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Investors can choose from physical gold and silver, digital gold, ETFs, mutual funds, Sovereign Gold Bonds and Electronic Gold Receipts. Each option differs in costs, liquidity, regulation, taxation and storage needs, making it important to compare the risks before investing.
India's smartphone shipments slip 26 pc to decade-low in Q3, Samsung regains top spot: Report
Major Chinese players Vivo, Oppo and Xiaomi are estimated to have seen a decline in shipments while Samsung regained top position despite a marginal dip in shipments.
A Bitcoin investor who reported a 3.34 lakh loss faced an 88.55 lakh tax addition over the source of funds. ITAT quashed the reassessment after the tax officer ignored his reply and failed to provide the minimum response time required by law.
UltraTech commissions Rs 2,650 crore cement plant in Andhra Pradesh in 14 months
The integrated cement plant, located in Petnikota village in Kolimigundla mandal in the Rayalaseema region, has a clinkerisation capacity of 3.3 million tonnes a year and cement dispatch capacity of 3.6 million tonnes a year.
Sonys Gaurav Banerjee dismisses concerns over foreign investment in Indias media sector
Citing the presence of YouTube, Netflix and Amazon, Banerjee said global media companies recognise Indias long-term growth potential and continue to invest billions of dollars in the market.
Air India, Indigo representatives to appear before Parliamentary panel on Nov 2
On November 2, representatives from Air India Limited and InterGlobe Aviation Ltd will meet with a Parliamentary committee. The discussions will focus on reviewing the performance of civil aviation sector public sector undertakings. Additionally, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau and the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security will also participate in this session. Meanwhile, economists are scheduled to meet a separate joint committee examining simultaneous elections in India.
Yes Bank CET1 may fall to 10% if past AT1 coupons are paid: Crisil
Yes Bank faces a potential decline in core equity capital, projected to fall to around 10% due to accumulated coupon payments on AT1 bonds. Crisil Ratings highlighted a significant liability impact estimated at Rs 6,200 crore, while S&P Global Ratings foresees a reduction in common equity by about Rs 8,400 crore. Despite these concerns, both agencies believe the bank's credit profile will remain stable.
Fitment factor demands range from 3.2 to 4 or higher as central government employees await a revised salary structure.
PFRDA has launched NPS Central, a digital platform where subscribers can enrol, manage accounts, review investments and make contributions. Details here.
Home loan prepayment vs SIP: Which is a better option and saves you more money? Here's the maths
With home loan EMIs spread over a 20-25-year tenure, even small payments in the initial years can significantly reduce overall interest outgoings over time.
Bank of America arm seeks CCI nod for up to 49.9% in Jio Credit
A summary of proposed transaction noted this involves Jio Credit, a non-banking financial company within the Jio Financial Services group. According to the applicants submission, NB Holdings has no direct business operations in India.
NRI tax return: can you correct a wrongly claimed capital gains exemption in your ITR?
An NRI living in the UAE mistakenly claimed treaty relief on gains from Indian shares and mutual funds. While the revised-return deadline has passed, an updated return may offer a way to correct the error.
First-time workers must complete six and 12 months of continuous service to receive two instalments under the government scheme.
Indian Railways offers discounted round-trip parcel fare ahead of festive rush
Indian Railways has introduced a one-year pilot offering parcel aggregators discounted round-trip bookings at 1.5 times the one-way fare, reducing the combined freight charge by 25%. The scheme aims to improve return-direction train utilisation, shift cargo from road to rail and boost parcel revenue ahead of the festive season.
Nepal bans Priyagold biscuits over food safety
10 crore cover at 70? Insurance reform must start with the buyer
Insurance regulation must go beyond capping commissions to enforce product suitability, hold distributors accountable for mis-selling and prioritize policyholder outcomes over sales incentives.
96 IPOs raise Rs 1.1 lakh crore in 2026 even as the Nifty corrects
India's equity market in 2026 shows pressure in the secondary market with significant foreign outflows affecting benchmarks. The Nifty 50 index is reportedly in correction territory after a series of losses. In contrast, the primary market remains active, with numerous IPOs successfully raising substantial capital. Domestic liquidity supports fundraising despite investor selectivity regarding valuations and corporate governance.
