Indian Equity Markets See Rural Demand Growth and Index Changes Ahead of Budget 2026

India's equity markets are experiencing notable shifts with rural consumption growth outpacing urban areas, driven by improved incomes and credit access. While the Nifty 50 index is expected to remain unchanged in the March 2026 review, broader indices may see increased activity from new IPOs and digital-first firms. Investors show interest in small-cap stocks, infrastructure sectors like roads ahead of Budget 2026, and banking with mixed results. Mid-cap stocks also attract attention, supported by technology-enabled trading tools, amid cautious optimism in IT and fiscal challenges.