Indian equity markets turned volatile in the days leading up to the Union Budget 2026-27, as investors adopted a cautious stance amid policy uncertainty and mixed global signals. Benchmark indices fluctuated sharply, reflecting concerns over fiscal consolidation, taxation policy, and the scale of government spending in the coming year. With the budget expected to outline the government’s economic priorities, market participants limited risk exposure while selectively positioning for potential sectoral gains.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met President Droupadi Murmu ahead of the presentation of the Union Budget for 2026-27, completing a key constitutional formality before the annual exercise moves to Parliament. The meeting came at a time when the government is under pressure to sustain economic growth while preserving fiscal discipline amid global uncertainty. The upcoming budget is expected to focus on capital expenditure, employment generation, and long-term structural reforms, while addressing concerns around inflation, revenue mobilization, and social welfare.

Northern Arc Capital reported a robust 33% jump in its Q3 net profit, reflecting the company’s resilient credit portfolio and strategic growth initiatives. The non-banking financial company (NBFC) benefited from an uptick in lending activity, efficient risk management, and diversified revenue streams. Analysts note that the firm’s focus on rural and semi-urban credit markets, combined with disciplined underwriting practices, has bolstered profitability despite macroeconomic headwinds.

Capri Global Capital reported a sharp surge in profitability for the third quarter, with net profit more than doubling from a year earlier, underscoring the lender’s improving earnings quality and execution strength. The robust performance was driven by healthy growth in its loan book, better asset quality, and tighter control over operating costs. Strong traction in affordable housing finance, MSME lending, and construction finance supported revenue expansion, while stable credit costs aided margins.

Brigade Enterprises reported a decline in its third-quarter profit, reflecting a challenging operating environment for India’s real estate sector. The Bengaluru-based developer saw earnings contract by 13% year-on-year, weighed down by higher construction costs, project execution timelines, and a cautious demand environment in select segments. While revenue traction remained supported by steady residential sales and leasing activity in commercial assets, margin pressures constrained profitability.

The World Bank has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to India by announcing plans to deploy between USD 8 billion and USD 10 billion annually to support the country’s development priorities. The funding is expected to span infrastructure, climate resilience, social inclusion, and institutional reforms, reinforcing India’s growth trajectory amid global economic uncertainty. The commitment underscores international confidence in India’s macroeconomic stability and reform momentum.

Ambuja Cements reported a steep decline in profitability for the third quarter even as revenues posted an increase, highlighting the growing pressure on margins in India’s cement sector. Net profit fell by 86 percent year on year, underscoring the impact of higher operating costs, energy expenses, and pricing challenges across key markets. While demand conditions remained supportive and volumes improved, profitability was weighed down by cost inflation and competitive intensity.

KEC International reported a softer financial performance in the third quarter, with net profit declining to Rs 127 crore as execution challenges and elevated costs weighed on margins. The engineering and construction major continued to record steady order inflows across transmission, railways, and civil segments, but profitability was impacted by project mix and input cost pressures. Despite the near-term setback, management maintained a constructive outlook, citing a robust order book and improving execution environment.

Godfrey Phillips India reported a measured improvement in profitability for the third quarter, reflecting disciplined cost management and stable pricing amid a tightly regulated operating environment. Net profit rose 8.7 percent year on year to Rs 343.3 crore, underscoring the company’s ability to sustain earnings momentum despite volume constraints and rising compliance costs. The performance highlights the resilience of its core cigarette business, supported by brand strength and operational efficiency.

Blue Energy Motors has entered into a strategic partnership with Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (HPCL) to develop battery-swapping infrastructure for electric commercial vehicles, signaling a decisive push to accelerate EV adoption in India’s logistics and transportation sectors. The collaboration aims to address one of the biggest barriers to electric mobility—charging downtime—by offering faster, scalable energy replenishment solutions.