Asian stocks dropped for a second day after Wall Street investors moved out of technology firms and rotated into a broader range of companies amid concerns about high valuations and spending.

The MSCI Asia Pacific Index dropped 0.3% at the open. The Kospi Index in South Korea — a poster child for artificial intelligence investments and the best-performing index worldwide this year — led the losses, dropping 1.6%.

The Asian moves came after the Nasdaq 100 saw its worst two-day rout since October, breaching its 100-day moving average, a level seen by some technical analysts as a harbinger for more losses. Futures contracts for US gauges, however, rose 0.3% in early Asian trading, indicating selling pressure may be easing.

Elsewhere, gold and silver advanced, continuing their rebound from a historic plunge, while Bitcoin trimmed some of its losses. The yen was a touch weaker at 156.93 to a dollar on Thursday, extending its losses with elections in Japan set for the weekend. The Bloomberg Dollar Spot Index held its gains from the prior session.

The tech-heavy selloff reflected further concerns among investors regarding tech valuations, high levels of spending and the potential for AI to cannibalize established software business models. In tech-related earnings, Alphabet Inc. shares fell in extended trading after outlining an ambitious capital spending plan, while Arm Holdings Plc slipped post-market on a disappointing sales forecast, and Qualcomm Inc. gave a lackluster revenue outlook.

“There might be a glass half full and a glass half empty perspective on the moves here,” said Kyle Rodda at Capital.com. “On the one hand, tech stocks are potentially too richly valued. On the other hand, the strength in the market is broadening out in a sign of improving economic fundamentals.”

In other corners of the market, Bitcoin hovered near $73,000, with prediction traders betting the world’s most popular cryptocurrency will drop below $65,000. Treasuries were mixed on Wednesday, with the short-end of the curve rallying. The US two-year yield fell two basis points while the 10-year ended one basis point higher.
The pound and euro were steady ahead of interest rate decisions due later Thursday. The European Central Bank and Bank of England are expected to leave rates unchanged.
Meanwhile, clear signs of momentum behind the tech sell-off emerged. The iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF plunged 3.7%, while a Goldman Sachs Group Inc. basket that goes long high-beta momentum names and short the opposite tumbled 9.8%.

Rotation out of tech was the main theme during the US session and software firms saw another wave of selling, but moves were bigger in chipmakers. A Bloomberg gauge of the so-called Magnificent Seven companies fell 1.8%.

What Bloomberg strategists say…
What looks like a brutal equity rotation away from concentration is actually proving to be a bright spot for the broader market. US equities are experiencing a rotation that in the moment seems painful, but was ultimately inevitable.

— Brendan Fagan, Macro Strategist.

Traders are also paying attention to the moves in the precious metals. Gold and silver rose for a third consecutive day after retreating from a record on Friday.

Precious metals soared last month in a rally underpinned by speculative momentum, geopolitical upheaval and concerns about the Federal Reserve’s independence. The surge came to a sudden halt at the end of last week, with silver seeing its biggest ever daily drop on Friday and gold plunging the most since 2013.

Gold traded just above $5,000 an ounce and silver was about $89.

In the US, service providers saw the strongest back-to-back growth since 2024 as business activity picked up even as employment barely expanded. While companies added fewer jobs than expected, recent data has pointed to limited layoffs.

Elsewhere, US President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping of China discussed trade and geopolitical flashpoints, including Taiwan, during a Wednesday call ahead of a planned face-to-face meeting later this year.

In commodities, oil fell for the first time in three days after Iran confirmed it would hold negotiations with the US, easing the immediate risk of military strikes against the OPEC producer.

Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (AMD) CEO Dr. Lisa Su said Tuesday that Valve Corp. remains on schedule to begin shipping its long-awaited AMD-powered Steam Machine in the early months of 2026, providing the strongest third-party confirmation yet of the device’s imminent arrival.

