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Want to build a good credit score? Here's how you can do so even without a credit card
Building a good credit score is achievable even without a credit card. It takes consistent fiscal practices and financial discipline to form a strong credit profile for future borrowing needs. Here's a look at how you can do so
Kisan Vikas Patra: Here's how long it takes to double your money
Kisan Vikas Patra is a 115-month small savings scheme offered by India Post and some banks, that doubles your investment at end of tenure. It has a minimum investment of 1,000. Here's all you need to know
SIPs facilitate monthly contributions, promote financial discipline, and offer other fiscal benefits compared to lump-sum investments. Here's a look at why you should consider SIP for investment in mutual funds
With Indian households holding significant gold assets, alternatives such as Gold ETFs and Digital Gold are worth exploring. Here's a look at the features and tax implications, and other important details.
Can a non-salaried professional declare 50% income as profit under presumptive tax?
Under Section 44ADA of the Income Tax Act, 1961, an assessee opting for presumptive taxation is not required to maintain books of account, provided income is declared at 50% or more of gross receipts
Borrowers maintaining a good CIBIL score enhance their prospects of securing favourable home loan terms, resulting in significant time and cost savings.
The new labour laws, which were implemented in November 2025, and came into effect on 1 April, are quietly reshaping how salary is credited in India. According to the government, the restructuring will result in employees having more retirement savings in the long-term.
Fixed deposits are a popular low-risk investment choice, offering guaranteed returns and higher interest rates than savings accounts. Here's how much interest rates top private banks of India are offering on their FDs.
RBI proposes safeguards for digital transactions what it means for senior citizens and other users
The RBI has proposed measures to combat online fraud, including transaction delays, additional authentication for vulnerable users, and caps on bank account credits. Here's what it means for senior citizens, and other users.
Premier Explosives, Shankara Buildpro among top 6 unique stocks held by mutual funds in March
Unique stocks in mutual funds are those held by only one fund house. In March, around 234 such stocks were identified, with select picks like Marathon Nextgen Realty, Premier Explosives, and others reflecting concentrated conviction by funds such as Quant, HDFC, and Bandhan.
Equity mutual funds posted strong weekly gains of up to 13%, with 608 out of 615 schemes ending in positive territory. International, thematic, and sectoral funds led performance, reflecting broad-based market recovery and strong investor participation across diversified equity strategies.
11 equity mutual funds witness AUM fall by over Rs 5,000 crore in March. Check details
Equity mutual funds witnessed sharp AUM declines in March amid market volatility, with 691 of 728 funds affected. Major schemes from HDFC Mutual Fund, SBI Mutual Fund, and ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund saw heavy outflows, reflecting investor caution and market-driven erosion.
PPF Income Strategy: With the right amount of discipline, you can grow a corpus of over 1 crore using PPF and get 61,000 monthly as pension from the interest, without even touching the principal.
TDS on bank interest explained: Who is liable and how much gets deducted under new income tax rules?
The Income Tax Act, 2025, effective April 1, maintains existing TDS thresholds on bank interest. The I-T department clarified the definition of banking company and the rules around TDS. Here are the prescribed limits and how much TDS gets deducted on bank interest income.
Margin trading is growing fast. The risk is growing faster.
Margin Trading Facility exposure has surged to 1.2 trillion. Individually rational borrowing can become collectively dangerous and when leverage unwinds, even prudent investors will feel the shock.
Why gold has not played its safe-haven role amid West Asia war
Gold was expected to thrive on war and uncertainty in 2026. Instead, rising oil, higher yields and a stronger dollar knocked it off course. Heres why the hedge faltered and what lies ahead.
The Centre has kept small savings schemes returns unchanged for the April-June 2026 quarter. When it comes to bank fixed deposits vs small savings schemes, here's a comparison of interest rates before you choose.
Provident Fund: Step-by-step guide to withdraw your PF online or offline, the types of withdrawal, what forms to use, limits to partial withdrawal and rules of pension withdrawal. All you need to know
The 8th Pay Commission is highly anticipated with fitment factor recommendations expected to significantly increase salaries for nearly 50 lakh central government employees. Here are the key FAQs answered
UPI payments are often sent using a linked phone number, and it is very easy to mistype the same on your phone keyboard. By the time you realise, the money is gone.
The Income Tax Department has launched the new TRACES 2.0 portal to enhance TDS compliance. The user-friendly interface allows for streamlined navigation, enabling users to access Form 26AS, TDS certificates, and track credits efficiently.
