FMCG firms are closely monitoring rural demand trends, which are showing early signs of stabilisation after a muted phase. Improved monsoon patterns and government support measures are expected to aid rural consumption.

Cement manufacturers are preparing for improved dispatch volumes supported by ongoing infrastructure activity and government spending. Demand visibility remains healthy across roads, urban infrastructure and housing segments.

Indian pharmaceutical firms are expanding their product pipeline in the US generics market, with multiple ANDA approvals and specialty filings underway. Companies are increasingly targeting complex generics and niche therapies to improve profitability.

Public sector banking firms are witnessing a steady improvement in asset quality, supported by lower slippages and strong recovery momentum. Gross NPAs across major lenders have continued to trend downward, reflecting disciplined underwriting and better credit monitoring.

Real estate developers continue to report healthy booking momentum, particularly in the mid-income and premium housing segments. New project launches across key urban markets have picked up pace as developers capitalise on sustained end-user demand.

The Union Budget 2026–27, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, gave significant emphasis to strengthening India’s healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors, signalling a strategic shift toward building robust medical infrastructure, boosting manufacturing, and expanding research and training.

In the Union Budget 2026–27, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted the shifting health challenges facing India and announced a major initiative to strengthen the country’s biopharmaceutical ecosystem. Central to her announcement was the launch of the “Biopharma Shakti” programme, backed by an allocation of ₹10,000 crore over the next five years to boost domestic capability in advanced drug manufacturing and healthcare innovation.

In the Union Budget 2026–27, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a comprehensive five-point programme aimed at boosting India’s textile industry — a major employer and export earner — with a focus on production growth, modernisation, skill development, and global competitiveness.

In the Union Budget 2026–27 presented on February 1, 2026, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a major change to investment rules for individuals living abroad, aimed at encouraging greater participation in Indian financial markets.
Under the updated regulations, persons resident outside India (PROIs) — including Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and people of Indian origin — will now be allowed to invest up to 10% of a listed company’s equity through the Portfolio Investment Scheme (PIS), up from the earlier 5% cap.

Since the last Union Budget on February 1, 2025, around 16 equity mutual funds have delivered returns exceeding 20%, highlighting strong pockets of performance even as markets remained mixed. This analysis by ETMutualFunds covered 485 equity schemes, of which 405 showed positive returns and 80 delivered negative returns during this period.