Speaking during AMD’s fourth-quarter 2025 earnings call on Feb. 3, Su highlighted progress on the company’s semi-custom system-on-chip (SoC) business, which includes custom silicon for gaming consoles and handhelds. She specifically addressed Valve’s project amid broader commentary on AMD’s partnerships with major platform holders.

“From a product standpoint, Valve is on track to begin shipping its AMD-powered Steam Machine early this year,” Su stated in prepared remarks. She paired the update with news that development of Microsoft’s next-generation Xbox SoC is “progressing well to support a launch in 2027.”

The comments come as Valve, the Bellevue, Washington-based gaming giant behind the Steam platform and Steam Deck handheld, prepares to expand its hardware lineup. Valve first teased the revival of the Steam Machine concept in late 2025, describing it as a compact, living-room-focused gaming PC running SteamOS and optimized for couch play. Unlike the original Steam Machines launched in 2015 — which struggled with limited game compatibility and fragmented hardware partners — the new iteration builds directly on the success of the Steam Deck, leveraging SteamOS improvements and a broader library of verified titles.

Details on the device’s specifications remain limited, but industry reports indicate it features a semi-custom AMD APU combining Zen 4 CPU architecture with RDNA 3 graphics. Valve has described the Steam Machine as significantly more powerful than the Steam Deck — potentially up to six times in certain workloads — positioning it to deliver 4K gaming at 60 frames per second in many titles when connected to a television or monitor. The system is expected to include modern connectivity options, expandable storage, and compatibility with a wide range of PC peripherals.

Su’s affirmation carries weight because AMD serves as the primary silicon supplier for the device. The company’s semi-custom division has powered every major console generation in recent years, including current Xbox and PlayStation hardware, as well as the Steam Deck. Investors and analysts closely monitor these updates for clues on production timelines and revenue implications.

Despite the positive note, key consumer details — including exact pricing, configuration options, and a firm ship date — have not been disclosed by Valve. Speculation from analysts and leaks suggests a starting price in the $700–$800 range to compete with mid-tier gaming PCs and current-generation consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. Valve previously indicated the Steam hardware family, which may include additional devices like an updated Steam Controller or Steam Frame accessory, would ship in early 2026.

The original Steam Machines, released over a decade ago, faced challenges in a market dominated by traditional consoles and high-end PCs. Many reviewers criticized the ecosystem’s reliance on Proton compatibility layers for Windows games and the lack of exclusive titles. Valve quietly discontinued the initiative but retained lessons that informed the Steam Deck’s 2022 launch, which has sold millions of units and established SteamOS as a viable Linux-based gaming platform.

Industry observers view the new Steam Machine as Valve’s bid to capture living-room gaming share amid rising interest in PC-handheld hybrids and cloud gaming alternatives. The device could appeal to PC gamers seeking a console-like experience without subscriptions, while leveraging Steam’s vast library and frequent sales. Its success may hinge on seamless integration with existing Steam accounts, controller support, and performance that justifies the premium over budget mini-PCs.

AMD’s semi-custom revenue is expected to decline significantly in 2026 as the current console cycle matures, Su noted during the call. However, new projects like the Steam Machine and future Xbox contributions could help offset that trend in subsequent years.

Valve has remained characteristically tight-lipped since the initial 2025 announcement, with no official updates following Su’s remarks. The company did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

For gamers and investors alike, Su’s comments reduce uncertainty around the Steam Machine’s timeline at a moment when handheld and mini-console markets continue to heat up. If Valve delivers on the early 2026 window, the device could arrive in time to influence holiday purchasing decisions later in the year or set the stage for broader Steam hardware ecosystem growth.

Samsung Electronics is poised to unveil the Galaxy Buds 4 and Galaxy Buds 4 Pro on Feb. 25, 2026, during its Galaxy Unpacked event, according to multiple reliable leaks and industry reports circulating in early February.

