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I asked ChatGPT how many credit cards are too many; Experts filled in the gaps with what AI missed
Several banks have altered credit card rewards, which may make cardholders reassess how many cards they need. I asked ChatGPT how many credit cards are too many and experts filled in the gaps with what AI missed.
I asked ChatGPT how rich Indians must become for the country to be considered developed. We then compared the responses to what Axis Bank's chief economist Neelkanth Mishra said on the matter. Here's a look...
Working for a foreign client means income may be taxed in both the foreign country and India. However, Indian residents can claim foreign tax credit by filing Form 67. Details here.
The government's new EPF Scheme 2026 has come into effect as part of the Social Security Code 2020. Today, we explore and explain how and what has changed for EPFO subscribers and what remains the same.
EPS-2026 rules: Will you get pension if you leave your job before completing 10 years of service?
The central government has implemented EPS, 2026, replacing older pension schemes. Key provisions remain intact, but questions about eligibility for employees leaving before 10 years persist. Here's what the new rules say.
JioBlackRock to offer full MF bouquet in 3 years; plans more SIFs, ETFs, GIFT City products
Jio BlackRock is set to significantly expand its mutual fund offerings over the next three years, venturing into more specialized investment funds (SIFs), ETFs, and offshore products via GIFT City. Following the launch of its Prism Hybrid Long-Short fund, the company plans another SIF in the equity long-short category soon. ETFs are also on the horizon, promising wider access to global investment strategies for Indian investors.
EPS-2026 replaces EPS-95: Does the 1,000 minimum pension continue? Here's what has changed
The Centre has introduced the Employees' Pension Scheme (EPS), 2026, replacing older versions. While procedural changes have been made, the minimum monthly pension remains fixed at 1,000, unchanged since 2014.
Bajaj Auto's 5,632 crore buyback: How will your buyback proceeds be taxed?
Bajaj Auto's 5,632.8-crore share buyback will be taxed under the new capital gains framework that came into effect on April 1, 2026, changing how shareholders report and pay tax on shares accepted in the buyback.
Mis-sold insurance? How to challenge a forced insurance policy sold as an FD
If an insurance policy has been issued without informed consent or through misrepresentation, the policyholder has the right to challenge the transaction.
8th pay commission: With discussions underway, we calculate how much of a salary hike the minimum estimate of 1.83 fitment factor could provide for central government employees and pensioners. Here's a look
Why Schedule FA is about complete disclosures, not precise valuations
Indian residents with foreign stocks, employee stock ownership plan or bank accounts must disclose them in Schedule FA regardless of whether they were sold.
Why every loan default deserves a different recovery strategy
AI and behavioural data can help lenders tailor debt recovery to each borrower's circumstancesimproving repayments while replacing aggressive collections with more empathetic engagement.
The Supreme Court clarified income assessment for motor accident compensation, addressing salaried and self-employed individuals, and non-filers. Details here.
Income tax refund: Why you may receive less than the amount claimed in your ITR
The refund amount calculated while filing your ITR is not always the amount you'll receive. Here's why the Income Tax Department may issue a lower refund after processing your return and what you should do if the amount doesn't match
Top 10 equity mutual funds deliver over 25% returns in 2026. Do you own any in your portfolio?
Ten equity mutual funds delivered over 25% returns in 2026 so far, led by Nippon India Taiwan Equity Fund with 102%, driven by international, emerging markets and technology themes.
Top 5 overnight funds based on 1-year returns: Bank of India Overnight Fund leads with 5.59% return
Based on one-year CAGR performance, Bank of India Overnight Fund emerged as the best-performing scheme in the category with 1-year return of 5.59%, followed by Franklin India Overnight Fund and Bajaj Finserv Overnight Fund.
New fund offer: 8 mutual funds and 2 SIFs are now open for subscription. Check details
Around eight mutual funds and two specialised investment funds (SIFs) are currently open for subscription across categories including hybrid, index, multi-asset, overnight and life cycle funds. Offerings from Zerodha, ICICI Prudential, Invesco, JioBlackRock, JM, Tata, HDFC and Choice are accepting investments before their respective closing dates.
How to verify and reconcile stock market transactions in AIS before filing your ITR
Annual Information Statement (AIS) stock market transaction reconciliation helps taxpayers ensure accurate ITR filing by matching broker records with AIS data. It improves capital gains accuracy, prevents errors and supports compliant income tax reporting for investors in equity markets.