8th Pay Commission latest updates: Currently, there are three categories of consultants that the government hiring notification has listed. See below to find out all about the government hiring.
ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund has declared payout under its Income Distribution cum Capital Withdrawal (IDCW) option for its Medium-Term Bond Fund. Check record date, payout amount, availability and other details
Abakkus Flexi Cap Fund, backed by Sunil Singhania, boosted its holdings in HDFC Bank and Reliance Industries in March. The fund also increased its stake in 28 other stocks, notably Tata Steel and Bank of Baroda. A new investment was made in Mahindra & Mahindra, while Bharat Petroleum Corporation was exited.
Debt mutual funds record big outflows of nearly Rs 3 lakh crore. Are safer options losing appeal?
Debt mutual funds saw a massive Rs 3 lakh crore outflow in March. This sharp reversal followed inflows in February. Liquid funds and overnight funds faced the biggest redemptions. Experts attribute this to quarter-end institutional adjustments and profit booking. Assets under management for debt funds also declined significantly. This trend is seen as a temporary liquidity adjustment.
Understanding how interest on fixed deposits is compounded helps you maximise returns through strategic planning, tenure selection, and choosing the correct institution as per your requirement.
While all banks have their own fixed deposits, small finance banks often offer significantly better FD interest rates to their customers. Here are the best FD interest rates of 5 most popular small finance banks in India.
Mutual fund NFOs saw strong traction in March, with 24 launches collectively raising 3,985 crore, led by HDFC MFs index fund contributing the largest share.
Stock market correction: Have domestic inflows changed the rules for Indian equities?
For years, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) drove market direction. Now, domestic institutional investors (DIIs), backed by mutual fund and SIP inflows, have taken that role. This shift has quietly changed how markets behave.
8th Pay Commission Basics: A look at its composition, functioning and latest updates
8th Pay Commission updates outline composition, functioning and consultation process for salary and pension revision framework for central government employees and pensioners in the country.
New labour code: What changes for your earned leave and encashment under the latest laws explained
The OSH Code introduces significant changes to leave policies, allowing workers to carry forward up to 30 days of leave and encash excess leave. Here are more details about the provision and who it applies to.
Credit card fraud is rising: Types, warning signs and expert tips to protect your finances
Credit card fraud is a growing threat, often unnoticed until significant damage occurs. Reporting fraud promptly, understanding various fraud types, and consistently monitoring credit activity can help protect individuals from financial losses and maintain peace of mind.
Mutual fund SIP stoppage ratio surged to 100% in March as discontinued SIPs outpaced new registrations, even though monthly SIP contributions hit a record Rs 32,087 crore. Overall investor participation remained strong, with equity inflows extending their multi-year positive streak and SIP accounts nearing 9.72 crore, reflecting sustained long-term investment appetite.
Want to invest 1 lakh? Here's how FD laddering will help you maximise gains
Bank FD laddering is a technique that involves buying multiple FDs maturing in different time periods. Personal Finance experts suggest that investors seeking to invest in bank fixed deposits for a longer period may consider a ladder strategy.
General Provident Fund or GPF is the provident fund meant exclusively for government employees. Under this compulsory savings scheme, every government employee must contribute a portion of their pay to save towards their future.
Gold ETF inflows drop 57% to Rs 2,265 crore; silver ETFs see second straight month of outflows
Gold ETF inflows fell 57% to Rs 2,265 crore in March, while silver ETFs posted outflows for the second consecutive month, AMFI data showed. Commodity ETFs had a rough month, with all 43 ending in the red and silver-heavy schemes leading declines amid a global selloff in precious and industrial metals.
DA hike delayed for first time in a decade Will it be skipped or deferred? Experts weigh in
Uncertainty surrounds the DA hike delay. Experts describe it as a procedural deferment rather than a cancellation, adding that arrears are expected and that the inflation-linked revision will likely be implemented retrospectively across central government salaries and pensions.
Mutual fund SIP inflows rise 8% to hit all-time high of Rs 32,087 crore in March
Mutual fund SIP inflows reached a record Rs 32,087 crore in March. Equity fund inflows surged by 56%. Flexi cap funds led the equity category. Conversely, debt mutual funds experienced a significant outflow of Rs 2.94 lakh crore. Liquid funds saw the largest redemptions. This marks a notable shift in investor sentiment.
March AMFI Data: Equity mutual fund inflows soar 56% MoM to Rs 40,450 crore; flexicaps top charts
Indian equity mutual funds saw a significant surge in March, with inflows climbing 56% to Rs 40,450 crore, driven by strong performance in flexicap, smallcap, and midcap categories. Conversely, debt funds experienced a substantial outflow of Rs 2.94 lakh crore, while hybrid funds also saw a net outflow.
