & Expert Commentary
Business Today’s live coverage will be anchored by:
- Rahul Kanwal (News Director, India Today & Aaj Tak)
- Siddharth Zarabi (Editor, Business Today)
- Shailendra Bhatnagar (Editor, Markets, Business Today)
- Sakshi Batra (Senior Associate Editor, Business Today)
Alongside market strategists such as:
- Harendra Kumar, MD of Institutional Equities at Elara Capital
- Nischal Maheshwari, Market Specialist
- Radhika Rao, Senior Economist, DBS Bank Singapore
- Ajay Srivastava, CEO of Dimensions
- Ketan Dalal, MD of Katalyst Advisors LLP
Post-Budget Takeaways: Investment & Business Strategies for 2025
As the dust settles, industry leaders will provide exclusive investment strategies and business recommendations. Amisha Vora (Chairperson, PL Capital), Deven Choksey (MD, DR Choksey FinServ Pvt. Ltd.), and Sunil Singhania (Founder, Abakkus Asset Manager LLP) will discuss:
- Long-Term Wealth Creation: Sectors to watch for sustained growth.
- Portfolio Rebalancing Strategies: Maximizing returns post-budget.
- Macroeconomic Trends: GDP growth forecasts and inflation outlook.
Final Thoughts: India’s Economy
The Union Budget 2025-26 will be a defining moment for India’s economic trajectory, market stability, and business growth. Whether you’re an investor, business owner, or taxpayer, staying informed about the budget’s impact is crucial for making sound financial decisions.
