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Bajaj Finance FD rates have jumped to 7.40%, offering higher returns for long-term investors, while senior citizens can now earn up to 7.75% with improved tenure flexibility. Check out the complete details and consult certified financial advisors before investing.
Best mutual fund SIP portfolios to invest in May 2026
ETMutualFunds presents recommended mutual fund portfolios for May 2026. These portfolios cater to conservative, moderate, and aggressive investors. They are designed for SIP investments across various amounts. The selection methodology considers rolling returns, consistency, downside risk, outperformance, and asset size for equity, debt, and hybrid funds. This guide helps investors build portfolios for long-term goals.
Applying for a loan, requesting a credit report? Here's how your credit score is calculated in India
Credit scores, ranging from 300-900, indicate credit risk to lenders based on past behavior. Scores can be improved through timely repayments and responsible financial habits. Here's what factors determine your score
The central bank has updated its rules for auto-debit transactions by customers this month. Here's a look at what changes the RBI has mandated for digital payments using credit and debit cards and UPI.
A clean credit profile is important when you apply for a credit card, home loan, mortgage or personal loan in the future. Here's whether your spouse's credit history and score can impact your own, and what factors you must consider
DA: Differences between Dearness Allowance and House Rent Allowance, explained
Dearness Allowance for central government employees is adjusted twice a year to offset inflation, with the recent revision increasing it from 58% to 60% of Basic Pay effective January 2026. Here's a look at how it differs from HRA component
No more OTP hassle: how RBIs new e-mandate rules smooth out high-value payments
The standard threshold remains at 15,000 for everyday subscriptions such as streaming services, utility bills and gym memberships, which will continue to be processed without an OTP.
8th Pay Commission: Is the 8th CPC also applicable for state government employees? Top FAQs answered
Established by the government every 10 years to revise pay for its employees, the Central Pay Commission is responsible for decisions on allowances, contributions, retirement and pension benefits and government spending.
EPFO campaign deadline tonight: Last chance for employers to enrol left-out employees
The EPFO's 'Employees Enrolment Campaign 2025' allows employers until 30 April 2026 to declare previously unregistered staff without penalties, promoting transparency and compliance while expanding social security benefits for workers.
NFO Alert: Union Mutual Fund announces launch of equity long short fund under Arthaya SIF
Union Mutual Fund has launched its Arthaya Equity Long Short Fund under the new SEBI SIF framework. This strategy aims to generate returns across market cycles by combining long equity positions with selective short exposure, bridging the gap between traditional and alternative investment products.
ITR filing: Key strategies to maximise savings and reduce tax liability
Taxpayers must plan their finances for the 2026-27 financial year, taking into consideration income tax rules, exemptions and deductions to assess their tax liability. Here's how you can maximise your savings.
Major push for pay and pension reform under the 8th Pay Commission as the Staff Side submits key demands on salary, NPS, leave, and promotions. Check details here.
A Bengaluru IT consultant aims to upgrade from 10 LPA to 30 LPA in 1-2 years. ChatGPT suggests four paths. Check out.
Beyond long-only: The rise of adaptive equity investing through SIFs
As markets grow increasingly volatile, specialised investment funds (SIFs) offer a dynamic approach to equity investing by combining long and short positions.
ETFs record highest ever net inflows of more than Rs 1.8 lakh crore in FY26: Zerodha Fund House
Indian Exchange Traded Funds experienced unprecedented net inflows of over Rs 1.8 lakh crore in FY26. Commodity ETFs, specifically Gold and Silver, drew more investor interest than equity ETFs. This marks a significant shift, with over half of all ETF inflows directed towards these precious metals. This trend indicates investors are diversifying their portfolios using the ETF structure.
The Income Tax Department has revised ITR forms for AY 2026-27, requiring separate reporting of interest income from NBFCs, HFCs and corporate instruments under Schedule OS. Details here.
Can Rs 70 lakh grow to Rs 5 crore? Expert says a 10% step-up SIP may fall short of the goal
A 55-year-old investor targeting Rs 5 crore from a Rs 70 lakh corpus may fall short with a 10% step-up SIP, experts caution. Even with 1314% returns, projections remain below target. Increasing SIP contributions and timely portfolio derisking are critical to improving outcomes and protecting gains near retirement.
Sending money abroad in 2026 now demands stricter compliance with Form 145 and 146 for foreign remittances. India has streamlined disclosures, ensured accurate TDS and improved transparency for overseas payments.
Buying a term insurance plan? Here are key things to know before you decide
A term insurance plan covers life for a fixed period and pays out to nominees upon death. Key considerations include insurer credibility, sum assured and essential add-ons.