The announcement, first hinted at by prominent leaker Evan Blass (@evleaks) via a shared Unpacked invite image, pairs the new true wireless earbuds with the flagship Galaxy S26 lineup, including the S26, S26 Plus and S26 Ultra. Blass’s post explicitly stated: “Galaxy S26 family + Galaxy Buds4 lineup launching 25 February.”

This timeline aligns with Samsung’s typical early-year Unpacked strategy for premium devices, shifting away from the mid-year releases seen with the Galaxy Buds 3 and Buds 3 Pro in July 2024. The Buds 4 series follows closely after the Galaxy Buds Core launched in June 2025, signaling accelerated iteration in Samsung’s audio lineup amid fierce competition from Apple AirPods and Sony WF-series models.

Leaked renders and certifications from sources like Android Headlines, Dealabs and regulatory bodies (including FCC, BIS in India, SIRIM in Malaysia and SGS) provide the clearest look yet at the upcoming earbuds. The Galaxy Buds 4 feature a refreshed stem design with flatter profiles and metallic accents, moving away from the blade-like stems of the Buds 3 series. The standard model adopts an open-ear fit without silicone tips, while the Buds 4 Pro includes in-ear tips for enhanced passive isolation.

A redesigned charging case returns to a more traditional squarish, clamshell form factor, reportedly with a transparent lid option in some variants. Color choices appear limited to black and white for both models at launch, though additional shades could follow.

Pricing leaks suggest stability despite the upgrades. The Galaxy Buds 4 are expected to retail at €179 (approximately $212 USD) in Europe, matching the Galaxy Buds 3’s launch price. The premium Galaxy Buds 4 Pro are slated for €249 (around $294 USD), holding steady from the Buds 3 Pro’s €249 positioning. U.S. estimates point to $179.99 for the standard model and $249.99 for the Pro, per reports from SoundGuys and PhoneArena.

Features teased in One UI 8.5 firmware animations and leaks include head gesture controls for calls and media, potentially expanding on Samsung’s existing gesture ecosystem.

Battery improvements are rumored for the Pro variant, with increased capacity to address common complaints about prior models’ runtime. Enhanced active noise cancellation (ANC), improved spatial audio via 360 Audio, and deeper integration with Galaxy AI features — such as real-time translation and adaptive sound — are anticipated, building on the Buds 3 Pro’s AI-driven optimizations.

Certifications confirm global availability soon after announcement, with model numbers SM-R540 for the Galaxy Buds 4 and SM-R640 for the Buds 4 Pro. These filings across multiple regions indicate broad market rollout, likely starting in March 2026 following the Feb. 25 reveal.

The timing comes as Samsung seeks to strengthen its ecosystem ahead of intensifying rivalry in the premium TWS segment. Apple’s AirPods Pro 3 rumors point to similar launch windows, while Sony and Google continue to push ANC and spatial audio advancements. Samsung’s decision to maintain pricing could appeal to cost-conscious consumers amid economic pressures, especially if the Buds 4 deliver meaningful upgrades in comfort, call quality and battery life.

Previous generations faced mixed reception: The Galaxy Buds 3 series drew praise for stem redesigns and sound quality but criticism for fit issues and minor reliability concerns in early units. Leakers suggest Samsung has addressed some of these with the Buds 4’s iterative changes, including better ergonomics and durability.

Samsung has not officially commented on the leaks or confirmed details. The company typically reveals full specifications, including exact battery life, driver configurations, IP ratings and Galaxy-exclusive features, during Unpacked keynotes.

For consumers, the Feb. 25 event represents a major opportunity to upgrade audio gear alongside new smartphones. Pre-orders are expected to open immediately following the announcement, with wide availability in Samsung stores, carriers and retailers shortly thereafter.

As the date approaches, anticipation builds for how the Galaxy Buds 4 series will position itself against competitors. With stable pricing, fresh designs and AI enhancements, Samsung appears ready to maintain momentum in the wireless earbuds market.

