Explained: How the STT hike could change the way India trades F&O

The Budget has raised the cost of trading futures and options and the market felt it instantly. A sharp sell-off, spiking volatility, and big questions for traders. In this deep-dive, we break down what the STT hike really means for F&O traders, volumes, liquidity, and foreign investors and whether this move will truly curb speculation or quietly reshape India’s derivatives market.