Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) reached a fresh record high on Budget Day before profit-booking pared gains. Experts suggest buying the stock now or on dips for a target of Rs 485-500 in 3-4 weeks, citing bullish ascending channel and triangle patterns. The stock is trading above key moving averages with a positive MACD.

Prefectures in northern Japan have received much more snowfall than usual. Snow is still falling in coastal areas along the Sea of Japan, due to a winter pressure pattern and an overhead cold air mass.

Visitors to a hot spring resort in Gifu Prefecture, central Japan, have been mesmerized by the magical scenery of lantern-lit "kamakura" snow huts.

At a shrine in Kyoto, apprentice female entertainers called "maiko" have thrown beans as part of an annual ceremony to pray for people's good health for the year.

The surge in GIFT Nifty came following the news that India and the US agreed to a trade deal. Donald Trump, on his Truth Social platform, said that he spoke with Prime Minister Modi about trade and ending the war in Ukraine and that the new deal reduces US tariffs to 18%.

India and the US have announced a trade deal, reducing reciprocal tariffs to 18% and easing concerns that have impacted Indian markets. This development is expected to trigger a strong opening on Dalal Street, with export-oriented sectors poised to benefit from improved competitiveness and reduced costs.

Japanese police believe a vehicle found on a riverbank in Kanagawa Prefecture was the getaway car used by four people who attacked a group of four individuals with hundreds of millions of yen at Tokyo's Haneda Airport.

The surge in GIFT Nifty came following the news that India and the US agreed to a trade deal. Donald Trump, on his Truth Social platform, said that he spoke with Prime Minister Modi about trade and ending the war in Ukraine and that the new deal reduces US tariffs to 18%.

Tokyo, Feb. 2 (Jiji Press)--The number of people who voted over five days from Wednesday ahead of the upcoming House of Representatives election totaled 4,562,823, accounting for 4.41 pct of all registered voters, the internal affairs ministry said Monday.

Tokyo, Feb. 2 (Jiji Press)--Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc. said Monday that it has started accepting applications for business partners, including tie-ups involving externally raised capital.

Japan's internal affairs ministry says more than 4.56 million people have cast early ballots as of Sunday for the February 8 Lower House election. That is down about 120,000 from the same five-day period in the previous Lower House election in 2024.

Milan, Feb. 2 (Jiji Press)--At the upcoming Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, Japan will aim to surpass its record Winter Olympics medal tally of 18, set at the previous event in Beijing in 2022, the head of the Japanese delegation said Monday.

Tokyo, Feb. 2 (Jiji Press)--A subcommittee of a Japanese government panel approved by a majority vote Monday the outline of a review of Japan's retrial system that would continue to allow prosecutors to file appeals against a court's decision to start a retrial.

Nifty ended with robust gains on Monday following the sharp budget-day debacle. While most sectors participated in the recovery, auto, energy and metals took the lead.Commenting on the current trends, Rupak De, Senior Technical Analyst at LKP Securities said that Nifty's rebound was a normal reaction after a sharp fall and broader trend remains weak. "As long as the index stays below the 200-DMA, sentiment is likely to remain negative, and any bounce should be used to exit leveraged long positions or to create short positions. On the upside, immediate resistance is placed at 25,200, while on the downside, support is seen around 24,900," De said.Stock markets will open on Sunday, February 1 because of the Union Budget 2026.Here are 5 stock recommendations for Tuesday:

Milan, Feb. 2 (Jiji Press)--The Japanese Olympic Committee has been leading efforts to protect athletes and staff from social media abuse, as attention on individual sports and athletes tends to rapidly surge during the Olympics and Paralympics.

The government is actively considering further reducing its stake in insurance behemoth LIC through a public offering in the next financial year, Financial Services Secretary M Nagaraju said on Monday.

Tokyo, Feb. 2 (Jiji Press)--U.S. investment fund Bain Capital said Monday that it will acquire FineToday Holdings Co., known for selling the Tsubaki hair care brand, formerly owned by major Japanese cosmetics maker Shiseido Co.

Tokyo, Feb. 2 (Jiji Press)--Japan's Daihatsu Motor Co. released on Monday its first mass-produced commercial battery electric minivehicles, the e-Hijet Cargo and the e-Atrai.

China's travel rush has started ahead of the Lunar New Year with a record number of trips but fewer going to Japan.