India needs to urgently focus on building deeper capital markets instead of relying on foreign inflows, Larry Fink, chairman and chief executive of BlackRock, told Sruthijith KK in an interview in Mumbai. That will allow Indians to meaningfully participate in the country’s economic growth, which has the potential to expand at 6-10% over the next decade. India is at the “cutting edge of financial infrastructure” from digital payments to the future tokenisation of financial assets, said Fink, 73, who cofounded BlackRock-the world’s largest asset manager- in 1988. Its assets under management hit a record $14 trillion at the end of 2025. Fink dismissed concerns of an AI bubble, arguing that demand for compute far exceeds supply. The bigger risk is underinvestment, particularly in the US, at a time when China is rapidly advancing. Edited excerpts.

The US and India just managed a diplomatic and trade breakthrough. Do you think this marks the end of a difficult phase in the relationship?

I’m really not focused on any one trade agreement, but I do believe over time, our two countries have to be closer. That doesn’t mean we don’t have volatility in that relationship, like every other relationship, but over a long horizon, I think the two countries need to find a pathway to which we can be growing together. We have a lot of similarities, we have a lot of differences.

Sony Group Corp. is actively developing two new Xperia smartphones for launch in 2026, with recent database filings and leaks pointing to the flagship Xperia 1 VIII and the mid-range Xperia 10 VIII, according to multiple industry sources and certification records reported in early February.

The developments follow a challenging period for Sony’s mobile division, which faced disappointing sales and technical issues with the Xperia 1 VII in 2025. Despite these setbacks, fresh evidence from global IMEI databases and regional carrier listings confirms ongoing work on the successors, signaling Sony’s continued commitment to its niche Android lineup known for professional-grade cameras, 4K displays and minimal software bloat.

Prominent leaks from tech blogs and certification sites first surfaced in late 2025, with model numbers resurfacing in the GSMA IMEI database as recently as February 2026. The flagship series carries codes such as PM-1520-BV through PM-1525-BV, corresponding to regional variants like XQ-GE54 and XQ-GE74. The mid-range line appears under PM-1530-BV to PM-1535-BV, linked to XQ-GH models. These entries, reported by outlets including PhoneArena, Android Headlines and Notebookcheck, indicate broad availability across Europe, Asia and Japan, though a U.S. launch remains unlikely based on Sony’s recent patterns.

The Xperia 1 VIII is expected to serve as Sony’s 2026 flagship, building on the cinematic focus of predecessors with a 6.5-inch 4K OLED display, likely powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 or a similar next-gen chipset. Rumors suggest enhancements to the triple-camera array, potentially incorporating advanced Exmor T sensors across all lenses for superior low-light performance and video capabilities. Sony’s signature features — including a 3.5mm headphone jack, expandable storage via microSD, IP68 water resistance and a high-refresh-rate screen optimized for content creators — are anticipated to return.

Speculation from YouTube channels and leaker communities points to a May or June 2026 unveiling, aligning with Sony’s traditional spring flagship cycle. Pricing could start around $1,200–$1,400, consistent with prior models, though exact figures remain unconfirmed. The device is positioned to compete in a crowded premium segment dominated by Samsung Galaxy S-series, Google Pixel and iPhone flagships, emphasizing pro-level photography and clean Android software.

Complementing the flagship, the Xperia 10 VIII targets the mid-range market with a more affordable price point, likely $400–$600. Leaks suggest a refreshed design, possibly retaining the slim profile and side-mounted fingerprint sensor of recent Xperia 10 models. Expected upgrades include a Snapdragon mid-tier processor, improved battery life and a triple-camera setup tuned for everyday use.

The mid-ranger’s regional variants indicate strong European and Asian focus, where Sony maintains a loyal following among enthusiasts seeking headphone jacks and expandable storage in budget-friendly packages.

