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Rising global volatility boosts demand for short-term debt funds
Amidst geopolitical tensions and market volatility, investors are turning to overnight and liquid funds for temporary cash parking. These low-risk mutual funds offer liquidity and returns slightly above savings accounts, making them ideal for short-term needs before redeploying into riskier assets.
Equity fund flows pick up in Feb even as SIPs get less
Equity mutual funds saw renewed investor interest in February, attracting significant inflows. This trend indicates a long-term outlook from investors, overlooking short-term market fluctuations. Gold ETFs continued to receive investments, though at a reduced pace. Conversely, silver ETFs experienced outflows as investors booked profits.
Should you opt for fixed deposits (FDs) vs public provident fund (PPF), when investing for your future? Check interest rates, tenure, tax benefits and risk level of these investment instruments before making a decision.
PGIM India Mutual Fund restricts subscription in its 3 international funds
PGIM India Mutual Fund is placing temporary restrictions on subscriptions for three international funds. This measure is to prevent exceeding overseas investment limits. Transactions received after March 9, 2026, will not be processed. Existing Systematic Investment Plans will continue. Other transactions like switches and redemptions remain unaffected. This follows previous reopenings and suspensions of subscriptions in these funds.
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund: MCX and IGL among stocks bought and sold in February
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund added Indraprastha Gas and Mahanagar Gas to its portfolio in February while exiting Multi Commodity Exchange. The fund also reduced stakes in Balkrishna Industries, Dr Reddys Laboratories and Power Grid, while increasing exposure to several large-cap stocks including HDFC Bank, Infosys, ITC and TCS.
Inflows into gold ETFs in Feb dropped substantially to 5,255 crore, following a decline in gold prices, compared with 24,040 crore in January
How lenders are adapting to uncertainty in a volatile economy
The global economy faces challenges from political conflicts and trade policy changes, affecting financial systems. Credit plays a crucial role in maintaining resilience, as lenders must identify stable borrowers while managing risks, to ensure long-term financial stability.
AMFI Data: Mutual fund SIP inflows drop 4% to Rs 29,845 crore in February
SIP inflows slipped 4% in February to Rs 29,845 crore, ending a two-month streak above the Rs 30,000-crore mark. Despite the monthly dip, SIP contributions were up 15% year-on-year. Overall equity inflows rose 8% during the month, even as several fund categories showed mixed trends across the broader market.
The price of buying time: What egg freezing costs in India
Egg freezing can resemble an insurance policy more than a traditional investment, something that requires planning but may never need to be used.
Planning to invest in GIFT City? 7 myths and facts before global exposure
Investing in GIFT City is simpler than many believe. You do not need a foreign bank account or face complex tax filings. RBI limits do not apply, and it is open to retail investors. Redemptions are quick with no lock-in. Costs are transparent. GIFT City provides a tax-efficient route for global diversification, reducing country-specific risks.
AMFI Data: Equity mutual fund inflows rise 8% to Rs 25,977 crore in February
Equity mutual fund inflows surged 8% to Rs 25,977 crore in February, though down 11% year-on-year. Flexi-cap funds led with Rs 6,924 crore, while midcap and smallcap funds also saw significant interest. Sectoral and thematic funds experienced a substantial 187% monthly inflow jump.
Looking for best mutual funds? Here are top 10 performers for February 2026
A look at the top 10 best-performing mutual funds for February 2026 to help investors identify strong investment opportunities.
SOA or demat? How the way you hold mutual funds affects costs and flexibility
Mutual fund units in India can be held either in a statement of account (SOA) with the asset manager or in demat form with a depository. Each format differs in flexibility, features and costs.
Silver and gold ETFs surged on Tuesday, with Tata Silver ETF jumping nearly 10% and Zerodha Gold ETF gaining 3%. This rise was fueled by a weaker U.S. dollar and indications of a potential end to the Middle East conflict, easing inflation concerns. Experts advise a uy on dips strategy using SIPs or ETFs for balanced diversification.
