Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday presented the Union Budget 2025 in Parliament. Along with several key announcements, Sitharaman announced big relief for middle class. Finance Minister said that individuals with an annual income of up to Rs 12 lakh will be exempted from paying income tax under the new tax regime. She also proposed to introduce the new ‘Income Tax Bill’ next week. Finance Minister said that Budget 2025 focuses on accelerating growth, inclusive development and empowering India’s Middle Class. In her budgetary speech, she outlined ‘Viksit Bharat’ Vision which includes zero poverty, quality education, healthcare and empowered Women.

What Did The Market Experts Say?

The Union Budget has received mixed reaction from political leaders. While the opposition has criticized the budget, calling it the weakest and politically motivated, government has called it middle class friendly. As the politics over budget continues, here’s how the market experts have reacted to the budget.

Market Expert Ajay Bagga called the budget as neutral for markets. He said, “It was a neutral budget for the markets, good for consumption stocks, good for auto. We are seeing that reaction coming in. Personal tax rate jiggled for the middle class. That was a good thing. Overall, a lot of anticipation with the Budget.”

He appreciated the government for delivering within the fiscal constraints. Bagga added, “Fiscal deficit coming down is positive…Overall, I would say a neutral budget, at least no more damage down on capital gains and other taxes. Now the focus will shift to RBI next week, expecting a rate cut on February 7. I think global and RBI will become more important. The budget is now a done event.”

#WATCH | #UnionBudget2025 | Market Expert Ajay Bagga says, "It was a neutral budget for the markets, good for consumption stocks, good for auto. We are seeing that reaction coming in. Personal tax rate jiggled for the middle class. That was a good thing. Overall, a lot of… pic.twitter.com/oshasPANEb

— ANI (@ANI) February 1, 2025

National Stock Exchange of India Limited MD Ashish Kumar Chauhan said that this should be considered a good budget for the stock market. Chauhan said, “Those with income upto Rs 12 Lakhs have been exempted from paying tax. This is good. A little portion of the money would go towards consumption and the profitability of companies would also increase…The money that is saved can also enter the stock market through investment. So, this should be called a good Budget for the stock market.”

Chauhan also spoke on market trends and said that it started rising after more details come in. He added, “This was one of FM’s shortest speeches. Several of the important things came to be known only later…People didn’t know the numbers earlier. So, as they got to know the numbers, the market started rising.”

#WATCH | #UnionBudget2025 | NSE MD Ashish Kumar Chauhan says, "Those with income upto Rs 12 Lakhs have been exempted from paying tax. This is good. A little portion of the money would go towards consumption and the profitability of companies would also increase…The money that… pic.twitter.com/WNb2O29PuR

— ANI (@ANI) February 1, 2025

Also Read: Union Budget 2025 Highlights: 8 Key Takeaways From Nirmala Sitharaman’s ‘Common-Man’ Budget