A militant group has staged coordinated attacks in Pakistan's southwestern province of Balochistan, leaving 17 security personnel and 31 civilians dead. Security forces say they later killed scores of fighters.

India's government has unveiled the budget for the upcoming fiscal year with the focus on infrastructure and manufacturing. It aims to sustain economic growth amid hefty US tariffs.

Indian headline indices ended with strong gains on Monday after the Budget-day plunge as more clarity on the announcements emerged. Most sectors participated in the rebound though auto, energy and metals hogged the limelight. While Nifty ended the day at 25,088.40, up 262.95 points or 1.06%, the BSE Sensex closed at 81,666.46, gaining by 943.52 points or 1.17%. Here are 5 stocks that saw action today:

Tokyo, Feb. 2 (Jiji Press)--Heavy snow in Japan since Jan. 20 has left a total of 27 people dead in eight of the country's 47 prefectures and 290 others injured in 12 prefectures, the Fire and Disaster Management Agency said Monday.

Tokyo, Feb. 2 (Jiji Press)--Kazuhiko Hasegawa, a Japanese film director known for his 1979 work "Taiyo wo Nusunda Otoko" ("The Man Who Stole the Sun"), died of multiple organ failure resulting from aspiration pneumonia at a Tokyo hospital on Saturday. He was 80.

A Hong Kong court has held its first session on a street robbery of over 50 million yen, or about 330,000 US dollars, involving Japanese nationals.

An NHK opinion poll shows that nearly two-thirds of respondents say they will vote in the upcoming Lower House election without fail, or have already cast their ballots in early voting.

Gold and silver prices have plummeted dramatically this week. This sharp decline follows market reactions to potential Federal Reserve leadership changes and a strengthening US dollar. Investors are reassessing the safe-haven appeal of these precious metals. While short-term returns have been devastating, longer-term performance still outpaces equity indices. Experts suggest caution and disciplined asset allocation for investors.

A decline in promoter shareholding can have multiple interpretations. While it may indicate fundraising for expansion or strategic reasons, it can also raise concerns for investors about potential alignment between promoters and minority shareholders. In the Nifty 500 universe, we highlight 12 stocks where promoters reduced their holdings in the December ’25 quarter compared with the September ’25 quarter, based on StockEdge shareholding data.

Visitors to a park in central Japan joined a bean-throwing ceremony on an artificial snow slope ahead of "Setsubun," the last day of winter on the traditional Japanese calendar.

Japan's Fire and Disaster Management Agency says harsh winter conditions and snow-related accidents over the last 14 days have left 27 people dead.

Bajaj Finance is expected to post a steady Q3FY26, with brokers forecasting around 21% NII and 20% PAT growth. Strong loan expansion, stable margins, easing credit costs and healthy asset quality should support earnings despite slower growth in some segments.

The rebound came despite proposals to raise transaction taxes on derivatives and the absence of fresh measures aimed at drawing foreign investment. The BSE Sensex rose 943.5 points, or 1.17%, to close at 81,666.46, while the Nifty 50 advanced 261 points, or 1.06%, to 25,088.4.

Power Grid shares saw a sharp surge on Monday after the PSU raised its FY26 capex guidance to Rs 32,000 crore and increased capitalisation targets, signalling strong execution visibility. The company posted an 8% YoY rise in Q3 net profit to Rs 4,185 crore, with revenue up 10% and expenses moderating sequentially.

Zerodha founder Nithin Kamath criticised the STT hike on equity derivatives, saying it won’t curb speculation as most activity is in options. He warned higher taxes could hurt futures volumes, liquidity and price discovery, and suggested suitability norms as a better solution.

Tokyo, Feb. 2 (Jiji Press)--The dollar temporarily rose above 155 yen in Tokyo trading on Monday, after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi mentioned the benefits of the yen's current weakness in a campaign speech over the weekend.

Japanese researchers have reportedly succeeded in mining mud thought to contain rare earth elements from a seabed some 5,700 meters underwater.

If you invest in the stock market based on sentiment, this is probably not for you. But if your decision to invest is based on a mega trend the country’s economy is witnessing, then probably this is an opportunity. Just to put this in perspective: The bears who sold on Sunday and are selling today will pay brokerage and transaction charges to the stock exchanges. So with the bulls. Their numbers today are much higher than it was two years ago – and would surely be higher two years down the line, whether the STT amount is X% or 3X. There is a reason for this. And that reason is a bigger trend before which all levies on trading of any kind will look small a few years from now.

