29 C 
PFRDA has extended the NPS same-day investment cut-off from 11 am to 1:30 pm, allowing more contributions to qualify for same-day investment. The revised deadline applies across all major NPS payment channels, improving flexibility, operational efficiency and the subscriber experience.
When porting a health policy puts your claim at risk
Health insurance portability was designed to empower India's policyholders through choice and competition, but its real-world impact remains limited.
REITs are often mistaken for fixed-income products due to their regular payouts, but they carry equity-like risks. Their returns depend on rental income, occupancy and property cycles, making them a diversification tool rather than a substitute for debt investments.
Selling US-listed shares after returning to India? Here's how they are taxed
The Indian tax law does not provide any special exemption or relief for losses or gains arising solely due to depreciation of the Indian rupee against the foreign currency during the investment period.
UPI users may remain unaffected even if Merchant Discount Rate is introduced, according to Bernstein. The brokerage expects large merchants to bear a 30-40 bps fee, while small merchants and low-value transactions may remain exempt. RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra says it is too early to comment.
Interest rates on fixed deposits differ significantly among banks. Investors should consider factors such as bank reputation and financial goals when choosing deposit options with varying maturities.
Boost your savings on autopilot: How cash optimisation apps put your surplus money to work
Cash optimisation apps allow you to park unused money in liquid mutual funds or fixed deposits, delivering higher yields than standard savings accounts.
The EPFO is expected to launch E-PRAAPTI by the end of August to help members recover money lying in old or inactive PF accounts. The Aadhaar-based portal aims to simplify account tracing, reduce paperwork, enable UAN linking, and make claims faster through a digital process.
The RBI has kept the repo rate unchanged at 5.25% while raising its FY27 growth forecast and trimming its inflation estimate. Here's why salaried employees shouldn't expect lower EMIs, cheaper loans or sharply lower FD rates just yet.
The Mumbai ITAT ruled that a genuine property purchase from a spouse cannot be denied Section 54F tax exemption merely because it results in tax savings. The tribunal found no evidence of tax avoidance and allowed a taxpayer's 6.92 crore exemption claim after the tax department challenged it.
The RBI held the policy repo rate at 5.25%, maintaining a cautious stance amid uncertainties. Governor Malhotra noted the uncertain growth outlook due to various factors. Here's what retail investors should do in such times.
NFO Alert: Edelweiss Mutual Fund launches India's first REIT-based Index Fund
Edelweiss Mutual Fund has launched Indias first REIT-based index fund tracking the Nifty REITs & Realty TRI. The NFO closes on August 19, offering diversified exposure to listed REITs and real estate companies through a low-cost passive investment strategy.
Invesco India Smallcap among top 9 smallcap funds with highest risk-adjusted returns. Check details
Smallcap mutual funds with Sharpe ratios above 0.70 have delivered strong risk-adjusted returns over the past three years. Bandhan Small Cap Fund topped the list, followed by ITI, Invesco India, and others, according to MF Screener.
Beyond 31 July: Taxpayer's guide to every ITR deadline
While business and professional filers of ITR-3 and ITR-4 get more time, even those who missed the 31 July deadline get a chance to file a belated ITR, though with a penalty.
What India's investors can learn from South Korea's market meltdown
South Korea's AI-driven stock market boom turned into a sharp rout within weeks. Here's what Indian investors can learn about leverage, passive investing, diversification and FOMO.
PGIM India Mutual Fund temporarily suspends SIPs and STPs in 3 international funds
PGIM India Mutual Fund is implementing a temporary suspension of systematic investment plans (SIPs) and systematic transfer plans (STPs) for three of its international funds. This action will commence after the cut-off time on August 7, 2026. The fund house has attributed this suspension to adherence to the overseas investment limits set by regulatory authorities. However, current redemptions and withdrawal options will remain unaffected.
Looking to start an SIP in August? Here are mutual fund picks for aggressive investors
The great Indian savings paradox: more money saved, less wealth built
Indian households are among the world's most disciplined savers. But an increasing share of those savings is flowing into unproductive assets, limiting both long-term wealth creation and capital formation.
Mutual fund returns 2026: Pharma, small-cap funds outperform as last year's winners stumble
A sharp reversal has reshaped the mutual fund leaderboard in 2026, with many of last year's best-performing categories slipping. Here's what the latest data shows and why experts say investors should avoid chasing past returns.