Bandhan Small Cap among 5 smallcap MFs offering up to 28% CAGR over 3 years
Quant Small Cap Fund saw focused buying in financials and smallcaps in March, adding Safari Industries and avoiding any portfolio exits.
Samir Arora-backed Helios Flexi Cap Fund adds nearly 13 lakh shares of HDFC Bank, exits IOC & HPCL
Samir Arora-backed Helios Flexi Cap Fund significantly increased its stake in HDFC Bank, adding nearly 13 lakh shares amidst a price decline. The fund also made a complete exit from Indian Oil Corporation and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation. Additionally, it boosted holdings in eight other stocks and introduced new ones like BSE and Solar Industries India.
Axis Mutual Fund launches defence index fund; NFO opens 10 April
Axis Nifty India Defence Index Fund NFO opens for subscription, tracking defence sector index amid rising global and domestic defence spending and policy support across the country.
Best tax saving mutual funds or ELSS to invest in April 2026
Taxpayers looking to save income tax under Section 80C can consider Equity Linked Savings Schemes (ELSS). These tax-saving mutual funds offer potential for higher returns over the long term and have the shortest lock-in period of three years among 80C investments. However, ELSSs carry higher risk as they invest in stocks and do not guarantee returns.
PPFAS's Rajeev Thakkar reveals how they bought the March dip.
PPFAS has been using volatility to its advantage, deploying wherever it finds opportunities and selling wherever the opportunity comes, says its CIO Rajeev Thakkar
Short-term debt funds offer opportunities as yields rise
Rising bond yields, influenced by elevated oil prices and West Asia tensions, present investment opportunities in debt schemes. Money managers suggest short-term debt funds and long-term government securities are best positioned to benefit. The Reserve Bank of India's stance on interest rates and inflation is expected to keep yields elevated, favoring shorter-maturity investments.
Corporate FD rates in April 2026: Bajaj Finance, Shriram Finance, Mahindra Finance among top NBFCs
Corporate fixed deposit rates in April 2026 offer competitive returns from leading NBFCs, with varied tenures, senior-citizen benefits, and key safety features for stable, predictable investment planning.
How will the new wage rule impact your April 2026 take-home salary? Use this calculator to find out
April 2026 salary changes under the new wage rule may shrink take-home pay while boosting employees' provident fund savings and long-term financial security.
NFO Alert : Kotak Mutual Fund launches Kotak Multi Asset Active FoF
Kotak Mutual Fund on Thursday announced the launch of the Kotak Multi Asset Active FOF, an open-ended fund of fund scheme investing in units of equity-oriented schemes, debt-oriented schemes and commodity-based schemes.
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund raises stakes in TCS, ITC and 14 other stocks in March
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund increased stakes in Tata Consultancy Services, ITC and 14 other stocks in March, while trimming only Balkrishna Industries. The fund raised holdings in HDFC Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Coal India and others, maintaining a diversified portfolio across 21 sectors.
Should you invest in multicap mutual funds? Heres how to decide
Multicap funds are gaining traction post market correction as a diversified investment route. However, their mandated exposure to large, mid, and smallcap stocks makes them vulnerable to volatility, especially during market downturns. These funds are best for investors comfortable with higher risk across market cycles.
Home loan rates April 2026: SBI, PNB, BoB and other banks compared; 5 key tips to save money
Planning a home loan in April 2026? Check out SBI, PNB, BoB, Union Bank, Canara Bank, Bank of India, and UCO Bank rates, which could make or break your EMIs. Understand the significance of hidden fees, prepayment penalties, and 5 must-know tips before you apply.
Why US bond yields at 4.28% won't unlock a foreign capital wave into India
With the 10-year US Treasury yield hovering around 4.28%, the case for a meaningful, sustained influx of overseas capital into Indian markets remains dim. But why is it so?
Silver and gold ETFs saw significant drops on Thursday, shedding up to 4%, as MCX bullion prices followed global weakness. The US Federal Reserve's minutes signaled further rate hikes amid inflation concerns, while geopolitical risks from the Iran conflict also weighed on markets. Investors remain cautious, awaiting clarity on the US-Iran ceasefire.
Gold ETFs lose up to 6% since Mideast war. Should investors buy, hold or exit?
