Stock Market Events Calendar (India): February 2026 (Budget, RBI Policy, CPI, WPI, Expiry Dates)

Q: Why is February usually volatile for Indian markets?

February often includes the Union Budget, RBI policy week, and key inflation releases, which can move indices and sectors due to changes in rates, taxes, spending and sentiment.

Q: What matters more—Budget speech or Budget documents?

The Budget speech often moves the market instantly, while the detailed documents can drive follow-through moves over the next few sessions.

Q: RBI policy day: what should beginners watch first?

Watch the stance and tone in the policy statement, plus guidance on inflation and growth and liquidity commentary.

Q: Why are CPI and WPI important?

Inflation data influences interest-rate expectations and market sentiment. CPI is closely tracked for consumer inflation; WPI offers input-cost signals.

Q: Expiry day moves are real or temporary?

Expiry can amplify intraday moves due to derivatives positioning. The next session’s follow-through often confirms the real direction.

Jan 25
2 min read

February 2026 is packed with market triggers—Budget Sunday trading, RBI policy week, CPI (new base), WPI and expiry dates. Here’s the clean calendar with dates and key times (IST).

February 2026 is a high-volatility month for Indian markets—because it includes Union Budget, RBI policy week, and key inflation data. Below is a clean calendar you can follow like a checklist.

How to use this calendar (simple)

Before the event: volatility + sector rotation starts early
On the event day: first 15–60 minutes often decide the tone
After the event: market focuses on “follow-through” (guidance, commentary, numbers)

February 2026: Key Market-Moving Events (IST)

Date	Event	Time (IST)	Market impact (easy)
Sun, 01 Feb 2026	Union Budget 2026–27 Speech	11:00 AM	Taxes, capex, sector allocations → fast moves in banks, infra, PSU, consumption
Sun, 01 Feb 2026	Special Trading Session (Budget Sunday)	Pre-open 9:00–9:08 AM • Market 9:15 AM–3:30 PM	Budget headlines get priced live; expect sharp swings
Wed–Fri, 04–06 Feb 2026	RBI MPC Meeting (Policy Week)	Decision Day: Fri, 06 Feb	Interest rates + liquidity tone → banks, NBFC, realty, rate-sensitive sectors
Fri, 06 Feb 2026	RBI Policy Decision (typical timing)	~10:00 AM (usually)	First reaction often comes from statement language + stance
Thu, 12 Feb 2026	CPI Inflation (New CPI base 2024=100 begins)	~4:00 PM (MOSPI usually)	Inflation → rate expectations, bonds, banks, FMCG sentiment
Mon, 16 Feb 2026	WPI Inflation (Jan 2026) Release	Mid-day (commonly)	Input cost signals → metals, chemicals, industrials
Tue, 03 Feb 2026	NSE Weekly Options Expiry (Tuesday)	Market close	Expiry day can amplify intraday moves
Tue, 10 Feb 2026	NSE Weekly Options Expiry	Market close	Higher gamma = faster index swings (especially last hour)
Tue, 17 Feb 2026	NSE Weekly Options Expiry	Market close	Volatility can spike if market is trending
Tue, 24 Feb 2026	Monthly Expiry (NSE: weekly+monthly on Tuesday)	Market close	Monthly expiry tends to be higher intensity vs weekly
Sat, 28 Feb	Last Day in Feb	Market Close	Last Trading day 27 Feb 2026.

Note: CPI/WPI release times can vary slightly by day. The dates above are the key part; on release day, expect updates near the usual release windows.

Disclaimer: News & education only — not investment advice or buy/sell recommendations.

FAQs

Why is February usually volatile for Indian markets?

Because Budget + RBI policy + inflation data happen in the same month, and these affect rates, taxes, spending and sentiment.

What matters more—Budget speech or Budget documents?

Speech moves the market instantly, but the details (tax slabs, capex, sector allocations) drive the next few sessions.

RBI policy day: what should beginners watch first?

Stance (hawkish/dovish tone), liquidity commentary, and guidance on inflation/growth.

Why are CPI and WPI important?

They influence rate expectations. CPI is closely tracked for inflation; WPI hints at input-cost pressure.

Expiry day moves are “real” or temporary?

Often a mix. Expiry can exaggerate moves intraday; follow-through next session tells the real direction.