Got a salary hike? Heres how much you should step up your mutual fund SIP
During salary hikes, investors should consider increasing SIPs to beat inflation, boost wealth, and match goals. Step-up SIPs help automate growth, but regular reviews ensure affordability, flexibility, and proper portfolio balance.
Zerodha Fund House CEO Vishal Jain advocates for low-cost index funds and ETFs as the core of long-term portfolios, emphasizing asset allocation for broad exposure and simplicity. He believes passive products offer transparency and cost-effectiveness, making them ideal building blocks for investors navigating uncertain markets.
Market noise is rising. Heres how to protect your money now
From emergency funds and SIP discipline to loans and asset allocation, top advisors lay out a practical playbook for navigating volatility and job uncertainty.
Best short duration mutual funds to invest in April 2026
Short duration mutual funds offer investment opportunities for one to three years. These funds invest in instruments like treasury bills and corporate bonds. They provide a moderate risk profile, less than long-term funds but more than liquid options. Investors seeking stability for short-term goals can consider these schemes.
Is pension taxable in India? Rules, exemptions and how to declare it in ITR
Pension income in India is taxable based on type. Regular pensions are taxed as salary, while commuted pensions can be partially exempt. Full details here.
SIP + lump sum: A roadmap to 10 crore in 25 years
With 25,000 monthly SIPs and 1012 lakh to deploy, heres a structured asset allocation plan to target a 1015 crore corpus over 25 years while managing volatility and risk
Brave new world: Why global investment strategy matters more than ever
Mint Horizons comes to Gurgaon in May offering insights into overseas investing. Experts will discuss the impact of geopolitics, and diversification strategies.
Social Security payment on April 29: Is there a check coming today?
Social Security payments are made on the second, third, and fourth Wednesdays of each month. In April 2026, payments were issued on the 8th, 15th, and 22nd, with no payments on the 29th. Next payments are on May 13, 20, and 27.
8th Pay Commission: Last date to submit stakeholders' suggestions extended; check details
The deadline for submitting the 8th CPC memorandum has been extended, as the government gives stakeholders extra time until 31 May 2026 to share suggestions on pay, pension and service conditions.
Money tips for May: 5 simple hacks to boost your credit score
You can boost your credit score with simple habits that build financial strength. Paying on time, keeping utilisation low, and regularly monitoring your credit profile can help you secure better loans, flexible repayment terms and lower interest rates.
Planning your investments now? Heres how these 6 mutual fund calculators can help
Mutual fund calculators help investors estimate returns, plan investments, and achieve financial goals through tools like SIP, step-up SIP, SWP, lumpsum, and index calculators. They simplify decisions, improve clarity on growth, and enable disciplined, goal-based financial planning with realistic assumptions.
Planning to invest lumpsum for 5 years? Here are top 5 mutual funds that lead the chart
Smita's monthly expenses are 1.25 lakh. To maintain her lifestyle in 25 years, she will need 5.37 lakh monthly. To generate this, she should aim for a retirement corpus of around 16.2 crore, ideally starting with a monthly investment of 67,000.
Not seeing lower EMIs? Why you may need to act on your home loan
While falling rates can help reduce tenure and interest burden, especially for those with bank loans linked to external benchmarks, other borrowers continue to pay higher rates due to slower transmission, particularly in the NBFC segment.
8th Pay Commission: NC-JCM meeting begins key pay, pension talks; what to know
The 8th Central Pay Commission is conducting consultations to address pay revisions and pension reforms for central government employees and pensioners. Key discussions include salary structure and fitment factors, with the report expected by May 2027, impacting millions across the country.
Groww Banking & Financial Services and 4 other banking sector funds had cash allocation up to 9%
Banking sector mutual funds held up to 9% of their assets in cash as of March 31, 2026, signalling a cautious stance amid market conditions. Groww Banking & Financial Services Fund topped the list, followed by Taurus, LIC MF, Baroda BNP Paribas, and Mahindra Manulife funds with notable cash allocations.
Gift tax rules explained: When cash, wedding gifts, jewellery and property become taxable?
Seema learned that gifts exceeding 50,000 are taxable, as she received a tax notice for unreported jewellery and cash. All gifts above this limit are taxable, with specific rules for weddings and employer gifts. Movable and immovable properties also have tax implications based on their value.
Estate planning: Landlord dies during eviction casecan legal heirs continue it? Supreme Court says
The Supreme Court ruled that eviction cases can continue after a landlord's death, allowing legal heirs to pursue the case and state their own need for the property. This decision aims to prevent delays caused by requiring new filings.