Sony’s strategy appears to streamline its lineup, dropping the compact Xperia 5 series in recent years to concentrate on the premium Xperia 1 and accessible Xperia 10 lines. This approach follows 2025’s issues with the Xperia 1 VII, including power-related defects that prompted a replacement program and temporary sales suspension in Europe. The company resumed sales in August 2025 after fixes, but the episode highlighted vulnerabilities in a low-volume business segment.

Analysts note Sony’s Xperia division operates on thin margins amid intense competition and limited market share. A 2025 executive statement emphasized the lineup’s importance, with the company investing in AI-enhanced imaging, Bravia-derived display tech and ecosystem integration with PlayStation and other Sony products. The 2026 models could incorporate deeper Galaxy AI-like features for photography and productivity, though details are speculative.

No official confirmation has come from Sony, which typically reveals specifications closer to launch events. The company did not respond to requests for comment on the leaks or development status.

For fans, the dual-model approach offers hope for continued innovation in a niche that prioritizes creator tools over mass-market appeal. If the Xperia 1 VIII delivers meaningful camera and performance gains, it could regain momentum among photographers and videographers. The Xperia 10 VIII, meanwhile, provides an alternative for users seeking reliable mid-range hardware without flagship pricing.

As development progresses, more certifications and potential renders are expected in the coming months. Sony’s 2026 Xperia releases, if executed well, could reinforce the brand’s reputation for unique, high-quality Android experiences in select global markets.

A ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia appears to be holding after weeks of fighting over disputed border areas, which displaced a million people. Al Jazeera’s Assed Baig visited a changing frontline, highlighting efforts toward peace. The conflict’s resolution is crucial for stability in the region.

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The Battleground and Current State of the Conflict

Once the frontline between Cambodian and Thai forces, the area is now scarred by war, with roads cratered by mortar fire, shrapnel, and spent bullet casings. Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, Cambodian soldiers refused to abandon their positions, leaving behind the physical remnants of weeks of fighting. As we crossed into no man’s land, Thai troops are visible on the opposite side, with the Thai flag flying on what remains Cambodian territory. Both militaries are adhering to a ceasefire agreement, halting at their current positions without advancing or reinforcing their holdings. However, uncertainty lingers about whether Thai forces will eventually withdraw from Cambodian territory.

Human Impact and Abandoned Communities

The region is eerily deserted, with villages abandoned and streets silent. Civilians are too afraid to return, often only risking brief visits to assess damage, as homes are riddled with shrapnel and explosions have deformed steel structures. Many families previously protected themselves with bunkers but had to flee as fighting intensified, sometimes abandoning pets in their hurried escape. Some young men have briefly returned to make charcoal, but the danger, including unexploded ordinances scattered across the area, remains a serious threat.

The Fragile Ceasefire and Opportunities for Peace

Although the ceasefire holds for now, the underlying causes of the conflict remain unresolved, casting uncertainty over future peace prospects. The ongoing tension prevents civilians from resettling, and the situation remains volatile. However, the temporary halt to hostilities offers a glimmer of hope that, with continued calm, there is potential for lasting peace. As the guns remain silent, efforts related to diplomacy and understanding are crucial to prevent the conflict from reigniting, fostering a chance for stability in this disputed border region.

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After two years of exceptional gains, India’s smallcap stocks have gone through a sharp and painful correction. The question now facing investors is whether the recent India-US trade deal marks a turning point for the segment.

Smallcap stocks were among the biggest winners of the post-pandemic bull market. The smallcap index delivered returns of 47.5% in 2023 and 29.3% in 2024, driven by strong domestic liquidity, rising retail participation and optimism around India’s long-term growth story.

That momentum has reversed sharply in 2025. The smallcap index fell nearly 10% last year, making it the worst year for the segment since 2018. Even in January, over half of the smallcap universe corrected over 20%. Many smallcap stocks are still trading 25% to 50% below their peaks.