Only 2 of 29 aggressive hybrid funds with reported one-year returns delivered over 8%, while 22 posted losses. Even large schemes such as SBI and ICICI Prudential Aggressive Hybrid Fund ended in the red, highlighting the risks of equity-heavy hybrid investments.
Myntra sees Gen Z drive beauty growth as skincare, smaller cities gain ground
Gen Z accounts for 60% of Myntras beauty shoppers, spending 1.2 times as much on beauty as the average customer, according to the companys Beauty report, which covers consumption trends from August 2025 to August 2026.
Yes Bank weighs capital options after AT1 verdict, coupon liability remains uncertain
Yes Bank is recalibrating its capital strategies in response to the Supreme Courts ruling which reinstated Rs 8,415 crore of AT1 bonds. This ruling may lower the banks CET1 capital ratio by approximately 240 basis points, thus influencing its growth initiatives. Management is still reviewing potential payment duties spurred by the verdict.
1 Finance gets in-principle approval for Indias first MF Lite AMC licence
1 Finance has received SEBIs in-principle approval to establish Indias first MF Lite asset management company, targeting a Q4 FY27 launch. The proposed AMC will offer passive investment products, including index funds and ETFs, subject to final regulatory registration.
RBI conducts 1 lakh cr Variable Rate Repo auction to push liquidity into banking system
RBI last conducted a VRR auction to push liquidity into the banking system on July 29, 2026
The EPFO wage ceiling has risen from 15,000 to 25,000 a month, potentially extending provident fund, pension and insurance benefits to more employees. Check who qualifies under the revised rules, how enrolment works and what the change means for your salary deductions and retirement savings.
The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority has rolled out NPS Central, a transformative digital platform designed for hassle-free management of National Pension System accounts.
Mobile games can encourage frequent spending through paid shortcuts, limited-time items and subscriptions. Individually modest payments may add up to thousands of rupees each month.
Global container freight prices surge 130% since February amid Middle East tensions: Jefferies
Global container freight rates have surged by 130 percent since February 2026 due to Middle East tensions. India's container-based export-import trade has shown strong growth with a 23 percent increase in September. Exports to the United States grew significantly, while those to the UAE and Saudi Arabia faced declines. Port traffic data revealed mixed trends for major and non-major ports across the country.
Moody's sees limited impact on Fairfax leverage from IDBI Bank takeover
Fairfax Financial Holdings is preparing to acquire a majority stake in IDBI Bank in India. The Canadian investor's acquisition aims to enhance its presence in the growing Indian financial market. Fairfax plans to fund the transaction through various means, ensuring a stable financial position during the process. IDBI Bank has shown improved profitability since 2021, reflecting successful management changes.
NATCO Pharma subsidiary launches Carboplatin in US market to address shortages
Indian pharmaceutical company NATCO Pharma annouced the launch of Carboplatin Injection, a generic version of Paraplatin in the US market by its American subsidiary. The subsidiary would collaborate in manufacturing with Chennai-based Tero Labs Pvt Ltd. The launch is aimed at meeting the shortage of the drug. Carboplatin is directed towards the treatment of advanced ovarian carcinoma, including first-line combination therapy and palliative treatment of recurrent disease after prior chemotherapy.
Want your air ticket to cost less? Govt can help, but theres a catch
The Centre is framing new airfare rules that would allow temporary fare caps during extraordinary situations while retaining market-based pricing. The proposed framework would require airlines to submit fare structures to the DGCA a month in advance, amid festive-season fare spikes of up to 68% on major domestic routes. Rising fuel costs, limited capacity and airline failures complicate efforts to protect passengers from steep price increases.
UP BC Sakhi Yojana 2026: Women Can Earn Through Digital Banking, Check 4,000 Payment and Eligibility
UP Banking Correspondent Sakhi Scheme 2026: Women living in rural Uttar Pradesh who have basic smartphone skills may have an opportunity to earn money while helping people access essential banking services. The Uttar Pradesh government's Banking Correspondent Sakhi (BC Sakhi) initiative aims to prom...
Premium food, grooming and medical care are making pets a major household expense in urban India. Monthly costs range from 4,000 for some small breeds to 20,000 for giant breeds.
Defaulting on a loan against your FD can cost you the deposit itself. Know how lenders recover dues and when you may still owe a shortfall.