NFO Alert: Invesco Mutual Fund launches equity long-short fund under its SIF platform Summit
Invesco Mutual Fund has launched Summit SIF, an equity long-short fund offering both long and limited short exposure via derivatives. The NFO closes on July 16 and targets alpha generation through dynamic strategies combining stock selection and tactical shorts, managed by Hiten Jain and benchmarked to the BSE 500 TRI.
SIP in stocks or mutual funds: Which strategy offers better returns?
Should investors choose SIPs in stocks or mutual funds? According to Hercules Advisors founder Aditya Shah, while direct equities may offer higher returns, they demand constant monitoring and carry greater risks. For senior citizens and passive investors, diversified mutual funds with professional management and appropriate asset allocation can be a safer and more practical route to long-term wealth creation.
Planning SIP this July? Here are mutual fund options that could suit aggressive investors
ETMutualFunds presents SIP portfolio ideas tailored for conservative, moderate and aggressive investors. The allocations span three investment brackets, starting from Rs 2,000 to above Rs 10,000, combining flexi cap, large cap, hybrid, mid cap and small cap funds. Selection is based on rolling returns, consistency, downside risk, outperformance and fund size.
EPFO extends outage for the third time, here's when PF services will resume
EPFO has extended its ongoing system migration for the third time, delaying the restoration of online member and employer services until July 3. The prolonged outage continues to affect PF claim filing, passbook downloads, UAN login and other digital services.
Does a higher active share make a mutual fund better managed? Experts explain
Active share measures how much a mutual fund's portfolio differs from its benchmark, helping investors assess whether they are paying for genuine active management or closet index investing.
Sebis pump-and-dump crackdown: 5 ways to protect yourself from stock market scams
To avoid stock scams, verify information, consult certified advisors, and focus on disciplined investing. Beware of unsolicited tips, unusual price movements, and FOMO tactics. A diversified portfolio can protect against manipulation. SEBI's crackdown highlights the need for investor vigilance.
New vs old tax regime: How much tax do you pay on a 25 lakh salary?
Choosing the right tax regime can significantly reduce your tax outgo. Here's a comparison of the tax liability on a 25 lakh annual salary under both the new and old tax regimes, and when each one makes sense.
TRUSTMF Small Cap Fund emerged as the best-performing equity mutual fund over the past year, delivering a 22.78% return and outperforming both its benchmark and category average. Experts attribute the performance to strong stock selection but advise investors to focus on long-term asset allocation, disciplined SIPs, and realistic return expectations.
Gold and silver prices today, 2 July: 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.
Top 10 mutual funds to invest in July 2026
ETMutualFunds decided to put out a list of top 10 mutual fund schemes. We have chosen two schemes from five different equity mutual fund categories - aggressive hybrid, large cap, mid cap, small cap and flexi cap schemes which we believe should be enough for regular mutual fund investors.
EPF Scheme 2026: New rules on withdrawal, eligibility and limits explained
EPF Scheme 2026: Here are the new withdrawal rules, eligibility, limits and conditions to help EPF members understand partial withdrawals under the revised framework.
ITR filing 2026: Do taxpayers need to file two ITRs? The tax department answers
The shift from Assessment Year to Tax Year has sparked questions about return filing obligations. A clarification from the Income Tax Department explains why taxpayers won't need to file two ITRs for the same income.
When should young investors pivot from aggressive bets to capital preservation for retirement?
During the accumulation stage, investors will have access to regular income and a long investment horizon, allowing them to take advantage of the potential for growth in assets such as equities.
HDFC Bank credit card caps SmartBuy brand voucher rewards from July 1 What changes for customers?
HDFC Bank has revised its SmartBuy rewards program, introducing a cap on reward points for brand voucher purchases on major premium credit cards. Here's what changes for customers.
Buying the dip vs SIP: Which strategy delivers better returns? Here's what math says
Market swings often lead investors to seek ideal buying moments. However, historical data shows systematic investment plans outperform market timing strategies, as cash on the sidelines incurs opportunity costs.
The Centre has implemented the EPF Scheme, 2026, replacing the 1952 scheme. Effective June 29, 2026, it retains contribution rates while enhancing digital compliance and simplifying withdrawal processes for members. Details here.
SK Hynix commands a significant share of the HBM market and its Nasdaq listing may raise billions for expansion. However, the overall demand is high, suggesting both SK Hynix and Micron can grow together despite increased competition in memory chips.
Dream Sports will shut down its fintech platform Dream Money on July 30. Here's what happens to your mutual funds, fixed deposits and digital gold.
Selling property or stocks? These 5 smart hacks can help you save capital gains tax
Capital gains tax can be minimized through strategic planning and compliance with the Income Tax Act. Taxpayers may claim exemptions, utilize capital losses, consider holding periods, maintain accurate records, and time sales effectively to reduce their tax liability legally.