ITR filing for F&O traders: Turnover isn't trade value. Experts explain how to calculate it
F&O traders need to understand turnover calculation before filing ITR. Check how futures and options turnover is computed, why it affects tax audit rules, ITR-3 filing, books of accounts, and compliance requirements before the August 31 deadline.
NPS returns 2026: Tata tops 1-year equity performance, ICICI leads over 5 years; check full rankings
NPS returns can vary significantly depending on the pension fund manager and the asset class you choose. Here's how Tata, ICICI Prudential, HDFC, UTI and other pension funds performed over one, three and five years.
REITs are not fixed income: Radhika Gupta explains why they belong in the equity bucket
REITs are often mistaken for fixed-income products, but Radhika Gupta, MD & CEO of Edelweiss Mutual Fund, explains why they belong to the equity asset class. She highlights that REITs have lower volatility than equities but remain equity investments due to their risk-return profile. Gupta also explains why investors should view REITs as a diversification tool, not a debt substitute.
Income tax refunds occur when paid taxes exceed actual liabilities after deductions and they are processed after ITR e-verification. Here's when to expect it and common reasons for delay.
Belated income tax return AY 2026-27: How to file, late filing charges and what you may lose
Taxpayers who missed the July 31 ITR deadline can still file a belated return until December 31, 2026. Here's the filing process, applicable late fees, and the tax benefits you may lose by filing late.
The EPF officers body has asked the Labour Ministry to hire more experts for better service delivery, citing delays in claim settlements. With inadequate technical support and staffing, they stress the need for timely intervention.
Edelweiss Mutual Fund has launched India's first REITs-oriented index fund. This new fund offers investors a unique 60:40 mix of REITs and realty stocks. It aims to provide diversified exposure to India's growing real estate market. Experts suggest it can be a satellite allocation for long-term investors. The fund seeks to balance income stability with capital growth potential.
Gold and silver prices today, 5 August: 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.
Best large cap mutual funds to invest in August 2026
According to the Sebi mandate, the large cap mutual funds are mandated to invest in top 100 companies by market capitalisation. Large companies fare better in a volatile market as these companies may be market leaders and resilient to downturns. That is why if you are looking for a relatively safer mutual fund category, you should consider investing in large cap funds.
The Centre is considering raising the EPF wage ceiling from 15,000 to 25,000, subject to Cabinet approval. If notified, the move could bring more employees under EPF and increase future EPS pension payouts.
LICs equity investment strategy explained as the Finance Ministry reveals how the insurer managed policyholders funds in listed companies over five years, including risk checks, regulatory oversight, portfolio review and investment decisions based on business performance and future prospects.
Income Tax Department's NUDGE drive leads to 1.25 crore updated ITRs, 9,494 crore extra tax
The CBDT's technology-driven NUDGE campaign prompted 1.25 crore taxpayers to revise or update their ITRs over FY25 and FY26. The voluntary compliance drive also helped the Income Tax Department collect 9,494 crore in additional taxes.
EPFO eOffice app unavailable today during scheduled upgrade; check details
EPFO's e-Office application will be unavailable from 6 pm to 9.30 pm today due to a scheduled system upgrade. Members may experience temporary service delays while key UMANG services remain available. Here's what EPF subscribers and employers need to know.
Why multi-asset funds are becoming investors' go-to choice
Multi-asset funds are becoming core holdings for investors seeking diversification. These funds invest across equity, debt, and precious metals, offering active management. Their popularity is growing as fund managers make allocation decisions for investors. Higher returns over the past year are attributed to gold and silver allocations. Taxation varies based on equity exposure and holding periods for investors.
Baroda BNP MF names Madhu Nair as new CEO
Madhu Nair has been appointed the new chief executive officer of Baroda BNP Paribas Mutual Fund. He will succeed Sanjay Grover, who served as interim CEO since August 2025. Nair brings extensive experience from various sales and distribution roles in the mutual fund industry. Baroda BNP Paribas Mutual Fund is a joint venture between Bank of Baroda and BNP Paribas.
Experts advise caution as CAS fuels arbitrage fund NAV volatility
Arbitrage fund net asset values saw a significant daily surge after the NSE introduced a closing auction session. Fund managers noted these movements were valuation effects and likely temporary. The new system introduces execution and hedging challenges for arbitrage strategies. Investors are advised against short-term trading and encouraged to extend holding periods. The market is expected to stabilize as participants adjust to the new mechanism.