The gap between mutual fund returns and what investors actually earn
Observe how a fund behaves under different conditions. The aim is not to predict which worldview markets will reward next. It is to make decisions investors can live with over time.
Quant Mid Cap Fund adds ICICI Bank, Paytm and 2 others, exits Escorts Kubota and GMR Airports
Quant Mid Cap Fund has strategically adjusted its portfolio in February, introducing ICICI Bank, Paytm, Colgate-Palmolive, and LG Electronics India as new holdings. The fund also divested its entire stake in Escorts Kubota and GMR Airports, while reducing exposure in Godrej Properties and Linde India.
Can NRI equity investors avail section 115F tax relief even if not claimed earlier?
Two common NRI tax questions answered: how to re-request a failed income-tax refund credited to an NRE account, and whether NRIs can claim capital gains exemption under section 115F if they havent used it before.
Gold loans: Turning the rainy-day asset into a liquidity tool
Gold loans are shedding their last-resort image as record prices unlock higher borrowing capacity. Experts say disciplined borrowing and awareness of LTV risks are key as more households monetise idle gold.
8 equity mutual funds lose over 10% in 6 months. Do you own any?
Eight equity mutual funds have experienced significant losses, with six of them shedding over 10% in the past six months. Among the biggest losers were Tata Small Cap Fund at -17.71% and two from Motilal Oswal, losing over 16%. Other funds from Invesco, UTI, Mirae Asset, and Samco also saw substantial declines.
Capitalmind Flexi Cap Fund reduce stake in HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, and Bharti Airtel in February
Capitalmind Flexi Cap Fund reduced its exposure to HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank and Bharti Airtel in February while increasing stakes in several stocks including BPCL and Federal Bank. The fund also added seven new companies to its portfolio and exited six stocks as part of its portfolio reshuffle during the month.
Deepak Shenoy has alerted people to fake tax notices being circulated via email, urging vigilance against fraudsters during tax season. Here's how to check whether your tax notice is genuine and what steps to take next.
68% of mutual fund redemptions via Instant Access Facility are below Rs 5,000: Zerodha Mutual Fund
Zerodha Mutual Fund's instant withdrawal facility is transforming how Indians manage money. A large number of small transactions show investors are using it for daily cash needs. This feature allows quick access to funds, even on weekends. Zerodha's Overnight Fund now offers this 24x7 service via WhatsApp, making liquidity management simple and fast for many.
Why replicating UPS pensions through NPS is harder than it seems
Central government employees must choose between NPS and UPS. Our simulations show that replicating UPS assured, inflation-linked pension through a market-linked NPS corpus is difficult in most realistic scenarios.
Samir Arora-backed Helios Flexi Cap Fund adds Tata Motors, exits REC and 2 others
Samir Arora-backed Helios Flexi Cap Fund added Tata Motors to its portfolio in February while exiting REC, KPIT Technologies and Oswal Pumps. The fund also increased exposure to several stocks including Lemon Tree Hotels, HDFC Bank and SBI. Its portfolio size fell to 62 stocks while assets under management rose to Rs 6,211 crore.
Gold and silver ETFs saw significant drops on Monday. Precious metal prices opened lower on the MCX. A stronger U.S. dollar pressured bullion prices. Rising energy prices fueled inflation concerns, reducing interest rate cut expectations. These factors overshadowed safe-haven demand amid Middle East conflict. Investors are advised to use dips for accumulation.
Best mid cap mutual funds to invest in March 2026
Mid cap schemes invest in mid cap stocks or in stocks of medium-sized companies. As per Sebi norms, the mid cap mutual funds are mandated to invest in companies that are between 101 and 250 in the market capitalisation. These companies can be leaders of tomorrow. Thats what makes them great bets. If these companies live up to the promise, the market will reward the investors handsomely.
JSW Steel Share Price Live Updates: JSW Steel reports a small negative return
SEBI has introduced a new rule allowing equity mutual funds to invest up to 35% in gold and silver. This move aims to enhance portfolio flexibility and diversification, enabling fund managers to manage risk during volatile markets. Experts believe this will provide a tactical hedge, though excessive exposure could dilute the equity nature of funds.