Gold ETFs have seen declines of up to 8% despite Middle East tensions, leaving investors uncertain. Experts advise against panic selling, recommending asset allocation and staggered buying for those at higher entry points. The recent ceasefire has caused a temporary rally, but long-term gold performance hinges on inflation and central bank policies.
Best large & mid cap funds to invest in April 2026
Large & mid cap mutual funds invest a minimum of 35% in both large and mid-cap stocks, offering a blend of stability and risk. Fund managers have flexibility with the remaining corpus, making these schemes suitable for aggressive investors with a long-term horizon willing to take on extra risk.
PPFAS Asset Management gets PFRDA approval to launch pension fund under NPS
The will now manage retirement savings via a dedicated pension fund, leveraging NPS tax benefits and long-term growth potential.
Gifting property to your spouse? The taxman is watching now
Sub-registrars must now report property gift deeds above 45 lakh to the tax department, bringing such transfers into taxpayers AIS and tightening scrutiny on clubbing-rule violations.
EPFO 3.0 aims to introduce simplified withdrawal rules, faster UPI-based fund access, and reduced documentation, enhancing provident fund efficiency, flexibility, and retirement security of members.
Is diversifying into real estate a good idea when your portfolio has 60% equity exposure?
With 60% already in equity and a 75 lakh windfall in hand, should a 40-year-old add real estate or rebalance for retirement and childrens education goals?
Is your KYC safe? 5 steps to check status and avoid mutual fund scams
Mutual fund KYC verification helps investors stay scam-free by ensuring updated records, understanding status categories, and following simple steps to maintain secure, compliant investments across the country.
PPFAS Asset Management gets approval to sponsor pension funds under NPS
PPFAS Asset Management has received approval from the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) today to become a sponsor for a pension fund under the National Pension System (NPS).
RBI MPC outcome: Experts explain what the rate pause means for investors
The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Reserve Bank of India, in its bi-monthly review on Wednesday, decided to keep the repo rate unchanged at 5.25% and maintained its neutral stance.
NFO Alert : Groww Mutual Fund launches arbitrage fund
Groww Mutual Fund has announced the launch of the Groww Arbitrage Fund, an open-ended scheme investing in arbitrage opportunities. The scheme is designed to capture pricing differences between the cash and derivatives markets, with the aim of generating relatively stable returns with limited directional equity risk.
RBI policy: Why the end of the Goldilocks phase isnt a jolt for investors
With growth holding steady and inflation remaining manageable, the central banks latest roadmap offers a reassuring path through global geopolitical volatility.
RBI holds repo rate at 5.25%: What it means for home loan borrowers and EMIs
RBI holds the repo rate at 5.25%, providing stability for home loan borrowers. This will ensure predictable EMIs, clarity and potential interest savings amid global economic uncertainties.
Sunil Singhania backed Abakkus Mutual Fund has unveiled the maiden portfolio of its smallcap fund - Abakkus Small Cap Fund, following an in-house investment framework viz. MEETS, to evaluate key drivers of long-term value creation. This marks the funds first update since its NFO.
RBI MPC decision: How should debt mutual fund investors change strategy after rate pause?
The RBI's decision to maintain the repo rate at 5.25% presents a complex landscape for investors. Experts advise debt fund investors to prioritize short-to-medium duration funds and high-quality corporate bonds to manage risks. Equity investors are encouraged to consider largecap and flexicap strategies amidst global uncertainties and inflation concerns.
Dark patterns that you need to watch out for while buying insurance
From pre-ticked add-ons to hidden renewal tweaks, insurance buyers face digital nudges that inflate premiums. Irdai calls for insurers to clean up dark patterns.
Retirement planning via mutual funds: How to achieve Rs 2 crore corpus
A 52-year-old investor aiming for a Rs 2 crore retirement corpus by age 60 faces a potential shortfall with his current Rs 30 lakh portfolio and Rs 40,000 monthly SIP. Experts advise simplifying the diversified portfolio, increasing SIPs by 8-10% annually, and gradually shifting towards debt for capital protection.
Best small cap mutual funds to invest in April 2026
Despite a challenging 2025 with negative returns, small cap mutual funds saw renewed investor interest in February 2026 with significant inflows. While valuations are considered rich and market volatility persists, advisors suggest staggered investments in these high-risk, high-reward schemes for long-term wealth creation.
Silver, gold ETFs rally up to 6% as Iran ceasefire eases inflation fears. Should you buy?
Silver and gold ETFs surged up to 6% on Wednesday, mirroring gains in global bullion markets. This rally followed U.S. President Trump's agreement to a two-week ceasefire with Iran, easing energy-driven inflation concerns. Experts suggest current levels offer an attractive consolidation zone for long-term investors.
