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Women, younger borrowers and non-metro regions are driving credit growth in the country. The number of eligible Indians opting for loans has jumped from 34% in 2017 to 74% in 2026.
After years of small and mid-cap outperformance, large caps could be poised for a stronger phase. A new report cites six factors, including improving economic growth, attractive valuations and supportive macro trends, while urging investors to maintain a balanced market-cap approach.
Small-cap funds have emerged as the best-performing equity category in FY27 so far, delivering an average return of 22.31% between 1 April and 31 July. They were followed by mid-cap funds with 17.22%, flexi-cap funds with 14.06%, and large-cap funds with 10.52% returns.
How to calculate capital gains on NPS Tier II withdrawals
The eNPS portal does not currently provide a separate capital gains statement for Tier II accounts. Here's how withdrawals may be taxed and what investors need to know.
Income-tax returns: The due date for ITR-1 and 2 passed on 31 July, but taxpayers using ITR-3 and 4 have time to complete their process. Amid the tax season, we explain what invoices and documents employees should retain to support tax-free reimbursements.
With international mutual funds facing investment restrictions due to overseas limits, investors can explore domestic mutual funds with significant foreign equity exposure. A total of 15 equity and hybrid funds have invested in foreign stocks, including two schemes with more than 26% exposure.
A 100% debt portfolio delivered an average annual return of 6.79% with volatility of 6.38%. However, adding a 10% equity allocation improved returns to 7.99% while reducing volatility to 5.76%, showing that higher equity exposure does not always translate into higher portfolio risk.
The 8th central pay commission (CPC) has closed its window for data submission this week. Here's a look at the latest updates on its group consultations process before the panel makes its recommendations.
Delhi Lakshmi Yojana portal received 33,730+ registrations within 12 hours of its launch on 1 August. The scheme offers eligible women 2,500 per month. Women aged 21-60 years, with annual family income up to 2.5 lakh and meeting other criteria, can apply.
RBI fixed deposit rules changes: Could this impact FD interest rates for customers? We explain
RBI has allowed banks to offer differential interest rates on bulk deposits based on their liquidity risk under the Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) framework. We explain how this impacts customers and if this could affect your fixed deposit rates with banks
Looking for top SIP performers? These 7 equity mutual funds delivered over 20% returns in 10 years
Only seven diversified equity mutual funds delivered annualised SIP returns of over 20% in the last 10 years, excluding sectoral and thematic schemes. A 10,000 monthly SIP in these funds grew to as much as 38.8 lakh, with small- and mid-cap funds dominating the rankings.
Multi-asset allocation funds attracted nearly 38,027 crore in H1 2026, about seven times the inflows into balanced advantage funds. The gap was driven by strong gold and silver returns, investor return-chasing behaviour, and fresh fund launches in the multi-asset category.
Dearness Allowance or DA is a percentage of basic salary, reviewed twice annually, and aimed at offsetting the impact of inflation for government employees and pensioners. Here's a look at all the dearness allowance announcements so far
Financial experts say behavioural biases such as recency bias, loss aversion and FOMO often lead investors to buy after rallies and sell during market corrections.
The July 31 ITR filing deadline has passed, but many taxpayers still have time to file their returns. Here's who must file by August 31, October 31 or November 30 under the revised filing calendar for AY 2026-27.
The deadline for ITR filing has passed, yet a viral claim about a Pune CA earning 12 lakh from nearly 400 clients during this peak tax season has sparked debate.
Know Your Fund Manager | Gaurav Chopra, Fund Manager Equity at Union AMC
With over a decade of experience in equity research, portfolio management and fund management, Union Mutual Fund's fund manager shares his career journey, investment philosophy and the principles that guide his approach to creating long-term wealth for investors.
The Gujarat High Court has held that the Income Tax Department cannot retrospectively apply the expanded powers under Section 55A to reopen old property valuation disputes. The ruling offers clarity for taxpayers involved in legacy capital gains cases.
How health insurance portability is becoming a trap for policyholders
Portability, a framework designed to benefit policyholders, is increasingly being driven by sales incentives, despite regulations prohibiting it. Consequently, the weakest link becomes the advice provided by the intermediary facilitating the switch, often with little accountability.
Why fixed income remains a portfolio stabiliser during uncertain times
Investors face geopolitical risks and inflation pressures, leading to increased focus on fixed-income securities. Experts advise on building diversified bond portfolios across ratings and maturities to limit volatility, sustain income, and achieve financial goals effectively.
Edelweiss Mutual Fund is launching India's first REITs-oriented index fund, the Edelweiss Nifty REITs & Realty Index Fund, offering investors diversified exposure to listed REITs and real estate companies through a single passive fund. The NFO opens on August 5 and closes on August 19, with the fund aiming to provide tax-efficient access to the listed real estate ecosystem.
Mutual fund NFOs: 7 new funds will open for subscription this week. Check dates
Seven mutual fund NFOs from Kotak, Motilal Oswal, AlphaGrep, JioBlackRock, Edelweiss and Franklin India will open for subscription this week. The offers span index funds, ETFs, a fund of funds and a short-duration debt scheme, with minimum investments ranging from Rs 10 to Rs 5,000.
The Telangana High Court has ruled that taxpayers cannot lose Section 54F capital gains exemption solely because a builder delayed completing or registering a home. The judgment says delays beyond the taxpayer's control should not defeat the tax benefit if the investment has already been made.
Equity mutual funds gained up to 6% in last week of July. Check top 15 with over 3% gain
Equity mutual funds delivered gains up to six percent in the last week of July. Top performers included technology and transportation sector funds which saw significant returns. SBI Technology Opp Fund and Aditya Birla SL Digital India Fund led the gains. ICICI Pru Transportation and Logistics Fund also performed well during this period. Several other tech and logistics funds also registered positive returns.