Infosys Share Price Live Updates: Weekly Performance of Infosys
Adani Ent Share Price Live Updates: Adani Enterprises Suffers 5.64% Weekly Loss
SBI Life Share Price Live Updates: SBI Life Faces Weekly Setback
Divis Labs Share Price Live Updates: Divis Labs trading statistics
Jio Financial Services Share Price Live Updates: Jio Financial Services Trading Metrics
Bajaj Finserv Share Price Live Updates: Bajaj Finserv Faces Weekly Setback
HUL Share Price Live Updates: HUL Trading Metrics
Titan Company Share Price Live Updates: Weekly returns for Titan Company fall by 1.92%
Tech Mahindra Share Price Live Updates: Tech Mahindra's Trading Volume Overview
Pre-market action: Here's the trade setup for today's session
Indian equities extended losses on Friday amid escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia, keeping investor risk appetite subdued. The India VIX surged, indicating increased market fear. Foreign portfolio investors were net sellers, while domestic institutional investors bought shares. The rupee depreciated against the US dollar due to rising crude oil prices and risk aversion.
The Core and Satellite portfolio strategy combines stable, long-term investments (Core) with higher-risk, high-reward opportunities (Satellite). Here's why this combination approach could be worth exploring
Tax savings FDs vs National Savings Certificate? Check details and rate of interest to choose what works best for you
Global oil markets on edge as West Asia unrest triggers new energy shockwave
Crude oil prices have surged to near one-year highs as escalating conflict in West Asia threatens key supply routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz. Rising geopolitical risks, refinery disruptions and tanker delays are pushing prices higher, raising inflation concerns and creating economic vulnerabilities for major Asian importers, including India, China, Japan and South Korea.
Equity mutual funds had a weak week between March 2 and March 7, with most schemes posting losses amid global market declines. International funds were among the worst performers. DSP World Mining Overseas Equity Omni FoF topped the losers list, while several emerging market and global funds also recorded notable declines.
The red flags women face in managing finances and how to deal with them
Many women have been accustomed to signing financial documents without full understanding, largely because they were not actively included in financial decision-making. Take the time to read, ask questions and fully understand financial documents
5 equity mutual funds deliver over 50% in 1 year. Have you invested in any?
Five international equity mutual funds delivered returns of over 50% in the past year. Nippon India Taiwan Equity Fund topped the chart with a 101.16% return, followed by mining, metals, Brazil and clean energy-focused funds. Other funds delivered returns ranging from negative 21.65% to positive 46.41%.
Mutual fund NFOs: 3 new funds will open for subscription on Monday. Check dates and key details
Three new mutual fund offers will open for subscription on March 9. These include Helios Arbitrage Fund, Mirae Asset Nifty 500 Value 50 ETF, and Axis FMP - 130 - 92D Fund. Investors should choose funds based on risk appetite, investment horizon, and financial goals rather than market trends.
Looking for higher FD returns? Check how much interest rates top NBFCs offer in India
NBFCs usually provide fixed deposit rates higher than traditional banks, reaching up to 7-8%. Here's how much interest rate top financial institutions are offering in India.
Women and inheritance: What the law says about your property rights
Owning property is key to financial security, yet many women still miss out on their rightful inheritance. Heres what the law provides and the steps women can take to claim their share.
64% women investors with less than Rs 5 lakh income prefer SIP in mutual funds. Check details
Women investors in India are increasingly choosing systematic investment plans for mutual fund investments. Data shows that 64% of women with annual income below Rs 5 lakh prefer SIPs, while the preference for SIPs remains strong across higher income brackets, highlighting the growing adoption of disciplined investing among women.
Top 10 mutual funds to invest through SIP with investment horizon of 3 years. Check details
Several mutual funds have delivered strong SIP returns over the past three years, led by gold funds and multi-asset allocation schemes. Data from Value Research shows that a monthly SIP of Rs 10,000 in some of these funds would have grown significantly, highlighting the potential of disciplined long-term investing.