The stock markets new closing auction mechanism changes how closing prices are determined for F&O stocks. The shift from VWAP-based closing prices to auction-based pricing could impact index funds, ETFs and arbitrage funds by improving transparency and reducing tracking errors.
Franklin Templeton's new open-ended short term debt scheme, the Franklin India Short Term Fund opens NFO from 5th to 11th August. Here's all investors need to know about the scheme type, duration, minimum investment amount and potential risk class.
Factor investing has gained significant traction as investors increasingly seek rule-based strategies over traditional market-cap investing. While momentum has delivered the strongest long-term returns, the data shows that higher returns do not necessarily mean the highest risk.
Today, we look at how employees provident fund members can file a grievance with the retirement fund body, the step-by-step process to register a complaint, the customer care and social media alternatives.
The Centre said over 1.18 lakh eligible beneficiaries have opted for the Unified Pension Scheme since its rollout in April 2025. Introduced to provide an assured post-retirement income, the UPS continues as an optional pension framework under the NPS, with no review conducted so far.
How much equity is enough? A simple asset allocation guide for conservative investors
Volatile markets have led retail investors to reconsider their investment options amid inflation. Fixed deposits and debt funds carry lower risk, but the choice depends on individual tax slabs, financial timelines, and risk tolerance.
More than 31.82 crore unorganised workers have registered on the e-Shram portal, gaining access to social security schemes and welfare services. The government has integrated multiple schemes and platforms to help workers access benefits, job opportunities, skill development and pension services.
8th pay commission: Vacancies for consultants open Here's who is eligible and how to apply
The 8th pay commission has invited candidates to apply for various consultant roles. Here's who is eligible, how to apply, the terms of the job, due date for application, salary offered and other details.
Marriage, money and modern expectations: Is India ready for the prenup talk?
Though prenuptial agreements face legal hurdles in Indian courts, an evolving marriage landscape demands a legal framework that balances pre-marital financial transparency with essential statutory protections.
Can you get a death claim on a lapsed life insurance policy? Here's what Consumer Commission says
The Maharashtra State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission rules that while a lapsed life insurance policy does not entitle nominees to a death benefit, fairness may still require insurers to refund premiums in exceptional circumstances.
Probate no longer mandatory: what it means for estate planning
The omission of Section 213 of the Indian Succession Act, 1925 has changed the legal position on probate in India. While probate remains available, it is no longer a statutory precondition in cases that were earlier covered by Section 213.
Sectoral indices, including the Nifty India Defence, are often market-cap weighted with high stock concentration. Investors should understand index construction and risks, limiting sector funds to 15-20% of their portfolio, while considering diversified equity funds for overall better returns.
Assess beneficiaries' jurisdictions before planning cross-border succession
The choice between a trust and a will should be informed not only by control and asset protection considerations, but also by taxation, treaty relief and repatriation rules in those jurisdictions.
How do cash optimization apps work, and are they right for you?
These platforms move idle cash into liquid funds to beat traditional savings account rates and offer brand perks, but come with hidden costs, taxes, and exit loads.
The 31 August ITR deadline is meant for specific taxpayers, including freelancers, professionals, traders and small business owners filing ITR-3 or ITR-4 without a tax audit. Eligibility depends on the applicable return form and whether audit provisions apply.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 in Lok Sabha today. It amends laws regarding payment systems and income tax, including the reinstatement of merchant discount rates on UPI transactions and other tax provisions for various sectors.
The survey found that 53% of respondents would move away from UPI for transactions above 3,000 if an MDR is imposed on large merchants.
SEBI warns investors against unauthorised unlisted share platforms. Check these 5 tips
SEBI has repeatedly cautioned investors against using unauthorised platforms for buying or selling unlisted shares. Here are 5 checks to verify platforms, safeguard personal information, understand regulatory risks and make informed investment decisions before investing in unlisted company shares.
SEBI's new GARUDA framework cuts the launch time for eligible AIF schemes to 10 working days. Experts explain how the reform could benefit investors while keeping regulatory safeguards intact.
These 5 midcap mutual funds had maximum mid and small cap exposure in June. Check details
Here is the detailed exposure of the top 5 mid-cap funds with maximum mid & small cap exposure in June, as reported by ET Wealth.