Edelweiss Mid Cap Fund among 13 equity mutual funds to offer over 20% CAGR in 3 and 5 years
A recent analysis revealed that thirteen equity mutual funds have delivered over 20% CAGR in both the last three and five years. Among these top performers, seven were midcap funds, four were smallcap funds, one was a multicap fund, and one was a large and midcap fund. These funds represent strong historical performance in the Indian mutual fund market.
ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund announces change in fund management of two funds
ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund has announced changes in fund managers for two schemes effective May 1, with S Naren exiting both. The Passive Multi Asset FoF and Global Advantage FoF will see revised management structures. The update comes amid ongoing reshuffles within the fund houses portfolio management teams.
Index funds: fewer stocks matter more than you think
Indias passive investing boom is masking a simple reality: a handful of stocksand sectorsdrive a disproportionate share of returns.
Targeting 14% CAGR with mutual funds? Heres how to fix your portfolio & boost outcomes
A 33-year-old investor's ambitious 14% CAGR target with mutual funds was deemed unrealistic by a financial planner. The expert advised aligning expectations with historical equity returns of 11-13% and suggested consolidating the portfolio for better impact and avoiding over-diversification.
Best medium to long duration funds to invest in April 2026
According to Sebi norms, medium to long term funds have a mandate to invest in debt and money market instruments in such a way that the Macaulay's duration of the portfolio is four to seven years. Since these schemes invest in long-term debt instruments, they are considered risky.
If nuclear disaster strikes, who pays? Inside Indias insurance blind spot
As nuclear energy expands and liability laws evolve, individuals remain uncovered for nuclear exposureleaving the government as the ultimate risk bearer.
Warren Buffett receives a Social Security cheque calculated like everyone else's, based on his 35 highest-earning years.
After a pay raise, how much more should you put into SIPs?
Following a salary hike, investors face the question of increasing monthly SIP contributions. Financial planners advise annual increases to combat inflation and align savings with rising income and goals. Automating these increases via step-up SIPs or top-ups is an option, though manual reviews are also recommended to adapt to real-world financial changes.
Update PF KYC online through UAN portal: Step-by-step guide to prevent claim rejection
PF KYC online update via UAN portal enables employees to correct Aadhaar-linked details, reduce PF claim rejection and ensure smooth verification and withdrawal access.
HDFC ERGO Optima Secure vs Optima Secure Plus: Compare key features, benefits, and long-term value to choose the right health insurance based on your evolving financial and medical needs.
Should you track your mutual fund's cash levels?
As the Nifty 50 tumbled 11% in March, fund managers unlocked their war chests to buy the dip, albeit in vastly differing ways. We examine whether tracking these cash calls is vital for your portfolio, or something you can ignore.
A Mumbai resident seeks to save 5,000 per month for travel but faces a shortfall of 3,800. Check ChatGPT's advice.
Bandhan Small Cap Fund, 6 others deliver over 20% CAGR since inception. Should you bet?
Bandhan Small Cap Fund has delivered the highest CAGR since its inception on February 25, 2020. The fund generated a CAGR of 28.79% and managed AUM of Rs 20,129 crore as of March 2026.
HSBC Mutual Fund announces launch of its SIF platform, RedHex
HSBC Mutual Fund introduces RedHex SIF, a new specialized investment fund in India. This offering provides investors with focused strategies and portfolio flexibility. It operates within the familiar mutual fund structure, emphasizing transparency and governance. RedHex SIF targets experienced, institutional, and HNI investors with a minimum investment of Rs 10 lakh.
Silver outperforms gold, equity, and bonds over 10 years. Heres how
Over the past decade, silver has outshone gold, equities, bonds, and real estate to become the best-performing asset class, driven by strong long-term returns and favourable supply-demand dynamics.
8th Pay Commission 2026: Latest updates on formation, consultation stage, website issues, expected salary revisions, fitment factor speculation and implementation timeline for central government employees and pensioners across the country.
Will you have to pay higher TDS on your FD, RD interest income? What New Income Tax Act says
The Income Tax Department clarified TDS on bank interest, creating confusion among investors regarding Fixed Deposits. Section 194A dictates TDS rules, with banking companies exempt from TDS on interest below specified thresholds.
When will your mutual fund investment become 4x? This rule has the answer
Rule 144 is simply 2 Rule 72. Just as Rule 72 estimates doubling time, Rule 144 estimates quadrupling time.