8th CPC: Level 1 salary at Rs 69K? Check estimates
Starlink, Ambanis venture should get equal treatment, let consumers decide: Shashi Tharoor
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor emphasized that SpaceX CEO Elon Musk's Starlink should follow the same licensing process as others. Tharoor highlighted that the government stated all companies are facing equal delays in the market. He mentioned various factors would influence consumer choices regarding satellite internet services. Musk expressed concerns about the obstacles Starlink faces in obtaining a license in India.
UltraTech Cement announces board reshuffle
UltraTech Cement on Monday announced changes to its board, with Managing Director Kailash Chandra Jhanwar set to take over as non-executive vice chairman from January 1, 2027, following the completion of his term on December 31. The company also said KK Maheshwari will step down as non-executive vice chairman effective January 1, citing current engagements and personal commitments, according to an exchange filing.The company reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 1,494 crore for the July-September quarter of the ongoing financial year 2027, marking more than 21% jump from the Rs 1,232 crore net profit reported in the year-ago period.ALSO READ | UltraTech Cement Q2 Results: Net profit jumps 21% YoY to Rs 1,494 crore; revenue up 19%UltraTech's revenue from operations increased 19% year-on-year to Rs 23,295 crore in Q2 FY27, from Rs 19,607 crore in the year-ago period. The shares of the company were seen trading 2% lower at Rs 10,690 apiece after the release of the results.Sequentially, the companys consolidated net profit fell around 43% quarter on quarter from Rs 2,599 crore. Revenue from operations dropped 5.5% QoQ from Rs 23,295 crore reported in the first quarter of the same financial year 2027.The heavyweight cement-makers total consolidated expenses meanwhile increased nearly 18% YoY and marginally sequentially to Rs 21,339 crore during the quarter under review. Its net profit margin stood at 7% in Q2 FY27, as compared to 6% in Q2 FY26 and 11% in Q1 FY27. Operating profit margin meanwhile remained flat at 16% on a YoY basis, but reduced from 21% recorded in the previous quarter.UltraTech performed well despite headwinds on account of a monsoon-affected quarter and the ongoing west Asia crisis, the company said in its filing. It noted that domestic grey cement sales volumes rose nearly 14% to 35.94 million tonnes, from 31.58 million tonnes in Q2 FY26, supported by disciplined execution, a wider market footprint, cost optimisation and a sharper focus on premium products.
Stretching your budget, ignoring insurance renewals, skipping servicing: 5 money mistakes new car owners should avoid to keep ownership costs in check.
IDBI Bank sale to Fairfax: What the Rs52,878 crore deal means
DA hike news: Will central govt employees get a 3% DA hike on October 21?
Central government employees were expecting a dearness allowance (DA) hike announcement after the Cabinet meeting on October 14. However, the government announced a performance-linked bonus for Railway employees without announcing the much-awaited DA hike.
Insurance distribution reforms: will lower commissions benefit policyholders?
Irdais proposed commission caps and expense rules could reshape insurance distribution. Brokers warn of job losses and weaker service, but will lower costs translate into better outcomes for policyholders?
From rocks to riches: Indias unfinished critical minerals story
India's manufacturing industry is significantly affected by its heavy reliance on imported critical minerals like lithium and cobalt. The recent supply disruptions from China have highlighted weaknesses in India's domestic capacity for refining these minerals. Efforts to enhance mineral processing and create integrated production facilities are underway to reduce import dependence. Government initiatives aim to establish a comprehensive critical-mineral strategy to bolster production and processing capabilities.
Recognising Banking Product of the Year Award
Gold rate today: 24k vs 22k vs 20k vs 18k
Loan NOC: Is it issued after every EMI or only after full repayment? Know the rules
A loan No Objection Certificate (NOC) is generally issued after full repayment, not after every EMI. Understand when banks issue a loan closure certificate, why it matters for secured loans and what to do if your NOC is delayed.
How you can gift stocks, mutual funds this festive season
Gifting financial assets such as stocks and mutual funds during the festival season provides long-term value, with distinct transfer steps and tax implications depending on demat status and recipient relationships.