NFO Alert: Jio-BlackRock enters India's ETF market with Nifty50 fund
JioBlackRock Mutual Fund has launched its first exchange-traded fund, the JioBlackRock Nifty 50 ETF, marking its entry into India's fast-growing ETF market. The NFO is open until August 11. The passive fund will track the Nifty50 Index, offering investors exposure to India's 50 largest listed companies through a single investment and broad participation in the country's equity market.
Home prices and rental yields rise together in India's top cities, Noida and Gurugram top the list
ANAROCK study shows home prices and rental yields have risen together across India's top housing markets since 2019. Noida, Gurugram, Bengaluru and Hyderabad emerge as the biggest winners for residential property investors.
EPFO warns members to verify Date of Joining, Exit details or risk PF, pension benefits
EPFO has urged members to verify and correct their Date of Joining and Date of Exit details to avoid delays in PF withdrawals and pension claims. The advisory explains online correction rules, Aadhaar-linked UAN updates and employer approval requirements for eligible subscribers.
RBI's August 2026 redemption calendar lists six Sovereign Gold Bond tranches eligible for premature exit after the mandatory five-year holding period. Investors must apply within the prescribed window, as missing the deadline means waiting for the next eligible redemption date.
MCX, Radico Khaitan among 4 common stocks held by 5 top-performing smallcap funds
The five top-performing small-cap funds over the past year shared four common stocks in their portfolios as of June 2026, according to ACE MF data.
Quant MF ups IT exposure as sector enters neglected territory; sees crude correction
Quant Mutual Fund has raised its exposure to IT services over the past two months, viewing the sector as increasingly neglected and offering attractive opportunities. Its predictive analytics model also expects crude oil prices to gradually decline over the coming months, which the fund house believes could support Indian equities.
RBIs new FD rules from October: 5 changes small finance bank depositors must know
RBIs new fixed deposit rules for small finance banks will apply from October. The guidelines introduce advance-rate disclosures, uniform pricing, bulk-deposit rules and greater transparency.
MF Tracker: Bandhan Small Cap Fund tops 3-year returns. Can the outperformance continue?
Bandhan Small Cap Fund leads three-year returns with 25.35 percent gains. Stock selection drove this outperformance, according to expert analysis. The fund has consistently beaten its category average over time. Investors should consider risk and long-term strategy for investment decisions. Current market conditions offer a good entry point for patient investors.
Gold and silver prices today, 4 August: 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.
Can ESOP buyback payouts be taxed as capital gains? ITAT order offers hope for startup employees
The Bengaluru ITAT has asked tax authorities to reconsider the tax treatment of ESOP buyback payouts by applying the Karnataka High Court's ruling. The order could strengthen the case for taxing payouts from vested but unexercised ESOPs as capital gains instead of salary.
HDFC Bank launches Max for Seniors and Max for Her savings accounts; key features
HDFC Bank has introduced Max for Seniors and Max for Her savings accounts under its Savings Max portfolio. The accounts offer cyber protection, Auto Sweep benefits, insurance cover, health support and lifestyle privileges designed for senior citizens and women customers.
More than 1.18 lakh Central government employees and eligible retirees have opted for the Unified Pension Scheme. The Centre has told Parliament there is no proposal to review, modify or replace the pension scheme.
8th Pay Commission: The Commission is reviewing eight pensioner demands raised by RSCWS, including higher basic pay, revised HRA, transport allowance and stronger retirement benefits. The RSCWS proposals aim to improve pensions for Indian Railway employees.
The Union Ministry of Finance has made moves to enable merchant discount rates on UPI and proposed scrapping the zero MDR provision. We take a look at what this decision could mean for UPI customers.
REITs and REIT mutual funds offer investors exposure to the real estate sector but differ in structure, taxation, and returns. While REITs focus on rental income from properties, REIT funds combine REIT exposure with real estate equities.
Only two value funds have negative alpha, indicating they lag their benchmark indices, while Quant Value Fund and DSP Value Fund record the highest positive alpha. The contrast in alpha was also reflected in return performance, with the positive-alpha funds delivering better returns.
Finance Ministry has approved an increase in EPF wage ceiling to 25,000 monthly from current 15,000, as per a Moneycontrol report. If approved this would expand coverage to more salaried workers.
F&O trading is treated as non-speculative business income and must be reported under business income in ITR. For AY 2026-27, taxpayers need to disclose F&O turnover and income in dedicated fields in ITR forms. They also need to comply with tax audit and carry-forward rules.