What is the fastest growing thing in finance? SIPs? SIFs? Credit cards? Radhika Gupta answers
Women are emerging as the fastest-growing segment in Indias financial ecosystem, according to Edelweiss Mutual Fund CEO Radhika Gupta. Participation by women has surged across mutual funds, equities, insurance and digital payments, reflecting a broader shift toward investment-driven financial planning and increasing financial inclusion across the country.
Quant Small Cap Fund reshuffled its portfolio in February, adding HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank and five other stocks while reducing exposure to Jio Financial Services and three others. The fund also exited Stanley Lifestyles and increased stakes in select companies, reflecting portfolio adjustments amid shifting sector allocations and market conditions.
Starting late in mutual funds? Expert shares a Rs 40,000 SIP portfolio strategy for a 50-year-old
Starting mutual fund investments later in life does not mean missing out on wealth creation. An expert outlines a Rs 40,000 monthly SIP strategy for a 50-year-old investor seeking moderate risk, recommending a mix of hybrid, flexi-cap and index funds to balance stability, diversification and long-term growth potential.
Sebi proposes a voluntary debit freeze for MF folios
Mutual fund investors can soon opt for a voluntary debit freeze facility, enhancing digital security. This feature, rolling out from April 30, 2026, will prevent unit debits until unlocked. Registrar and Transfer Agents will offer this through the MF Central platform for KYC-compliant individuals. AMFI will detail the process and allowed transactions during the lock-in period.
Your mutual funds can now be locked: Sebi introduces debit freeze feature for investors
Sebi launches a voluntary lock-in facility for mutual funds, allowing investors to temporarily freeze withdrawals or debits. The feature enhances digital security for both demat and non-demat folios via MF Central.
Will gold build on its 2025 spectacular gains? Ways to invest in yellow metal in 2026
Gold ETFs and FoFs provide digital ownership with no storage and insurance costs, ease of buying and selling, etc. Gold coins and bullion provide tangible ownership with immediate possession, while gold jewellery serves investment and consumption needs.
What happens if the head of the household goes away? What if the PMS house that takes care of the money wants to change things up or sell its business? What happens to the portfolio when the individual who made the money is no longer there?
14 mutual funds and 2 SIF NFOs are open for subscription now. Check key details
NFO Update: 360 ONE Mutual Fund launches DynaSIF Active Asset Allocator Long-Short Fund
360 ONE Mutual Fund has launched the DynaSIF Active Asset Allocator Long-Short Fund, a new scheme open for subscription until March 20. This fund aims for long-term growth and income generation by dynamically allocating across equity, debt, commodities, and alternatives, while actively managing risk. It seeks to provide resilient, risk-adjusted returns in the current volatile market environment.
Women hold just 25% of mutual fund folios, start investing 5 years later than men: Report
Women hold only 25% of mutual fund folios in India and typically start investing five years later than men, according to a report by Lxme and EY India. Smaller ticket sizes and delayed market entry contribute to a persistent wealth gap, highlighting structural barriers in financial systems despite rising banking access.
Section 80C: Can you withdraw tax-saving investments in a financial emergency?
Taxpayers under the old tax regime can claim up to 1.5 lakh deduction under Section 80C. But can these tax-saving investments help during a cash crunch? Heres when and how you can access the money.
Is six mutual funds too many for monthly SIP of Rs 8,500? Heres what experts suggest
Investors often overcomplicate mutual fund portfolios with too many schemes. Financial experts advise simplifying SIPs for long-term wealth. Heena, an investor, sought advice on her Rs 8,500 monthly SIP across six funds. A CFP recommended reducing the mix to three funds for better diversification and easier management.
Mirae Asset Mutual Fund has been recognized by the India Book of Records for its extensive financial literacy campaign targeting female students. The 15-day initiative reached nearly 40,000 girl students across 320 colleges, aiming to build early investment habits and financial confidence among young women.
Sensex slips over 7% this year. Should mutual fund investors continue SIPs or hit pause?