Tata AMC launches Titanium equity long-short fund under SIF; key features, risks explained
Tata's Titanium Equity Long Short Fund employs a dynamic investment strategy that combines long and short equity positions to manage volatility and target capital growth across changing market conditions.
Income tax rules for senior citizens in FY27: Whats new and what stays the same
Senior citizens enjoy tax benefits such as higher exemption limits and deductions under the old regime. While the new regime standardizes limits, retirees can still claim deductions under various sections. Form No. 125 simplifies filing for eligible seniors, exempting them from Income Tax Returns.
Beyond summer camps and classes: lifelong money lessons for your child
Summer activities are often seen as a way to keep children occupied. But they can also become an entry point into financial thinking.
International funds have delivered up to 50% returns in one year, supported by a global tech rally, rupee depreciation, and strong earnings. But with fresh subscriptions halted due to RBIs overseas investment limits, experts say investors should stay invested, rebalance if allocation has risen sharply, and avoid chasing short-term returns.
Ronald Wayne, Apple's third and forgotten co-founder, sold his 10% stake for $800 just 12 days after signing the founding agreement in 1976. Now 91, he says the decision was right even as that stake approaches $400 billion in value today,, after 50 years.
REITs, InvITs beat equities and debt in a six-year span
Alternative assets like REITs and InvITs have surpassed traditional investments. These instruments offer attractive returns and tax efficiency. Investors are increasingly drawn to these assets for predictable cash flows. The market cap of these listed entities provides ample diversification opportunities. Investors can anticipate strong internal rates of return over a four-year holding period.
Dearness Allowance: Is DA in salary subject to income tax? Is it part of CTC? Check latest FAQs here
The Finance Ministry announced a 2% increase in Dearness Allowance for central government employees and pensioners, effective January 1, 2026, raising it from 58% to 60%. Here's all you need to know about the pay component
Top LIC Child Plans 2026: Compare Jeevan Lakshya, New Children's Money Back and Jeevan Tarun, highlighting IRR returns, survival benefits and long-term education savings solutions. Before locking in on any plan, do consult certified investment planners.
EPF savings: Why ignoring EPS records can cost you your retirement income
EPF contributions are vital for retirement savings, with both employees and employers contributing 12% of basic salary. Employer contributions also fund the EPS, providing monthly pensions. Monitoring EPS records is crucial to avoid discrepancies that can affect retirement benefits.
When do NRIs have to pay income tax in India? Check eligibility, rules, I-T return forms & more
Not all income earned by NRIs is taxable in India, only the sources that are based in India or fall under purview of Indian tax laws, according to Clear Tax. Check for the FAQs and factors explained
SCSS vs SSY vs SBI FD vs PPF: Returns, lock-in, tax benefits, and who should invest
SCSS vs SSY vs SBI FD vs PPF comparison highlights interest rates, lock-in periods, tax benefits and suitability, helping investors in the nation choose stable, low-risk savings options in uncertain markets.
Sold your new house too soon? Heres what happens to your Section 54 exemption
Experts explain the tax impact of selling a reinvested house within three years and whether NRIs can claim India-UAE DTAA relief without a current-year TRC.
Global gold demand as ETF inflows and bar and coin buying surged, shifting consumption away from jewellery. Rising prices curbed discretionary purchases, while investment demand strengthened globally and in India amid geopolitical uncertainty, diversification needs, and sustained central bank accumulation.
EPF calculator: 5,000 monthly investment can grow to 80 lakh in 30 yearsreal value explained
EPF contributions accumulate interest annually at 8.25%, combining employee and employer inputs. A consistent monthly contribution can yield substantial returns over 30 years. Here's all you need to know.
Despite a challenging FY26, marked by volatility and weak benchmark returns, eleven mutual funds across categories consistently outperformed, delivering superior risk-adjusted returns and showcasing resilience through changing market conditions and trends.
Check out ITR Filing 2026 deadlines for FY 202526 and AY 202627, covering key income tax return due dates, revised filing timelines, belated return provisions and essential compliance updates for all taxpayer categories in the country.
Reported wrong income in your ITR? Heres how you can avoid up to 200% penalty
Incorrect income reporting can lead to penalties under the Income Tax Act, 2025 with fines up to 200%. Taxpayers can avoid such steep penalties by voluntarily disclosing errors and paying required taxes. Details here.
NFO Alert: Tata Mutual Fund announces launch of Titanium Equity LongShort Fund
Tata Mutual Fund has launched the Titanium Equity Long-Short Fund under its Titanium SIF platform, offering a dynamic long-short equity strategy with net exposure ranging from -25% to 100%. Aimed at high-risk investors, the NFO is open until May 11.