How capital gains on foreign shares are computed and taxed in India
Upon returning to India, the person must compute capital gains from US shares in INR, using the exchange rate from the sale date. No concessions for rupee depreciation apply. Long-term gains are taxed at 12.5%, and disclosure of foreign assets is required for tax purposes.
DA, 7,500 minimum monthly pension, medical facilities Here's what the EPS95 National Agitation Committee is seeking from the government. It has warned of a protest on 5 August if demands are not met.
SEBI's new GARUDA framework has brought Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) into the spotlight. While the industry has grown rapidly over the past decade, AIFs remain less familiar than mutual funds. Here's how experts explain the investment vehicle, who it is meant for and how SEBI classifies it.
PhonePe Mutual Funds sees 5X growth in Daily SIP transactions driven by demand from smaller cities
PhonePe Mutual Funds onboarded over 500,000 unique investors into its Daily SIP product. Nearly seventy-seven percent of these customers came from tier-two and tier-three cities. Daily SIP transactions increased nearly five-fold between January and June 2026. Younger investors aged eighteen to twenty-nine formed fifty-eight percent of the investor base. This feature allows small, regular contributions, aligning with daily cash flows.
Monsoon damage isn't limited to leaks and flooding. Experts explain what home insurance covers, key exclusions, and why both homeowners and tenants should review their policies.
Although payments for Annapurna Bhandar are generally credited in a phased manner during the first week of the month, many bank accounts have yet to receive the funds
Delhi has approved 100% salary hike for DDMA personnel, including project officers, district project officers, and project coordinators. The first such in 16 years, since the positions were created in 2009.
A Delhi couple won 15.5 lakh in compensation after Axis Bank lost their original property papers and failed to return them after the closure of their 1.41 crore home loan. The Delhi State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission ruled on the case.
NFO Alert: Franklin Templeton announces launch of short term fund
Franklin Templeton India has launched its new open-ended short term debt fund. The Franklin India Short Term Fund will open for subscription on August 5. This new fund aims to invest in high-quality debt instruments and government securities. It will maintain a portfolio Macaulay duration between one and three years. The fund seeks to provide investors with income potential and prudent risk management.
These 8 equity mutual funds lost over 10% return in July. Do you own any in your portfolio?
Eight international equity mutual funds posted double-digit losses in July, led by Nippon India Taiwan Equity Fund. Experts attribute the decline to a correction in global technology and AI stocks.
HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank hike FCNR rates Check here for how much interest depositors now get
India's largest private sector lenders HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank have both hiked their FCNR (Bank) interest rates this month. Check here for how much fixed deposit interest NRI depositors now get
Should investors redeem equity mutual funds after strong returns? Here's when rebalancing matters
Portfolio reviews every six to 12 months are generally sufficient for long-term investors, according to Prableen Bajpai of FinFix Research and Analytics. She advises rebalancing only when asset allocation deviates meaningfully, financial goals approach, or major life events warrant a review.
Passive funds go niche: should you bet on sectoral or thematic funds?
Passive investing has moved beyond broad-market indices. As sectoral and thematic index funds multiply, experts explain the opportunities, risks and who should actually invest.
Why aligning incentives a better alternative to capping insurance commissions
India scrapped insurance commission caps in 2023, but calls to revive them are growing. Evidence suggests transparency, staggered payouts and disclosurenot capsare more effective at curbing mis-selling.
This international mutual fund resumes subscription. Should you invest or wait?
Baroda BNP Paribas Aqua Fund of Fund is once again open to fresh subscriptions after a brief pause. Following regulatory nods, the fund aims to efficiently handle overseas investment limits. Investors should avoid market timing; instead, utilizing SIPs or STPs for cost averaging is encouraged. For those seeking global exposure, consider alternatives like GIFT City products or global ETFs.
PM VBRY: Link Aadhaar with bank account in 8 simple steps to enable Direct Benefit Transfer
PM VBRY beneficiaries can enable Direct Benefit Transfer by linking their Aadhaar with a bank account through NPCI. This guide explains the eight key steps, offline Aadhaar seeding, and how completing the process helps ensure timely incentive payments.
Small-cap funds dominated one-year SIP returns, with six schemes crossing the 20% mark and four featuring among the top five performers. Bank of India Small Cap Fund topped the list with a 40.05% annualised SIP return.