The exiled spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, the 14th Dalai Lama, has won a Grammy Award for best audio book, narration and storytelling recording.

Jakarta, Feb. 2 (Jiji Press)--Indonesia will use a word with more negative connotations to describe its period under Japanese military rule during World War II in a revised history book its government plans to release soon.

Union Budget 2026 outlines a confident and fiscally disciplined growth roadmap, with emphasis on sunrise sectors, infrastructure, digital capacity and inclusive development. The Budget aims to deepen capital markets, strengthen manufacturing, empower women entrepreneurs and improve urban funding, while maintaining macroeconomic stability and supporting long term, resilient growth.

Tokyo, Feb. 2 (Jiji Press)--Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's hand injury would pose no problem in carrying out her official duties, Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Masanao Ozaki said Monday.

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) have signalled renewed interest in BSE smallcap stocks, raising stakes in 95 companies during the December 2025 quarter. This marks a notable turnaround after two consecutive quarters of trimming positions—from March 2025 to September 2025.Interestingly, many of these smallcaps have struggled over the past year, with around 70 of the 95 stocks experiencing double-digit declines. Nine of them even tumbled sharply, losing between 50% and 67%. Despite these setbacks, FIIs’ renewed buying suggests confidence in the long-term fundamentals of these battered stocks. FII buying generally boosts market sentiment and often encourages retail investors to take notice. (Data Source: ACE Equity)

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman doubled down on the government’s infrastructure led growth strategy in Union Budget 2026, proposing a sharp increase in capital expenditure to Rs 12.2 lakh crore for FY2026-27, up from Rs 11.2 lakh crore in the current fiscal. From a market perspective, the capex heavy Budget announcements have brought several stocks into focus, and SBI Securities has selected five names that could benefit from the announcement. Here is the full list.

Japan's Daihatsu Motor has begun selling mini electric commercial vehicles in the country as its first mass-produced EVs. The automaker is aiming to capitalize on demand from companies that promote decarbonization.

Tokyo, Feb. 2 (Jiji Press)--As a snap election looms, various private-sector groups are stepping up efforts, both online and offline, to push up youth voter turnout.

Gold, silver and equities tumbled together in a rare cross-asset slide, with leveraged unwinding, a stronger dollar and expectations around Kevin Warsh’s Fed outlook triggering a sharp selloff. Analysts warn against chasing rallies, suggesting disciplined asset allocation as precious metals consolidate and large-cap equities offer relatively steadier opportunities.

Like last summer’s Upper House election, the Lower House election again has as one focus tightening policies toward foreigners.

Tokyo, Feb. 2 (Jiji Press)--Sustained high blood sugar levels caused by diabetes and other factors raise the risk of tooth decay as sugars in the blood are transferred to saliva, University of Osaka researchers have found.

Tokyo, Feb. 2 (Jiji Press)--Japan has successfully retrieved rare earth-rich sediment from the deep seabed, marking a step toward a potential domestic supply of rare earths, Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Masanao Ozaki said Monday.

The price of gold in Japan has plunged from a record high set last week. Demand waned as investors shifted to dollar-buying.

US President Donald Trump has reacted to remarks made by Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei that US attacks could spark a regional conflict.

For those worried about what will happen to the stock markets, history has some comforting lessons. Markets have the ability to tackle (and price in) many uncertainties. And volatility is part of every bull run. Just because a majority of stocks have not performed in the last one year does not mean that the long-term story has changed. Yes, one has to be a bit cautious while selecting stocks. Our selected stocks for today depict a strong upward trajectory in their overall average score which is based on five key pillars: Earnings, fundamentals, relative valuation, risk, and price momentum. This implies that there has been a significant improvement in their market outlook in the given time frame.

Snow is piling up in some parts of the northern Japanese prefecture of Aomori, reaching the highest in 40 years in one city.

Tokyo, Feb. 2 (Jiji Press)--The Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office's special investigation squad has arrested a former Mita Securities Co. executive and four other individuals on suspicion of insider trading linked to a tender offer.

Aomori Prefecture in northeastern Japan has asked the Ground Self-Defense Force, or GSDF, to send personnel to Aomori City to deal with record snowfall.

Prashant Jain said Union Budget 2026–27 ticks all the right boxes and offers a reasonable investment opportunity over the next three to four months despite market volatility. He believes large-cap stocks are fairly valued, long-term returns should track nominal GDP growth, and policy stability and fiscal discipline support sustained economic expansion.

