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Budget Stock Picks 2026: As the Union Budget 2026 approaches, market participants are actively looking for stock ideas that can deliver solid returns over
the next few quarters. On ET Now Swadesh, market experts analysed several stocks based on technical and fundamental factors and shared their recommendations for investors with a medium to long-term horizon. From IT and infrastructure to hospitality and banking, here are the key takeaways on which stocks look promising ahead of the Budget season.
KPIT Technologies Stock: Buy for one-year horizon
Stock market expert Nimesh Thakkar expressed a bullish view on IT major KPIT Technologies, citing improving sentiment in the technology sector. According to him, the IT space has started witnessing value buying after a long period of consolidation. “KPIT has been in a sideways trend for some time, but now the charts are showing clear signs of trend reversal,” Thakkar said.
He advised investors to hold the stock with confidence, highlighting strong support around Rs 1,140. With a one-year outlook, Thakkar sees the stock moving towards Rs 1,450–1,500 levels.
Expert recommendation on the IT stock:
- Strategy: Hold / Buy on dips
- Target: Rs 1,450–1,500
- Stop loss: Rs 1,120
For investors looking to position themselves in quality IT names before the Budget, KPIT Tech remains a top pick.
HCC Share: Should buy or sell?
Thakkar said that the overall chart structure of HCC remains weak. While a short-term technical bounce is possible, he does not expect any major upside unless the stock crosses Rs 26–27 levels decisively.
“Those holding the stock around Rs 24 should use any recovery to exit and move into fundamentally stronger companies,” he advised.
Adani Green Energy: Hold for recovery
For Adani Green Energy, Thakkar maintained a cautiously positive stance. He noted that the stock is trading near a strong support zone around Rs 920.
“Normally, buying interest emerges near such levels. If a trend reversal happens, the stock can move towards Rs 1,040,” he said.
Expert recommendation:
- Strategy: Hold
- Target: Rs 1,040
- Key support: Rs 920
Lemon Tree Hotels: Any short-term caution in hotel stock?
The hospitality sector has been a strong performer in recent years, but Lemon Tree Hotels is showing signs of weakness in the near term. Thakkar pointed out that the stock has slipped below its 200-day moving average and could correct further towards Rs 120.
“Even if you have a long-term view, the short-term trend is negative. It would be better to exit now and look for re-entry at lower levels,” he suggested.
Expert suggestion on Lemon Tree Hotel stock:
- Strategy: Exit for now
- Re-entry level: Around Rs 120
ITC Hotels and Bajaj Finance: Quality picks to hold
Technical research expert Swati Hotkar of Nirmal Bang Securities shared her views on two widely held stocks – ITC Hotels and Bajaj Finance.
On ITC Hotels, she believes most of the correction is already behind. “The stock may dip slightly more towards Rs 175, but from there a pullback rally towards Rs 210–220 is possible. Investors should not book losses at lower levels,” she advised.
For Bajaj Finance, Hotkar remains clearly bullish. She suggested that any dip towards Rs 900 should be used to average holdings.
Expert recommendation:
- ITC Hotels: Hold
- Bajaj Finance: Hold; average on dips
Yes Bank: Buy or sell now?
Banking stocks are also in focus ahead of the Budget, and Yes Bank has started showing signs of life after years of underperformance. Hotkar noted that the stock has strong support around Rs 20 and could deliver meaningful upside over the next year.
“I believe 2025–26 could be a good period for Yes Bank. The stock has the potential to reach Rs 32–35 levels,” she said.
Expert recommendation:
- Strategy: Hold / Accumulate
- Target: Rs 32–35
(Disclaimer: The above article is meant for informational purposes only, and should not be considered as any investment advice. ET NOW DIGITAL suggests its readers/audience to consult their financial advisors before making any money related decisions.)