Why the India-US trade deal has changed the mood

Sentiment shifted sharply on Tuesday after India and the US finalised a trade deal that reduced reciprocal tariffs on Indian exports from 25% to 18% and fully withdrew an additional punitive levy linked to Indo-Russian oil trade. Broader indices such as the Nifty Midcap 100 and Smallcap 100 jumped nearly 3% each in a single session. Export-facing sectors saw strong buying, reflecting expectations of better earnings visibility and improved competitiveness in the US market.

India’s tariff rate is now lower than several competing Asian exporters. Countries such as Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Taiwan and Vietnam face tariffs of around 20%, while Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines face tariffs close to 19%. This relative advantage is seen as a meaningful positive for Indian exporters.
Veteran investor Ashish Kacholia said the trade deal could mark the end of the smallcap bear phase, calling it a turning point after months of relentless selling pressure.
Relief rally or start of a new cycle?

Despite the sharp bounce, analysts caution against assuming that the trade deal automatically translates into a broad-based smallcap rally. Ravi Singh, Chief Research Officer at Master Capital Services, says the trade deal should be viewed as a supportive tailwind rather than a trigger for an indiscriminate surge across the smallcap universe.

“Smallcap companies operate with narrow product lines or concentrated business models. For such firms, the benefits of lower tariffs will be meaningful only if they have direct exposure to export-linked sectors,” he said, while adding the current market phase is very different from the liquidity-driven rallies of the past.

“Earnings quality, cash flows and balance sheet strength are now back in focus. Investors expecting the kind of across-the-board momentum seen in earlier cycles may be disappointed.”

Export-oriented smallcaps stand out

Where the trade deal could make a real difference is in export-heavy smallcap companies. Sectors such as pharmaceuticals, textiles, IT services, engineering goods and auto ancillaries are seen as the most direct beneficiaries.

Lower tariff barriers improve price competitiveness in the US market and reduce uncertainty around order flows. For small companies operating on thin margins, even modest improvements in export pricing or volumes can have an outsized impact on profitability.

Kush Gupta of SKG Investment & Advisory says the deal has improved the risk-reward equation for export-oriented smallcaps. He notes that the announcement has already sparked a sentiment shift, with smallcap indices posting their best single-day gains in months.

However, there are structural challenges. Valuations remain elevated in parts of the smallcap space. As of late 2025, the segment was trading at close to 30 times forward earnings, while expected earnings growth was only around 11%. A large number of smallcap companies have also underperformed earnings expectations in recent quarters.

“The trade deal is unlikely to fix these issues overnight. It should be seen as a sentiment booster and a sector-specific opportunity rather than a cure-all for the entire segment,” said Gupta.

Are valuations finally becoming attractive?

One positive emerging from the correction is that valuations for several quality smallcap stocks have cooled. Analysts estimate that over a third of the smallcap universe, representing nearly Rs 16 lakh crore in market cap, is now trading at fair or even undervalued levels.

Arjun Guha Thakurta of Anand Rathi Wealth says the recent correction has created a disconnect between stock prices and business performance. While many smallcap stocks have fallen sharply, earnings growth in the segment has remained reasonably healthy.

He notes that much of the selling pressure was driven by sentiment, foreign outflows and risk aversion rather than a collapse in fundamentals. With foreign investors having largely exited speculative positions, the supply overhang appears to be easing.

“When weak hands have already sold, even modest improvements in confidence can lead to sharp recoveries, especially in segments that have underperformed for extended periods,” he said.

How should investors approach smallcaps now?

Most analysts agree that this is not the time for blind index-level bets on smallcaps. The consensus view is that investors should adopt a selective, bottom-up approach rather than chasing momentum. A phased allocation strategy is widely recommended. Instead of deploying large sums at once, investors can gradually increase exposure, focusing on companies with strong balance sheets, sustainable cash flows and clear earnings visibility.

