Sensex, Nifty end choppy session with muted reaction to budget; ITC Hotels up 5%

The S&P BSE Sensex was up by just 5.39 points to close at 77,505.96, while the NSE Nifty50 was down by 26.25 points to end at 23,482.15. 

Benchmark stock market indices closed flat on a highly volatile trading day despite some major announcements in the budget by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

The S&P BSE Sensex was up by just 5.39 points to close at 77,505.96, while the NSE Nifty50 was down by 26.25 points to end at 23,482.15.

Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Financial Services said that the market has responded to the Union budget with a mixed view, primarily due to the modest 10% YoY increase in capex for FY26, falling short of expectations.

"Sectors like railways, defense, and infra are affected on which the market relies for the performance, dampening the sentiment. On the other hand, consumption-based sectors, which are expected to benefit the most, had a low effect on the broad market due to their modest market mix position. However, the market will begin to factor in the broader benefits to the economy and corporations over the course of the year due to a rapid increase in disposable income and boost in ease in business," he added.