The NSE and BSE will remain closed on October 20 for Dussehra. With 12 of the 16 scheduled stock market holidays for 2026 already passed, three more holidays remain after the October closure. These include Diwali-Balipratipada on November 10, Guru Nanak Jayanti on November 24 and Christmas on December 25.
Ixigo shares rally 13% after travel platform reports all-time high profit
Ixigo shares jumped after the travel platform reported a record Q2 profit of Rs 63.42 crore, partly boosted by the sale of its stake in Freshbus. Gross transaction value rose 22% year-on-year to Rs 5,304.47 crore, while revenue grew 13% to Rs 320.96 crore and contribution margin increased 14% to Rs 124.86 crore.
11 years, zero net FII flow: How a $64 billion outflow erased 9 years of equity buying
Foreign institutional investors have dramatically pulled back from Indian equities, reversing nearly nine years of consistent investment. A massive $63.6 billion in outflows occurred, particularly pronounced in 2026. Industries suffering the most include financial services, automobiles, and oil and gas. Although domestic investors have somewhat mitigated the foreign sell-off, the prospects for renewed foreign investments appear grim, with rising bond yields and energy costs dampening interest.
Gold and silver prices today, 19 October: Check the latest 24K, 22K gold and 999 silver retail rates across Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and other major Indian cities, along with MCX market updates.
Must Watch! The Lady Who Changed Indian Banking
By the time she finished her term as SBI chairman, she was overseeing over two lakh employees, 24,000 domestic branches, 100 international ones and a bank that had stepped into the technological age and become youth-friendly. Meet Arundhati Bhattacharya, the first woman chairman of the State Bank of India and president and CEO, Salesforce, South Asia.
Uttar Pradesh is set to introduce revamped tenancy regulations designed to streamline the rental agreement process for landlords and tenants alike. This initiative includes lower stamp duty and registration fees to encourage formalized agreements instead of informal arrangements. With enhanced legal protections and clearer proof of residence for tenants, landlords will also gain improved documentation options. These reforms aim to lessen disputes and foster a more equitable rental market.
Baby on board? The 1-crore money plan and 8 money moves every new parent in India needs
What is a boss scam? 5 ways to protect yourself from CEO fraud
A Chennai firm allegedly lost 1.90 crore after a WhatsApp message posing as its managing director, leading to a Delhi arrest. Heres how the boss scam works, the warning signs of CEO impersonation fraud, and five steps to verify payment requests and report cyber fraud on helpline 1930.
Bajaj Finance Share Price Live Updates: Bajaj Finance falls below its 20-day Simple Moving Average
TCS Share Price Live Updates: TCS Trading Update
HCL Tech Share Price Live Updates: HCL Tech Sees Positive Movement
Asian Paints Share Price Live Updates: Asian Paints Price Movement Analysis
Infosys Share Price Live Updates: Infosys Trading Update
Maruti Suzuki Share Price Live Updates: Maruti Suzuki's Current Trading Status
NTPC Share Price Live Updates: NTPC's Price Analysis
ONGC Share Price Live Updates: ONGC Experiences Positive Price Breakout
Power Grid Share Price Live Updates: Power Grid Stock Details
Hero MotoCorp Share Price Live Updates: Hero MotoCorp's performance dips with negative returns
8th Pay Commission: What is dearness relief and how is it different from DA? Expert explains
As the 8th Pay Commission meets in Mumbai on 22-23 October, heres how dearness allowance (DA) differs from dearness relief (DR), what unions are demanding, and what central government employees and pensioners can realistically expect before the final report due by May-June 2027.
Bank holiday today: Several Indian states observe a bank holiday in celebration of various festivals, including Mahanavami. Nevertheless, banks may remain open in some regions, so it's prudent to verify local operations. Customers can still access digital banking for transaction needs, ensuring convenience despite the holiday closures.
Why to use SWR formula for your retirement fund
Cutting through money jargon, one topic at a time. This week, Sanket Dhanorkar explains what is safe withdrawal rate and how you can ensure a smooth retired life.
Equity vs gold vs debt: Where to allocate most?