Planning for childs overseas education with Rs 2 crore? Heres how you can secure your retirement too
Investing a Rs 2 crore corpus effectively requires prioritising goals and building a strategic, inflation-adjusted allocation across equity, debt, gold and cash to fund a childs overseas education, future marriage, retirement and emergency needs.
Why is Aadhaar not considered as a date of birth proof? UIDAI explains
It is up to the Aadhaar user to determine their own view on the use of Aadhaar for purposes relating to establishing the date of birth.
Parents can choose from government-backed savings options like NPS Vatsalya and Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana for their children. Sukanya is for girls only, offering fixed returns, while NPS Vatsalya is market-linked. Details of each scheme here.
Did Nirmala Sitharaman promote a platform promising 30 lakh monthly returns? Heres the truth
The video, identified as AI-generated, falsely asserts an initial deposit of 22,000 can yield 30 lakh per month. Citizens are advised to verify information through official sources.
FDs or debt funds: Where should you park surplus money in a high interest rate phase?
Investors are reassessing investment choices due to rising fixed deposit rates and market fluctuations. Experts advise maintaining a long-term equity strategy for aggressive investors, even with short-term volatility. The decision between FDs and debt funds depends on liquidity needs and tax brackets. Diversification within equity portfolios is also recommended for wealth creation.
I asked ChatGPT how to pay off 25-Year home loan in 15 years: Check personal finance advice from AI
ChatGPT advises a Bengaluru couple to increase their home loan EMI and make annual prepayments to close their loan early. Check the complete set of suggestions.
MF Tracker: Bank of India Small Cap Fund tops 5-year returns. Should you chase the winner?
Bank of India Small Cap Fund leads five-year returns with a 30.83% CAGR. The fund shows strong performance across various periods, driven by disciplined stock selection and focus on business fundamentals. Experts highlight sector exposure and India's growth themes. However, concerns about current valuations and sustainability of high returns exist. Investors should consider risk tolerance and long-term goals before investing.
Autumn in Korea on 2.75 lakh: How this Bengaluru couple planned a 12-day K-drama getaway
By timing autumn foliage, choosing public transport over taxis and balancing splurges with savings, this Bengaluru couple explored Seoul, Busan and Gyeongju in 12 days for 2.75 lakh.
Silver and gold commodity based ETFs rally up to 3%. What should investors do?
Silver and gold ETFs saw gains of up to 3% on Monday, despite a lower opening for bullion prices on MCX. Rising crude oil prices fueled inflation concerns, reinforcing expectations of prolonged high interest rates. Experts suggest this consolidation phase offers an attractive window for long-term investors to accumulate precious metals.
Best gilt mutual funds to invest in April 2026
Gilt funds are being recommended to aggressive debt investors for potential double-digit returns during anticipated RBI interest rate cuts. These funds invest in government securities, offering no credit risk but high sensitivity to interest rate changes. Investors should have a long-term horizon and be informed about economic cycles to benefit from these volatile, yet potentially rewarding, schemes.
US shifts $1.7T student loan system to Treasury what it means for borrowers in default
While only Congress can formally dismantle the department, the administration is pursuing incremental changes through inter-agency agreements.
NRIs selling property in India may have to pay higher taxes: All you need to know
NRIs reportedly face higher tax implications when selling property in India due to revised capital gains tax rules and increased TDS rates. Proper planning, understanding exemptions, and compliance with regulations are essential to minimise tax liabilities and ensure smooth transactions.
What is minimum due on credit card and can not paying full amount affect your credit score?
The minimum payment is usually about 5% of your total outstanding bill. This is the minimum amount you must pay each month on a credit card.
Investing in equity mutual funds is popular for long-term wealth. When redeeming, capital gains tax may apply based on profits and holding periods. The FIFO method determines which units are sold first, impacting tax calculations for short-term and long-term capital gains.
8th Pay Commission says it is scheduling maximum meetings with Unions and Associations between 28 to 30 April in Delhi and will hold more meetings in the national capital and in other states in due course.
How high should your credit score be to secure the best home loan deal?
The score, which usually ranges from 300 to 900 points, tests ones capability to pay debts. The significance of a credit score is that it indicates just how creditworthy an individual is.
To file ITR-4 for AY 2026-27, visit the Income Tax e-Filing Portal, verify details, enter income and deductions, validate the form, and submit using Aadhaar OTP or EVC. Eligibility includes earning under 50 lakh from business, with specific conditions for freelancers and property owners.