Multicap funds gain traction, but risk from small-cap exposure persists
Multicap funds are gaining traction as a comprehensive investment option, offering exposure to large, mid, and small-cap stocks. However, regulatory mandates requiring significant allocation to smaller stocks make them more susceptible to market volatility and deeper drawdowns during corrections, unlike more flexible categories.
Tata Mutual Fund allows lumpsum investments in small-cap plan again
Tata Mutual Fund has reopened its small-cap fund to lumpsum investments. This move follows a market correction that has presented better entry points. The fund manager sees a favourable risk-reward for investors with a 3-5 year horizon. Other small-cap funds still have restrictions. The small-cap category manages significant assets.
Indian expats in Dubai: What happens if you don't have a will?
UAE succession laws have changed for non-Muslim expats. Heres what happens if you die intestate, how to register a Will in Dubai, and why Indian residents may need separate Wills.
Tata Mutual Fund resumes lumpsum subscriptions in Tata Small Cap Fund
Tata Mutual Fund has announced the resumption of all fresh inflows through lumpsum and switch-in applications, in Tata Small Cap Fund effective from April 06, 2026.
How the new credit reporting cycle will rewire loans, EMIs and approvals
Weekly credit reporting is turning Indias loan approvals into near real-time decisionstightening discipline, curbing risky borrowing, and reshaping how lenders judge you.
Why profitable MSMEs still run out of cash
Strong sales mask weak financial discipline, from poor cash flow tracking to GST lapses, leaving many small businesses locked out of credit.
Invesco India Mid Cap among 5 mid cap mutual funds to offer over 20% CAGR in 3 years
Five mid-cap mutual funds delivered over 20% returns in three years, led by WhiteOak Capital. Meanwhile, laggard funds posted modest gains, highlighting performance divergence within the mid-cap mutual fund category.
Thinking about chasing rallies in defence and energy? Experts warn against it.
The allure of war-led gains is drawing investors in, but history suggests that chasing these rallies often leads to sub-optimal returns.
New salary rules in India: What the 50% wage norm means for EPF, gratuity and take-home pay
Starting 1 April 2026, new labour reforms in India will change salary structures, potentially lowering take-home pay for many employees. Here's how the new rules impact EPF and gratuity.
Qsif Active Asset Allocator Long-Short Fund is open for subscription. 8 key things to know
Quant Mutual Fund launches dynamic multi-asset long-short fund, investing across equity, debt, derivatives, commodities and InVITs. The strategy aims to optimise returns, manage risk, and suit long-term investors.
5 equity mutual fund categories lose over 10% in 6 months. Time to review?
Want to build Rs 1 crore corpus? Find out the mutual fund SIP amount needed with this calculator
This guide helps you calculate the monthly SIP needed to reach a Rs 1 crore goal using simple Excel functions or a DIY paper formula. Adjust assumptions, returns, and timelines to plan your investments with confidence and clarity.
Portfolio in red after moving from FDs? Expert shares how to handle volatility and allocate smartly
A Gujarat-based investor, new to equity mutual funds after years in fixed deposits, faces initial losses but shows courage to invest further. Experts advise focusing on asset allocation across market caps rather than changing existing sound funds. Additional investments should be channeled into current flexi-cap and multi-cap schemes, with lumpsum considered if comfortable with volatility.
MF Tracker: Quant Multi Asset Allocation Fund shines across timeframes. Can it sustain the lead?
Quant Multi Asset Allocation Fund has achieved top returns across 3, 5, 7, and 10-year periods among its peers. Its dynamic asset allocation strategy, particularly overweight positions in financials and timely tactical shifts, has driven this consistent outperformance, even outshining the category average.
Fund managers back large-caps, stay wary of mid- & small caps
Following a market sell-off, fund managers indicate that share valuations are no longer stretched, though aggressive bets are still discouraged. While large-cap stocks have reached comfortable levels, skepticism remains for mid and small-cap segments. Investors are advised to stay invested and stagger entries through systematic or phased allocations.
Gold overdraft (OD) is a flexible credit facility from banks and NBFCs that allows you to have ongoing access to liquidity while leveraging household gold assets. Here's all you need to know about it
Retirement planning at 35: 7 steps to achieve financial freedom by 60
Financial independence by 60 can be achieved with early planning, disciplined savings, and smart investments. Starting at 35 maximises compounding benefits. By regularly evaluating strategies, people can secure a fulfilling retirement while navigating the challenges of personal finance in India.