Risk management remains critical. Smallcaps are inherently volatile, and while the trade deal reduces external uncertainty, it does not eliminate company-specific risks or broader market swings. Analysts suggest limiting smallcap exposure to a level aligned with one’s risk appetite and investment horizon.

Arunagiri of TrustLine Holdings says the recovery in small and midcaps is likely to unfold over time rather than in a straight line. He believes the current phase offers opportunities for stock-specific alpha but warns against expecting a rapid return to the speculative excesses of the past.

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of Economic Times)

The Union Budget 2026 has introduced an important clarification on the taxation of Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs), raising fresh concerns for investors who bought these bonds on the secondary market. The update challenges the long-held belief that all SGB holders would receive tax-free redemption benefits at maturity.

With new issuances already discontinued, the latest clarification has important implications for thousands of retail investors who bought SGBs through stock exchanges rather than directly from the government at the time of issuance.

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This is the case of Rishi, an SGB investor and viewer of The Money Show on ET Now. He has bought it from the secondary market and wants to know what the changes are and how they are likely to affect his return now.

The expert financial planner, Pankaj Mathpal, explained how the interpretation of tax benefits has now changed under Budget 2026.

Mathpal said that traditionally, Sovereign Gold Bonds offered a clear tax benefit, which means that if an investor bought an SGB at the time of issuance and held it till maturity, the capital gains at maturity were tax-free.
Over time, many investors assumed that this benefit applied even to those who purchased SGBs from the secondary market. “But earlier it was assumed if somebody has bought from the issuer and somebody buys now in the secondary market, so when you are buying from the secondary market, holding till maturity in that case also it was tax-free,” said Mathpal.For example, if an investor bought an older SGB series from the stock exchange that had already completed five years of its tenure and planned to hold it for the remaining three years till maturity, it was widely believed that the maturity proceeds would also be tax-free.

According to the clarification made in Budget 2026, the tax-free benefit at maturity will apply only to primary investors — those who purchased Sovereign Gold Bonds directly from the issuer (the government) at the time of original issuance. If an investor buys an SGB from the secondary market, the redemption or maturity proceeds will no longer be tax-free in their hands.

This means that investors who purchased SGBs from the stock exchange, even if they hold them till maturity, will now be liable to pay tax on the gains at redemption.

For investors like Rishi, who bought Sovereign Gold Bonds from the secondary market, this change directly affects the post-tax return calculation. Earlier, investors expected full tax-free maturity proceeds, which made secondary market purchases attractive, especially for bonds close to maturity. With the new clarification, the final return will now be reduced by applicable capital gains tax, making the investment less efficient from a tax perspective.

Also Read | Best large cap mutual funds to invest in February 2026

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the move in her Budget 2026 speech, made on Sunday. She said the relief will be given only to those individual investors who have bought it from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and hold it till maturity.

“It is proposed to provide that the exemption from capital gains tax in respect of Sovereign Gold Bonds shall be available only where such bonds are subscribed to by an individual at the time of original issue and are held continuously until redemption on maturity,” FM Sitharaman said in her speech. “It is also proposed to provide that this exemption applies uniformly to all issuances of Sovereign Gold Bonds by the Reserve Bank of India,” she added.

The provisions of section 70(1)(x) of the Act provide an exemption from capital gains tax on income arising from the redemption of SGBs issued by the RBI under the scheme that was launched in 2015. The SGBs were issued on a recurring basis through multiple series notified from time to time, each constituting a separate issuance.

According to Nirmala Sitharaman, this move is meant to differentiate SGBs from trading instruments as the government wants to reward committed investors, not speculators.

“SGBs are meant to be a safe, hassle-free alternative to buying physical gold jewellery or coins for your family’s future. By ensuring only patient, buy-and-hold investors get the tax exemption, the policy reinforces that SGBs are about wealth creation through disciplined savings, not quick profits. The uniformity across all RBI issuances also means every investor gets the same fair treatment, regardless of when they invest,” she added.

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)

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