For the best portfolio results, dont get swayed by any one asset class. Experts recommend diversification. While asset allocation is the way to go, the question remains: what is the best combination? Every investor has their own asset allocation. In this weeks TrendMap, we compare seven asset combinations. Portfolios with gold have delivered a notable return boost in recent years, while those with zero gold exposure have persistently lagged. By Sameer Bhardwaj
Worried about hike? Check your firm's financials
Keep managers reassurance and employers financials apart, says Devashish Chakravarty.
Carnelian NFO: Is Rs 5,000 crore cap a smart move?
To mark its entry into the mutual fund arena, Carnelian Investment Managers has launched its debut scheme with an impressive cap of Rs. 5,000 crore. This innovative approach is designed to optimize the fund's capacity for yielding significant alpha returns. Interestingly, Systematic Investment Plans will remain an option for investors post-cap limit. However, there are apprehensions regarding possible artificial scarcity effects among investors.
SIP vs STP for PMS: Key differences, costs and risks
The rising inclination toward systematic investment plans (SIPs) for Portfolio Management Services (PMS) is becoming increasingly visible among Indian investors. A notable percentage of PMS strategies are starting to incorporate SIPs for regular investments. Particularly, younger investors looking to build wealth are favouring this approach to mitigate market risks. With recent regulatory shifts regarding PRIM, advancements in technology and education for investors are essential for broader adoption of PMS SIPs.
Home loan closed? 5 smart ways to use your EMI money
People often get emotional about closing their home loan early and start using a majority of their funds to aggressively pay off this obligation.
Rising funding costs put NBFC margins under pressure
The non-banking financial companies (NBFC) sector is set to enjoy robust earnings, thanks to strong credit demand and consistent asset quality. Nonetheless, the latter half of Financial Year 2026-27 could pose challenges with rising interest rates leading to higher funding costs. Analysts emphasize that successfully managing these costs will be key to sustaining growth, advising cautious investment in resilient NBFCs amid changing market dynamics.
Want to become a financial adviser? Courses to pick
The career change of Sumit Aggarwal to a mutual fund distributor illustrates a notable trend within the financial advisory realm in India. With a vast number of investors, there's a growing necessity for certified financial planners. Educational institutes are responding by launching targeted courses, promoting credentialing opportunities like CFP and QPFP for finance professionals. As demand for expert guidance escalates, the financial planning sector is expected to experience notable expansion.
Small caps look costly: Should you shift to large caps?
In recent times, small and mid-cap stocks have proven to outperform their large-cap counterparts. Despite experiencing market volatility, these smaller equities have continued to attract investor attention and capital inflow. As a result, their valuation levels have surged. Analysts warn, however, that for this trend to sustain, earnings expectations must be fulfilled. Therefore, investors should consider careful portfolio adjustments in response to shifting market conditions.
Home loan costs rising? Your credit score can help
In todays competitive lending environment, many homeowners are successfully reducing their mortgage rates thanks to improved credit scores. A higher credit score signals a reliable repayment history, empowering borrowers to negotiate better terms with lenders. Financial experts stress the importance of maintaining a robust credit profile, particularly as interest rates climb. However, some borrowers may be unaware of their negotiating leverage, missing out on substantial savings.
Mutual fund holdings of IT stocks sink to record low in September
Indian mutual funds decreased their investment in Information Technology stocks amid worries about artificial intelligence disruption and reduced client spending. The sector's weight in equity assets dropped significantly, affecting major companies like Infosys and TCS. While some fund managers reduced holdings, others increased their investments in select stocks such as Infosys and TCS. The Nifty IT index experienced substantial losses but saw a rebound recently, improving investor sentiment.
Public sector banks' Rs 7.8 lakh core corporate loan pipeline signals capex revival
Public sector banks have revealed a corporate loan pipeline of approximately 7.8 lakh crore signaling increased credit demand. Companies are stepping up their investment, particularly in sectors like renewable energy and semiconductor manufacturing. Banks report varied corporate credit growth, with some institutions witnessing over 50% increase year-on-year. Mid-sized and large companies are leading the way in capital expenditure, while smaller suppliers are also finding opportunities.
From dairy sector to banking, UP women driving rural economy: Yogi
Challenges ahead for Fairfax's management of IDBI Bank post 52,878 crore stake deal approval
Fairfax Financial's subsidiary has acquired a 60.7% stake in IDBI Bank for 52,878 crore, leading to potential operational changes. The new management faces challenges such as employee resistance and asset quality improvement. Despite having a higher profitability compared to peers, IDBI Bank's gross non-performing asset ratio remains concerning. The bank's success will rely on its ability to enhance asset quality while maintaining earnings growth.