Edelweiss AMC crosses Rs 1 lakh crore equity AUM milestone, SIP book at Rs 690 crore
Edelweiss Asset Management Company crossed Rs 1 lakh crore in equity AUM, with total assets reaching Rs 1.78 lakh crore. The milestone reflects growing retail participation, strong SIP inflows, consistent fund performance and rising investor confidence in long-term wealth creation.
SEBI has proposed a performance-based fee framework for mutual funds, linking fees to a fund's performance rather than a fixed ratio. However, industry hesitance stems from operational challenges and complexities associated with variable fee structures.
Magnificent 7 lost $2.3 trillion in June: Is it time to trim your US tech stocks?
The Magnificent Seven tech stocks lost $2.3 trillion in value in June due to uncertainty over AI investments. Major declines were noted for Microsoft and Nvidia. Investors are advised to diversify portfolios and consider market concentration to mitigate risks amidst fluctuating valuations.
ITR filing 2026: 6 costly mistakes salaried taxpayers should avoid before 31 July deadline
As the last date of filing ITR looms closer, it is important to be careful about certain key factors. These include choosing the right ITR form and regime, and cross-verifying taxable income against the disclosures made in AIS/TIS.
New vs old regime: Earning 20 LPA? Here's which regime saves you over 1 lakh
The tax regime choice becomes more nuanced at a 20 lakh annual salary, where the Section 87A rebate is no longer available. A comparison shows whether common deductions under the old regime can outweigh the new regime's lower tax rates.
NRI selling investments? Here's how you can save capital gains tax
Section 215 of the Income Tax Act, 2025 allows eligible NRIs to claim exemption from long-term capital gains tax. But the benefit is available only if strict conditions on investment source and reinvestment are met.
Low-volatility mutual funds: Should you invest? Here's what experts say
Low-volatility mutual funds seek to cushion market downturns while keeping investors invested in equities. Understand how the strategy works and who should consider it.
From ITR to Aadhaar: Key financial changes kicking in from July 1
Several financial changes come into effect from 1 July, including revised ITR filing deadlines, free Aadhaar email updates and new RBI rules against bank mis-selling. Here's how they could affect you.
Modern borrower expects instant payments, real time updates and more
The once-difficult access to information has made borrowers more aware. They compare loan products and interest rates, and regularly track their credit scores. Borrowers now understand the importance of a credit score, and are increasingly conscious of maintaining healthy credit profiles.
First time borrowers to lead the next wave of credit growth in India
The next wave of credit growth is likely to emerge from segments that have historically been underserved, overlooked, or difficult to evaluate through conventional methods. Today, only about 17.8% of new loans are disbursed to first-time borrowers.
10-5-3 rule of investing: Why it helps investors build realistic wealth expectations
Smart investing starts with realistic expectations. The 10-5-3 rule helps beginners understand investment returns, compare asset classes, manage risk, and build long-term wealth through disciplined financial planning instead of chasing unrealistic market gains.
Fuel inflation isn't just about petrol. It changes your entire financial plan
Fuel price shocks ripple through transport, food and household budgets. Here's what history teachesand the practical financial strategies families can adopt to stay ahead of inflation.
Homegrown AlphaGrep takes on Jio BlackRock with India Algo Funds
Over the next 18 months, AlphaGrep Investment Management Pvt plans to unveil about half a dozen mutual funds, Chief Executive Officer Bhautik Ambani told a press conference Tuesday. On July 6, it will launch the first fund, a dynamically managed multi-asset fund investing across equities, fixed income and commodities.
SWP taxation explained: Why every withdrawal from a mutual fund can have a different tax liability
For tax purposes, each SWP payout is considered a partial redemption of mutual fund units. This means every withdrawal comprises two components: the return of the original investment (principal) and capital gains. Tax is levied only on the capital gains component of each withdrawal.
mAadhaar app retires: Will your Aadhaar data be deleted? Key features of new app
The new Aadhaar app replaces mAadhaar with safer digital verification, face authentication and QR features. Existing mAadhaar data remains available during the transition, allowing users to switch smoothly without losing important Aadhaar records.
Experts point out that course certificates alone don't count for much. Market premiums and career advancement go to those who can translate coursework into functional workplace optimization.
Why your financial goals must change when your net worth does
As wealth grows, financial planning shifts from chasing returns to matching capital with purpose. A three-bucket framework can help families protect lifestyle, preserve flexibility and build a lasting legacy.
