What are the top Budget 2026 highlights for investors?

Key highlights include ₹12.2 lakh crore capex for infrastructure, a ₹10,000 crore SME Growth Fund for MSMEs, a mandate for TReDS to speed MSME payments, customs duty cuts for electronics and clean energy inputs, and an STT hike on F&O that raises trading costs.

How does the STT hike affect F&O trading strategies?

Higher STT lifts round-trip costs, which can compress returns for high-frequency and short-tenor strategies. Traders may reduce position sizes, favour longer-duration hedges, and shift part of activity to cash equities. Expect selective strategy adjustments until costs are fully priced in.

Who benefits from customs duty cuts in this budget?

Electronics manufacturers, solar module assemblers, and EV ecosystem suppliers stand to gain from lower input costs. Firms with local sourcing, PLI exposure, and healthy order pipelines could expand margins and market share as price competitiveness improves and demand visibility strengthens.

What will TReDS and the MSME Growth Fund change for small businesses?

TReDS can shorten receivable cycles and lower financing costs through bank-backed invoice discounting, improving cash flow. The ₹10,000 crore MSME Growth Fund adds growth capital for scale-ups. Together, they support working capital stability and capacity expansion for export-ready and domestic-facing MSMEs.

Law and Government

India Budget 2026 Today, February 03: Capex Up, STT Hike, MSME Push

ByDanny Kontos February 3, 2026February 3, 2026

Budget 2026 highlights set the tone for growth with higher public investment and targeted tax changes. Capex rises to ₹12.2 lakh crore to support roads, rail, and urban projects. The government mandates TReDS for faster MSME payments and launches a ₹10,000 crore SME Growth Fund to scale smaller firms. Customs duty cuts aid electronics and clean energy supply chains, while an STT hike raises F&O trading costs. We explain sector impacts and how investors in India can position now.