Correcting rupee against fundamentals ultimately futile, says RBI's ex-guv Subbarao
D Subbarao advocates for allowing the rupee to find its level based on economic fundamentals. He criticizes costly short-term measures that do not address structural issues behind capital outflows. The rupee's recent recovery followed the Reserve Bank of India's measures to reduce dollar demand. Subbarao highlights the importance of tax reforms to attract foreign investment in India.
Reality shows, cricket turn advertisers' safe bets
Established non-fiction shows such as Bigg Boss and Kaun Banega Crorepati have continued to attract advertisers despite the blackout. Bigg Boss has roped in 95 sponsors across its language editions, while KBC has secured 25 sponsors. Cricket is also drawing advertiser interest, with India matches providing an opportunity to reach large audiences in a second half of the year largely devoid of marquee events such as the IPL or ICC tournaments. The India-West Indies series has drawn a strong response from brands, while the India-New Zealand series is also expected to see strong traction.
PM-KUSUM 2.0 may be aligned with farm schemes: Renewable energy secretary Santosh Kumar Sarangi
The government plans to expand PM KUSUM to include incentives for modern irrigation practices among farmers. This expansion will encourage the use of solar-powered water pumps and promote remunerative crops. The ministries of renewable energy and agriculture are collaborating to align this initiative with existing schemes. New components such as agrivoltaics will also be integrated in the next phase.
Private banks' margins fall as FCNR deposits raise funding costs
In the second quarter, leading private sector banks in India reported a drop in net interest margins. This decline was primarily caused by the costs associated with foreign currency non-resident deposits. Analysts noted that the leveraged nature of these deposits significantly impacted profitability. Additionally, banks faced pressure from faster repricing of assets as interest rates declined.
Banks also count cost of insurance payout curbs
Central Bank of India anticipates a 33% decline in bancassurance fees due to proposed regulations. Canara Bank expects a 145-crore hit to its fee income from similar changes. Axis Bank aims to mitigate losses through increased sales volumes and alternative income sources. HDFC Bank has not yet assessed the potential impact of the new rules.
South film producers in thrall to streaming deals
Jailer 2, a film starring Rajinikanth, has not been released in major Hindi theaters due to a disagreement. The producer declined to extend the theatrical window from four weeks to eight weeks. Southern films are increasingly prioritizing streaming rights over traditional box-office success, impacting overall profitability. Analysts believe that longer theatrical runs benefit producers and the film ecosystem as a whole.
Anup Bagchi backs 'exceptional' team as he connects the dots at HDFC Bank
Anup Bagchi is set to take charge as MD and CEO of HDFC Bank starting October 27. He is currently familiarizing himself with the bank's balance sheet and profitability structure. Bagchi aims to engage with regulators, customers, and stakeholders to gather insights before implementing changes. His focus is on understanding the organization's operations rather than rushing into strategic alterations.
Defence canteens suspend orders for 3 Old Monk variants after Maharashtra FSSAI action
Orders for three variants of Old Monk rum have been suspended by the defence ministry's canteen stores department due to regulatory action taken by the FSSAI in Maharashtra. This suspension, which affects sales across CSD's network, follows concerns over product labeling and deceptive marketing practices related to these alcoholic beverages.
Haier India to invest 7,000 crore in new facility in Andhra
Haier India plans a 7,000 crore investment in a manufacturing facility in Andhra Pradesh, marking its largest investment in the country. The facility, expected to create 21,000 jobs by 2032, will focus on producing various home appliances and is strategically located in the rapidly growing Tirupati-Chennai-Nellore electronics corridor.
Uniqlo India net profit rises 41% to Rs 253 cr in FY26; co bets on expansion
Uniqlo reported a significant increase in revenue for the year ended March 2026. The revenue rose 44% year-on-year, reaching 1,724 crore as net profit also increased. This growth occurred despite challenges faced by other apparel retailers in India. Uniqlo plans to expand its presence through new stores and enhance customer engagement via digital platforms. The Indian apparel market is projected to grow significantly in the coming years.