Indian equity markets have seen increased volatility, with the BSE Sensex slipping over 7% this year. Financial experts advise mutual fund investors to continue SIPs during corrections, viewing it as an opportunity to accumulate units at attractive valuations rather than a reason to pause investments.
Best large cap mutual funds to invest in March 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.
Debt by a thousand cuts: How silent EMIs are killing your financial freedom
Beyond major loans, a growing web of small, automated, and often overlooked recurring expenses is quietly eroding the savings and financial flexibility of Indian households.
With rising tensions in West Asia, airlines are rerouting or suspending flights, complicating travel plans. Travellers should review their insurance policies for coverage on delays and cancellations, as benefits differ.
The Central Information Commission has urged the Income Tax Department to create a taxpayer-friendly mechanism to address grievances, noting that taxpayers often struggle to resolve discrepancies in TDS.
AI moving beyond support roles could complicate CIO's job: S Naren
S Naren of ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company says AI currently supports investment research but could complicate CIO roles if it begins making decisions. He also discussed balanced advantage funds, cautious IPO exposure, and the appeal of multi-asset allocation funds for diversified investing.
Womens Day 2026: Indias leading 3 female portfolio managers. Check how they navigate market cycles
A Morningstar report spotlights three leading women fund managers in IndiaSunaina Da Cunha, Meenakshi Dawar, and Rajasa Kakulavarapu. Through disciplined investment strategies and strong long-term performance across debt, value, and flexi-cap funds, they exemplify the growing influence of women professionals in senior portfolio management roles.
The compound interest is credited by EPFO on a monthly running balance basis at the statutory rate declared for each year. For 2024-25, EPFO declared an interest of 8.25%.
Axis Mutual Fund announces elevation of R Sivakumar as CIO
Axis Asset Management Company has elevated R Sivakumar as Chief Investment Officer following the exit of Ashish Gupta. A founding member of Axis AMC, Sivakumar brings more than 25 years of experience and will lead the fund houses investment strategy, research processes and investment teams as part of the firms internal succession plan.
AI-Powered Ionic Wealth crosses $1 billion AUM in 22 months of operations
Ionic Wealth, an AI-driven wealth-tech platform, has achieved $1 billion in assets under management within 22 months. This success stems from its unique omnichannel approach, blending expert advice with advanced technology. The platform offers features like AI-powered virtual assistants and seamless portfolio aggregation, catering to India's burgeoning affluent investor base.
NFO Alert: Mirae Asset Mutual Fund launches Mirae Asset Silver ETF FOF
Mirae Asset Mutual Fund has launched the Mirae Asset Silver ETF FoF, an open-ended fund of fund investing in the Mirae Asset Silver ETF. The NFO is open until March 18 with a minimum investment of Rs 5,000. The scheme offers investors exposure to silver through a mutual fund structure.
How to shift your MF portfolio from an MFD to an RIA
Doing so essentially involves moving from a regular plan, where commissions are built into the expense ratio, to a direct plan.
MF Tracker: Kotak Small Cap Fund turns Rs 10,000 SIP to Rs 1.78 crore in over 2 decades
Kotak Small Cap Fund has demonstrated significant long-term wealth creation, turning a Rs 10,000 monthly SIP into Rs 1.78 crore over two decades. Despite recent market volatility and negative returns in specific years, the fund's quality-focused strategy and consistent management have driven strong performance across market cycles.
Gold and silver ETFs rose sharply on Thursday as escalating Middle East tensions boosted demand for safe-haven assets, while a weaker US dollar further supported bullion prices. Experts advise investors to stay disciplined with SIPs, rebalance portfolios toward resilient funds, and consider gold as a hedge amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and volatility.
Best mutual funds to invest through SIPs in March 2026
New investors seeking ready-made mutual fund portfolios can find guidance for conservative risk profiles. ETMutualFunds has curated SIP baskets for various investment amounts, ranging from Rs 2,000 to over Rs 10,000, focusing on top-performing funds based on returns, consistency, and risk.