Latent View Analytics shares jumped nearly 8% after the company posted a 19% year-on-year rise in Q3FY26 profit and strong revenue growth. Improved margins, new client additions and rising institutional participation supported sentiment, while management reiterated focus on scaling AI and Agentic AI capabilities.

Despite a sharp post-Budget market sell-off, brokerages remain bullish on structurally strong themes ranging from defence and infrastructure to data centres, EVs and rare earths. With capital expenditure rising and policy continuity intact, analysts have identified 35 stocks positioned to benefit from India’s long-term growth strategy.

India’s defence stocks enter a volatile phase despite a 22% jump in Budget capex, as valuations run ahead of fundamentals. Brokerages remain bullish on BEL, HAL and Mazagon Dock, citing strong order pipelines and indigenisation tailwinds, but warn that execution risks and lofty expectations could cap near-term upside.

Tokyo, Feb. 2 (Jiji Press)--There was a call for the Bank of Japan to raise interest rates "in a timely and appropriate manner" at its Jan. 22-23 policy-setting meeting, a summary of opinions at the meeting showed Monday.

The Union Budget 2026-27 delivers fiscal prudence without sacrificing growth, keeping deficit consolidation on track while sustaining strong capex. Markets reacted cautiously to the STT hike, but measures on buybacks, PIS liberalisation, bond market development and support for sunrise sectors signal a steady, reform-oriented roadmap focused on long-term competitiveness.

Indian data centre stocks rallied as the Union Budget announced a tax holiday until 2047 for foreign cloud service providers, aiming to position India as a global hub. Companies like Anant Raj, Techno Electric, and Netweb Technologies are expected to benefit from increased data centre development and infrastructure demand.

Tokyo, Feb. 2 (Jiji Press)--Global progress in eliminating gender inequality has been "precarious," while Japan can play a meaningful role in advancing equality, UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous has said in a recent written interview with Jiji Press.

Brokerage calls show a mixed picture for investors. Citi remains cautious on Jindal Steel and Power, citing weaker profitability and pressure on realizations, while Bernstein turns bullish on Bajaj Auto, backed by premiumisation, improving margins, and export recovery. Citi sees continued auto volume momentum in January but expects limited Budget impact on overall consumption, maintaining Maruti Suzuki, M&M, and Hyundai as top picks.

Indian data centre stocks rallied as the Union Budget announced a tax holiday until 2047 for foreign cloud service providers, aiming to position India as a global hub. Companies like Anant Raj, Techno Electric, and Netweb Technologies are expected to benefit from increased data centre development and infrastructure demand.

The Bank of Japan's summary of opinions from its January meeting show policymakers said the bank shouldn't miss the appropriate timing for raising interest rates.

What, ultimately, is a member of parliament for—and what, precisely, are they meant to do?

Billionbrains Garage Ventures, Groww's parent, saw its shares tumble following the Union Budget's hike in Securities Transaction Tax on futures and options. The increased STT rates, impacting derivatives trading, led to a broad sell-off in brokerage and exchange stocks. While potentially equity-positive long-term, the move could cause short-term portfolio rebalancing.

ITC, Godfrey Phillips and VST Industries fell sharply on Monday after cigarette prices jumped following a steep excise duty hike effective February 1. Retail prices rose by Rs 22–25 per pack as taxes increased sharply, raising concerns over demand pressure, margin impact and a potential rise in illicit cigarette trade.

Tokyo, Feb. 2 (Jiji Press)--The dollar rose above 155 yen in Tokyo trading on Monday, after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi mentioned the benefits of the yen's current weakness in a campaign speech over the weekend.

ITC, Godfrey Phillips and VST Industries fell sharply on Monday after cigarette prices jumped following a steep excise duty hike effective February 1. Retail prices rose by Rs 22–25 per pack as taxes increased sharply, raising concerns over demand pressure, margin impact and a potential rise in illicit cigarette trade.

ITC, Godfrey Phillips and VST Industries fell sharply on Monday after cigarette prices jumped following a steep excise duty hike effective February 1. Retail prices rose by Rs 22–25 per pack as taxes increased sharply, raising concerns over demand pressure, margin impact and a potential rise in illicit cigarette trade.

Sensex and Nifty rebounded from losses in a special weekend session, as investors assessed the implications of the federal budget, which fell short of expectations for measures to attract foreign capital.

