Arun Jaitley begins speech, Sensex jumps over 200 points; Nifty nears 11,100

"Our government has worked sincerely for various reforms without keeping the political angle in mind. My government is committed to the welfare of the fares. Agriculture is an enterprise and encouraging farmers to earn more," Jaitley says.

Arun Jaitley begins speech, says Narendra Modi govt reversed a tradition of corruption. 

Govt focussed on ease of living: Jaitley "Manufacturing sector back on the revival path. Exports expected to grow at 15% in FY18. On track to achieve growth of over 8%," says Jaitley.

Indian economy has performed very well since our Govt took over in may 2014, It is now the seventh largest in the world: FM Jaitley #UnionBudget2018 — ANI (@ANI) February 1, 2018

Markets are off day's high as Finance minister Arun Jaitley begins presenting the Budget 2018. The Sensex is up 117 points at 36,082.77 and the Nifty traded 30.45 points higher at 11,058.15. Nilesh Shah, managing director at Kotak Asset Management Company, says Finance Minister Arun Jaitley can boost the economy, which is so far been driven by consumption by cutting taxes and increasing capital expenditure. The Sensex is up over 200 points at 36,204 while the Nifty is up 62 points at 11,088. Experts believe government will be able to stick to its fiscal deficit target of 3.2 per cent in FY18 as proposed in Budget 2017. Budget picks from top brokerages Deutsche Bank: Buy HUL with target of Rs 1700 Rationale: See higher rural spending Deutsche Bank: Buy HDFC with target of Rs 2,200 Rationale: Govt policy boost for housing Deutsche Bank: Buy Shree Cem for a target of Rs 20,750 Rationale: Likely hike in infra spending IDFC Securities: Buy SpiceJet with target of Rs 173 Rationale: Higher airport expenditure Deutsche Bank: Buy Axis Bank with target of Rs 670 Rationale: Higher borrowing to aid CASA franchise -PTC News