A 45-year-old salaried investor with a Rs 3 lakh monthly income sought expert advice on whether his mutual fund portfolio can support retirement at 60. The expert recommended continuing disciplined SIPs, consolidating 17 mutual fund schemes into seven, maintaining liquidity, and avoiding premature allocation for discretionary goals like buying a luxury car.
NFO Alert: AlphaGrep Mutual Fund launches multi asset allocation fund, its first fund
AlphaGrep Mutual Fund has launched its inaugural fund, the AlphaGrep Multi Asset Allocation Fund, marking its entry into the Indian retail market. This open-ended fund employs a systematic, quantitative approach to dynamically allocate capital across equities, fixed income, and commodities, aiming for long-term growth with minimal human bias. The NFO opens July 6 and closes July 20, offering institutional-grade strategies to everyday investors.
Listed shares, intraday trading, unlisted shares, equity mutual funds and F&O: Tax rules explained
The tax on equity investments in India depends on the type of investment, the holding period and type of gains. While listed shares and equity mutual funds are subject to capital gains tax, income from intraday trading and F&O is taxed at the applicable income tax slab rate.
Gold and silver prices today, 1 July: 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 mutual fund SIP portfolios to invest in July 2026
ETMutualFunds has unveiled recommended mutual fund portfolios for July 2026, catering to conservative, moderate, and aggressive investors. These curated SIP baskets, designed for long-term goals like retirement, are based on a robust methodology evaluating returns, consistency, risk, and outperformance. The selection process for equity, debt, and hybrid funds ensures a data-driven approach to investment choices for a broad audience.
EPFO extends online service outage till July 1; services to resume from July 2
EPFO has extended its planned system migration, delaying the restoration of online member and employer services by another day. Subscribers will now be able to access claims, passbooks and other digital services from July 2, subject to completion of the upgrade.
DA hike July 2026: AICPI-IW rises to 150.8, Dearness Allowance revision awaited
DA hike July 2026 estimates rise after AICPI-IW reaches 150.8. Here's the latest inflation data, the expected Dearness Allowance revision, the calculation method and the final approval process.
8th Pay Commission FAQs: 10 key facts for central government employees in July 2026
Big changes are ahead as the 8th Pay Commission enters key discussions in July 2026, covering salary revision, fitment factor and pension updates for central government employees and pensioners. Here are some FAQs and the latest developments.
Not all agricultural land sales are tax-free: Check what is taxable and how to report it
Taxpayers may believe that income tax doesn't apply to agricultural land sales, but this isn't always true. Tax liability depends on location and capital asset classification. Here's what is taxable and how to save taxes.
Gold loans are becoming the biggest driver of consumer borrowing? Here's what RBI FSR report says
Gold loans have become India's fastest-growing retail credit, recording a CAGR of 42.4% since March 2024, nearly double the 23% growth in non-housing retail loans.
The RBI's stress tests revealed 44 open-ended debt mutual funds breached liquidity thresholds in March 2026. Despite this, the central bank reports no immediate concerns, as affected funds have either rectified the issue or initiated corrective actions.
Despite market volatility, SIP inflows reached a record 32,086 crore in March 2026, according to the RBI's Financial Stability Report.
How much does it cost to relocate to Hyderabad? Microsoft techie says 3.6 lakh
Krish, shared a detailed breakdown of the expenses involved in the move, including rent, security deposit, furniture, appliances and other household essentials.
From 90,000 salary to 15 lakh debt: Viral LinkedIn post explains a financial spiral
A LinkedIn post by SEBI-registered investment advisor Vivek S G (Sulegai), founder of Wealth Crafts, is resonating with users after he shared the story of a Pune professional whose finances unravelled following a family medical emergency, eventually leaving him with a 15 lakh debt burden.
The government has maintained interest rates on small savings schemes for the July-September 2026 quarter, marking the ninth consecutive quarter of unchanged rates.
Health insurance companies will soon offer top-up health cover to National Pension System subscribers via PFRDA's NPS Swasthya product, set to launch in 60-70 days.
Is an online will legally valid? Here's what families should know
A will prepared using an online platform is legally valid in India if it meets statutory requirements. But families should ensure it reflects the testator's specific circumstances and assets.
Why hybrid SIFs are attracting investors
Hybrid long-short strategies accounted for 9,709 crore of investor assets, which was around 70% of the total SIF AUM of 13,814 crore
Govt extends deadline for filing appeals before GST appellate tribunal check new due date
The Government has extended the deadline for filing appeals with the GST Appellate Tribunal after stakeholders raised concerns about technical difficulties on the portal. Check new due date here.