Hindustan Copper shares rebounded on Monday despite a sharp drop in global copper prices, as value buyers stepped in after a steep two-day correction. The stock had fallen 21% across Friday and Sunday’s special Budget session, with metal price weakness continuing to weigh on near-term sentim

The Union Budget 2026 has increased Securities Transaction Tax (STT) on equity derivatives, impacting futures and options trading costs. STT on Nifty futures has risen from 0.02% to 0.05%, increasing the cost per lot by approximately Rs 500. Options trading also sees a 50% STT hike on premiums, raising concerns about market liquidity and foreign participation.

Sensex and Nifty rebounded from losses in a special weekend session, as investors assessed the implications of the federal budget, which fell short of expectations for measures to attract foreign capital.

Hindustan Zinc shares rose over 4% even as Silver prices posted a significant drop. This comes after Hindustan Zinc recently became India's most valued metal company. Analysts have provided positive ratings and target prices for the stock. The company reported strong Q3 earnings and has plans for future capital expenditure to support expansion.

The Finance Ministry says 75 percent of Japan's companies are using artificial intelligence in business operations. The comparable figure was 11 percent about five years ago.

Major Japanese airline operator ANA Holdings is planning a 30 percent increase in international passenger services by fiscal 2030 amid a surge in global demand.

MCX shares tumble 20% in 3 days as gold and silver prices experience a significant decline, impacting volume and earnings. This volatility stems from speculation surrounding US monetary policy and the Federal Reserve chair nomination. Despite external pressures, MCX reported a substantial 151% year-on-year jump in net profit for Q3FY26, driven by robust operational performance and increased trading activity.

ITC shares are expected to remain in focus after cigarette prices rose sharply following the implementation of higher excise duties from February 1. The tax hike has raised demand and margin concerns, pressured the stock in recent sessions, and intensified worries around illicit trade despite stable underlying business fundamentals.

London, Feb. 2 (Jiji Press)--Japanese outdoor apparel company Goldwin Inc. has opened a directly run flagship store in central London as part of its efforts to expand its operations into high-growth overseas markets.

US President Donald Trump says Washington is in talks with senior Cuban officials and he thinks the two sides are "going to make a deal."

MCX shares are under scrutiny as gold and silver prices experience a significant decline, impacting volume and earnings. This volatility stems from speculation surrounding US monetary policy and the Federal Reserve chair nomination. Despite external pressures, MCX reported a substantial 151% year-on-year jump in net profit for Q3FY26, driven by robust operational performance and increased trading activity.

Hero MotoCorp shares are expected to stay in focus after the company reported strong year-on-year growth in January dispatches, supported by healthy scooter and motorcycle demand. Rising EV traction through VIDA and steady international performance reinforced its leadership position, even as near-term technical indicators reflected mild pressure.

Hindustan Zinc shares will be watched closely. Silver prices have seen a significant drop, affecting the company's stock. This comes after Hindustan Zinc recently became India's most valued metal company. Analysts have provided positive ratings and target prices for the stock. The company reported strong Q3 earnings and has plans for future capital expenditure to support expansion.

On February 1, four Nifty500 stocks that gained over 3% were highlighted in the RSI Trending Up scan, based on data from StockEdge.com. It is an uptrend signal if the RSI crosses above 50 from below. "RSI trending up" means that the Relative Strength Index (RSI) values are increasing, suggesting strengthening momentum in the price of the stock. This can indicate potential upward movement and may be used by traders to identify buying opportunities.

UTSUNOMIYA—The death of a friend during childhood continues to haunt Wakana Takahashi, but the tragedy sparked her interest in Japan’s worst pollution cases and pushed her toward a career related to environment protection.

SINGAPORE--The dollar clung to its gains on Monday as investors weighed what a Federal Reserve under Kevin Warsh might ⁠look like, with his preference for a smaller balance sheet.

Nagoya, Feb. 2 (Jiji Press)--Kazuhiro Haraguchi, co-chief of the recently established Tax Cuts Japan & Patriotic Alliance, has called for the abolition of the consumption tax, arguing that ensuing revenue drops could be covered by issuing government bonds and establishing a sovereign wealth fund.

Indian markets brace for a busy Monday as 72 companies, including Hyundai Motor India and Bajaj Housing Finance, unveil their December quarter earnings. Analysts anticipate robust revenue growth for Hyundai, driven by a strong product mix. Bajaj Housing Finance is expected to show steady AUM growth, though NIM compression is a watchpoint. Investors await these key results.

