BSE has reported a remarkable surge in Sensex open interest following a strategic reshuffle in its trading schedule. The exchange witnessed Sensex contracts increase almost four times, demonstrating significant growth in market participation and trading activity.

Dramatic Increase in Open Interest

The most notable development has been the substantial rise in Sensex open interest figures. The data shows a remarkable transformation in trading volumes following the implementation of schedule changes.

Impact of Expiry Day Shift

The surge in open interest has been directly attributed to the strategic decision to move the expiry day from Tuesday to Thursday. This change appears to have created more favorable trading conditions, encouraging increased participation from market participants. Weekly options have emerged as the leading contributor to the enhanced trading volumes, indicating strong investor interest in short-term derivative instruments.

Market Response and Trading Activity

The reshuffle has generated a positive response from the trading community, with weekly options leading the charge in driving overall trading volumes. The shift in expiry timing has provided traders with better alignment to market dynamics and trading preferences, resulting in the substantial increase in contract volumes. This development reflects the exchange's ability to adapt its operations to meet evolving market needs and enhance liquidity in Sensex derivatives.

The National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) has officially confirmed regular trading operations on February 1, 2026, coinciding with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's presentation of the Union Budget for FY26-27. Both NSE and BSE issued circulars on January 16, 2026, notifying trading members of this exceptional Sunday session to enable immediate market response to fiscal policy announcements.

Standard Trading Hours Maintained

NSE will operate with normal market timings despite the weekend schedule, ensuring seamless market operations during this significant economic event. The exchange has specified that a random closure may occur in the final minute of the pre-open session.

Comprehensive Market Segments Active

NSE will operate its capital market, futures and options, and commodity derivatives segments during the Sunday session. BSE has similarly scheduled live trading across equity, equity derivatives, and commodity derivatives segments.

Pre-Budget Economic Survey Release

Ahead of the Budget presentation, the Ministry of Finance will release the Economic Survey, followed by a press briefing led by Chief Economic Advisor V. Anantha Nageswaran and other senior officials. The Economic Survey serves as an annual review prepared by the Department of Economic Affairs, assessing the economy's state over the past year and providing analytical groundwork for the Budget.

Settlement and Special Trading Features

Both exchanges have clarified that T+0 settlement sessions will not be conducted on February 1 due to settlement holiday restrictions. BSE will conduct morning and afternoon block deal windows at 8:45 AM and 2:05 PM respectively, along with periodic call auction sessions throughout the day.

The Sunday trading session represents a strategic departure from the usual Monday-to-Friday schedule, reflecting the Union Budget's significance in shaping market dynamics and ensuring traders can respond immediately to the government's fiscal roadmap for economic growth and welfare priorities.