Budget 2026 Anticipation
As the country looks towards Budget 2026, experts and industry leaders are offering insights into what to anticipate. There is widespread discussion regarding
changes in the tax regime. Various expectations revolve around alterations to the tax structure and the possibility of introducing joint taxation for married couples. A key area of focus involves potential tax deductions for home loans and health insurance under the new tax regime. Financial experts are pressing for increased deductions and tax relief for those in the 30% tax bracket. In anticipation of the budget, there's a push for the government to boost infrastructure spending, with calls to double it to Rs 3 lakh crore. Overall, there's a strong emphasis on achieving tax clarity and accelerating dispute resolution to facilitate ease of doing business. The government has also extended the Atal Pension Yojana by five years, which could benefit many citizens. These measures reflect the government's aim to balance economic growth and public welfare.
Market Volatility Observed
The stock market has displayed considerable volatility, with the Sensex experiencing significant fluctuations. In a recent three-day period, the Sensex fell by over 1,600 points, with the Nifty also experiencing a dip. Multiple analysts have indicated the reasons behind this downturn, although there were also days of positive trading. One such instance saw the Sensex jump by 400 points, resulting in the Nifty closing above 25,250. Investors and traders remain watchful, trying to interpret the market movements and their implications. Analysts are offering their takes on potential recovery strategies and how to navigate these challenges. The movements demonstrate the sensitive nature of the market, where news and data can instigate rapid changes and volatility.
Real Estate Sector Overview
The real estate market shows signs of robust expansion and evolving dynamics. In Gurugram, the sector attracted substantial investment, reaching Rs 86,588 crore during 2025. Furthermore, sentiment in the real estate sector stabilized during the fourth quarter of 2025, buoyed by office demand and positive funding outlooks. Concurrently, there has been a notable surge in capital inflows, with a 25% increase to a record $14.3 billion in 2025. There are also discussions on potentially adjusting Bengaluru's residency requirements for obtaining flats. Luxury housing sales have reached a four-year peak, indicative of the growing preference for high-end properties among Indian buyers.
Tax Refund Delays Addressed
Many taxpayers are dealing with delays in income tax refunds, leading to queries about how to resolve these issues. Individuals who haven't yet received their tax refunds are now seeking guidance on what steps to take. Taxpayers who receive notices from the Income Tax Department should understand the implications. The details can help taxpayers to address and resolve related issues more efficiently. It's essential for taxpayers to know the reasons behind delays, the rules about interest on refunds, and the methods for checking the status. Taxpayers should learn how to respond to various types of tax notices they might receive.
Banking Sector Insights
The banking sector is undergoing changes and developments. HDFC Bank announced a rise in net profit, with a 11.4% increase year-on-year. Also, the bank's net interest income rose by 6.4%. Yes Bank reported a substantial increase in net profit, experiencing a 55.4% year-on-year surge. Meanwhile, PNB reported a 11.6% increase year-on-year in its net profit. Additionally, there are changes to debit card lounge access rules, which cardholders must understand. There is also an Integrated Ombudsman Scheme 2026 introduced by the RBI, which will go live starting in July. There were also reports of potential bank shutdowns during a specific period due to a strike. The sector is demonstrating a mix of robust profits, regulatory updates, and potential service disruptions.
Investment Opportunities Explored
Several investment avenues are gaining attention. Flexi-cap funds are becoming more popular, with investors exploring the top schemes available. The performance of silver ETFs is noteworthy, showing an 8% increase as prices reached new records. Some experts are exploring the potential for investing in railway stocks, particularly in light of the upcoming budget. The Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana has completed 11 years, with 4.53 crore accounts opened. Sovereign Gold Bonds investors received a notable return, reaching 370%. The market is presenting a range of opportunities to investors looking for growth and stability. Investors must carefully assess their risk tolerance and financial goals before deciding.