Japan has started allowing over-the-counter sales of an emergency contraceptive drug.

Tokyo, Feb. 2 (Jiji Press)--International journalist and media personality Morley Robertson died of esophageal cancer Thursday, his talent agency said Sunday. He was 63.

Indian markets saw a sharp fall on Budget Day. Investors reacted to a tax hike on futures and options. While the Budget offers long-term growth, near-term volatility is expected. Several companies like BEL, HAL, and Hero MotoCorp are in focus due to budget announcements and financial results. Adani Green also issued a clarification.

Global markets experienced a downturn on Monday. Stocks and precious metals saw significant losses. The Japanese yen weakened considerably. This sentiment follows a volatile week and precedes crucial central bank decisions and economic reports. Investors are adjusting expectations amid these developments.

India's recent hike in Securities Transaction Tax (STT) on futures and options has triggered a significant market downturn, mirroring a similar event in 2004. The move, aimed at curbing speculation, has increased trading costs for all participants, impacting brokers and foreign investors particularly hard.

The budget introduces a significant change in how share buybacks are taxed. Individual shareholders will now pay a lower 12.5% tax on buyback proceeds, moving from dividend taxation to capital gains. Promoters will face different rates, with foreign promoters taxed at 30% and Indian promoters at 22%.

Nirmala Sitharaman's ninth budget emphasized continuity, focusing on GDP growth and increased capital expenditure. While fiscal consolidation continues slowly, the budget introduced a securities transaction tax hike on derivatives and taxed buybacks, aiming to curb speculation and tax arbitrage. Asset monetisation is also being prioritized over outright PSU privatization.

Looking ahead The focus is on strengthening the foundations for next phase of economic growth rather than near-term outcomes; equities may see a good year if global markets stay stable

India is opening a new avenue for foreign investors to buy listed stocks directly. This move aims to attract global wealth seeking exposure to the Indian market. The government has increased investment limits for individuals residing outside India. This initiative provides an alternative to existing investment channels and seeks to build resilience against foreign portfolio investor outflows.

The government's budget introduced changes impacting capital markets, including increased trading costs for futures and options, and revised tax treatment for Sovereign Gold Bonds. While buybacks are now more tax-friendly, efforts are underway to boost corporate bond liquidity and support export-competitive sectors like deep-tech and manufacturing.

India's latest budget balances fiscal discipline with growth support, aiming for an investment-grade economy through targeted measures and enhanced productivity. Prioritizing long-term stability, it features a credible consolidation path and a significant increase in planned capital expenditure, while a hike in securities transaction tax on equity derivatives poses a negative surprise for markets.

The Indian budget offers a modest economic boost with increased capital expenditure, focusing on strategic sectors. While positive for earnings, market sentiment faces headwinds from higher STT on derivatives and a large divestment target. Investors should expect moderate returns amid valuation concerns and potential de-rating.

India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced a significant tax holiday for foreign companies establishing data centers in India until 2047. This move aims to attract global investment and boost economic growth. The budget also focuses on fiscal consolidation and increased government spending on infrastructure. However, proposed changes to stock transaction tax and buyback taxation have raised concerns among investors.

On budget day, investors and savers will notice that life goes on as usual. Despite some tweaks in tax regulations and the investment arena, there are no dramatic upheavals. The updates include slight modifications to the securities transaction tax affecting equity derivatives and capital gains on sovereign gold bonds. Meanwhile, the emphasis on nurturing a vibrant corporate bond market persists.

Tokyo, Feb. 2 (Jiji Press)--How to deal with deteriorating Japan-China ties and U.S. President Donald Trump's administration, which is increasingly taking a "peace through strength" approach, are major diplomatic issues in Sunday's general election in Japan.

The Indian budget offers a modest economic boost with increased capital expenditure, focusing on strategic sectors. While positive for earnings, market sentiment faces headwinds from higher STT on derivatives and a large divestment target. Investors should expect moderate returns amid valuation concerns and potential de-rating.

India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced a significant tax holiday for foreign companies establishing data centers in India until 2047. This move aims to attract global investment and boost economic growth. The budget also focuses on fiscal consolidation and increased government spending on infrastructure. However, proposed changes to stock transaction tax and buyback taxation have raised concerns among investors.