Markets plunge to 2026 lows: STT on F&O raised to 0.05%, Buyback taxed as capital gains
Finance Minister's decision to increase STT rates for Futures and Options led to a sharp decline in the Sensex and Nifty, as well as negatively impacting brokerage and exchange stocks. The government's plan to tax buybacks as capital gains from FY27 also added to the market's woes. This move is particularly concerning for India's F&O market, which is the world's largest by volume.