What are multi-asset allocation funds? Comparing the top 5 funds by portfolio allocation
Multi-asset allocation funds provide diversification by investing across at least three asset classes, helping reduce dependence on any single investment. However, each fund follows a different portfolio allocation strategy, resulting in varying levels of risk and return potential.
RSU paradox: when your biggest wealth creator becomes a concentration risk
RSUs can be powerful wealth creators, but holding on to every vested share ties your career and investments to the same company, creating a concentration risk many employees overlook.
Changing jobs soon? Fix these EPF transfer errors before resigning for a smooth PF transfer
Avoid costly PF transfer delays before changing jobs. Checking your EPF transfer records, UAN, KYC and employment details before resigning can prevent processing issues and help ensure your provident fund balance moves smoothly to your new employer.
These 10 equity mutual funds gained up to 10% in June. Check top performers
UPI is now live in Greece: What Indian travelers should know before visiting Athens, Mykonos
With UPI now live in Greece, eligible customers can transfer money instantly, securely, and seamlessly, with transaction costs reducing drastically to a fraction of conventional transfer costs, Goyal said in a social media post.
Why your used-car loan costs more than you think
Used-car financing now drives nearly 60% of platform transactions, but loans carry steeper rates (9-18%) and hidden costs like GPS-device fees and hypothecation charges versus new-car loans.
Gen Z professionals in India are increasingly prioritizing work-life balance and skill development over promotions and salary hikes, according to Naukris Gen Z Work Code report. 14% of Gen Z employees may quit within a year if growth is missing, compared to 3% of millennials.
UTI Mutual Fund buys nearly 15 lakh shares of MCX for Rs 425 crore
UTI Mutual Fund has significantly boosted its stake in MCX, acquiring nearly 15 lakh shares for a substantial Rs 425 crore via an open market deal. This move comes as MCX reported a remarkable surge in its March quarter profits, nearly quadrupling to Rs 530 crore and tripling revenue. The commodity exchange, a dominant player with over 98% market share, saw its shares dip slightly following the transaction.
Good investing outcomes come from doing few boring things well: Nithin Kamath
Zerodha co-founder Nithin Kamath said building long-term wealth does not require chasing hot stocks or timing the market. He stressed that investors often overcomplicate investing by trying to predict markets or pick from thousands of options. In a post on X, he said good outcomes come from doing a few boring things well through disciplined, low-touch investing.
Which mutual funds are best for SWP? Expert explains, also decodes STP tax implications
Choosing the right mutual funds for a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) hinges on individual financial goals, investment horizon, and risk tolerance, not a universal list. Experts advise aligning fund choices with withdrawal timelines, suggesting equity/hybrid for long-term wealth building and debt funds for immediate income needs. Understanding tax implications of Systematic Transfer Plans (STPs) is also crucial for a balanced investment strategy.
ITR filing AY 2026-27: Step-by-step guide to check your income tax return status online
Income Tax department offers an online service that allows taxpayers to check status of their filed returns both before logging in to e-filing portal and after signing in. The service also provides access to return-related documents and alerts users if any action, such as e-verification, is pending.
5 ways to improve payment history and boost credit score
Smart habits build a stronger financial future by improving payment history and boosting credit scores. This guide offers practical steps to manage bills, avoid missed payments, and strengthen your credit profile
Taxpayers filing ITR-1 and ITR-2 must submit their returns by 31 July. Meanwhile, taxpayers filing ITR-3 or ITR-4 who are not subject to tax audit can now file their returns until 31 August, an additional month beyond the traditional deadline.
10 equity mutual funds deliver over 25% returns in 2026, one of them doubled money
Around 10 equity mutual funds delivered returns of over 25% in the first half of 2026, with Nippon India Taiwan Equity Fund more than doubling investors' money. The top performers were largely international and thematic funds, while technology-focused schemes dominated the list of worst-performing equity mutual funds during the period.
Gold and silver prices today, 30 June: 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 dynamic bond funds to invest in June 2026
Confused by interest rate shifts? Dynamic bond funds offer a solution, allowing managers to adjust investments based on market outlook. While not foolproof, these funds could shine if the RBI begins rate cuts later this year, potentially rewarding debt mutual fund investors after muted performance. For those investing three to five years without wanting to predict rate movements, dynamic bond funds present an option.
mAadhaar App discontinued: Here's everything to know about the new Aadhaar app
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has announced that the mAadhaar App will be discontinued from today, 30 June. The new Aadhaar App is designed to offer Aadhaar Number Holders (ANHs) a secure and paperless way to access Aadhaar services.
