Monday will be a crucial day for the stock markets. As Budget proposals will influence many sectors, investors are keenly awaiting its unveiling. Some cautiousness gripped bourses ahead of the Budget last week amid concerns that FM P. Chidambaram may hike the STT due to substantial shortfall in collections. A section feels that market expectations from the Budget are running too high given that the Sensex is close to its lifetime high and, therefore, the market may witness a post-Budget correction if it falls short of expectations. Expectations of an increase in FDI ceiling in banking and retail sectors is in the air. Corporate tax may be cut to 30 per cent from 35 per cent, but at the same time the FM may withdraw all exemptions.