SCSS provides government-backed safety and regular quarterly income, while Small Finance Bank FDs offer flexibility and competitive rates. Explore a detailed comparison of returns, risk, liquidity and tax advantages before choosing the right retirement investment strategy.
Millennial investor Todd Baldwin became a millionaire in his 30s by employing a combination of real estate and equity investment. Here's how he used the housing hacking strategy to gain rental income and invested it in index funds.
Bank holidays this week: SBI, HDFC, ICICI, PNB and other banks across India will be closed for upto three days this week, but digital platforms like UPI and banking apps will remain operational.
The motorcycle and the Ferrari: when to indulge and when to hold back
Buy the Ferrari, by all means, on the day you become the person who has earned it. Until then, it's fine to admire one zooming past, and getting on with the un-Ferrari years that are the real work.
US President Donald Trump's policies have pushed up inflation, which has increased the potential social security payouts for Americans in 2027, and threatened to put the US' retirement programme at risk.
UPI transactions hit record 29.9 lakh crore in July; volume rises to 23.66 billion
UPI transactions hit a record 29.9 lakh crore in July, with 23.66 billion transactions. The value marked a 19% annual growth compared to last year, solidifying UPI's position in India's digital payment ecosystem.
ITR filing due date: More than 5.9 crore income-tax returns were filed for AY 202627 by 31 July. Taxpayers filing the ITR-3 and ITR-4 (Sugam) forms must do so by 31 August and 31 October, respectively.
Annapurna Bhandar Yojana: When is the August 3,000 payment likely to arrive?
Beneficiaries of the Annapurna Bhandar scheme are inquiring about the August 2026 credit date. The scheme replaces TMC's Lakshmi Bhandar, offering 3,000 monthly aid.
The Delhi Lakshmi Yojana aims to empower eligible women by providing 2,500 in monthly assistance. Women aged 21 to 60 from households with an income of under 2.5 lakh can apply, with a local MLA or MP's recommendation required for a transparent application process.
Credit card balance transfers can lower interest costs but may temporarily affect your credit score through hard inquiries and new accounts. Experts explain why repayment discipline, lower credit utilisation and avoiding repeated transfers are essential for maintaining a healthy credit profile.
EPFO fast-tracks PF withdrawals, aims to settle claims within 2448 hours check details here
The EPFO aims to settle fresh PF withdrawal claims within the same day or a maximum of two days, easing access to savings for members. Details here.
The revised EPF Scheme no longer permits employees to withdraw their entire PF balance after just two months of unemployment. Check the recent withdrawal rules here.
Bandhan Small Cap among 4 small caps that delivered over 20% CAGR since their respective inception
The top four small-cap mutual funds have delivered over 20% CAGR since their inception. Here's a detailed look at their AUM, inception dates, and performance. (Source: MF Screener)
The July 31 deadline has passed, but belated filings are possible until December 31, 2026, with late fees and interest applicable. How to file ITR after due date, who gets more time, consequences, and other details here.
Planning investments in midcap mutual funds? Check these 5 funds with upto 25% gain in 3 years
Indias consumer giants plan fresh price hikes; heres when the higher rates could reach store shelves
Consumer companies in India are gearing up for another round of price hikes, which could impact people's household expenses. This rise is attributed to a surge in commodity prices amid prolonged US-Iran conflict in West Asia. Details here.
Explained: How the 8-4-3 rule of compounding can help you reach Rs 1 crore sooner
Disciplined investing and compounding accelerate wealth growth towards a Rs 1 crore corpus. The 8-4-3 rule demonstrates how initial investments grow significantly over time. Higher investment returns and frequent compounding periods reduce the time needed to reach financial goals. Starting early and investing consistently maximizes the benefits of compounding for wealth accumulation. Time is a crucial advantage, allowing investments to multiply substantially with regular contributions.
Returns from mutual fund schemes over the past year varied sharply across categories, highlighting the importance of choosing the right fund. Here's a look at the top-performing schemes in each category compared with their benchmark and category average, based on an ET Bureau report.
When investors think about financial mistakes, they often measure them in rupee terms. One common misstep is temporarily pausing SIP investments and restarting them later. Here's how interrupting your SIP contributions can derail your long-term financial goals, according to ET Wealth.
Own an EV? Heres why a regular ICE vehicle insurance policy won't cut it
The real protection for your EV lies in specific covers like EV Shield, which is offered as an add-on to cover batteries. An EV Shield is essential as it specifically covers the battery, electric panel, and charging equipment.
Indias first REIT index fund to launch in August: Should you invest in it?
The REIT index fund provides access to commercial real estate at a low cost, with diversification and liquidity, and in a tax-efficient manner.
August will bring various financial updates for consumers, including changes in banking rules, credit card regulations, and the implementation of CKYC 2.0. Key deadlines include the income tax return filing due by August 31. Full list here.
EPFO members who find their account blocked, can't remember their UAN password, are unable to access their passbook or have KYC pending can check how to fix issues using the portal or Umang app.
The patience payoff: How a 30,000 monthly SIP swells into 50 lakh by 2034
The initial years of SIP investing often require considerable patience. Even with disciplined monthly contributions, many investors feel disappointed as their portfolio appears to grow slowly due to market volatility and a relatively small investment base
Annapurna Yojana: No money in bank account yet? Check what to do if your application gets rejected
Many women in West Bengal applied for the Annapurna Yojana but haven't received financial aid. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari set a payment deadline for August while verification continues.
8th pay commission announces state visit to Chandigarh in September 2026 Check dates, other details
The 8th pay commission has announced its official three-day state visit to the union territory of Chandigarh in September. It will hold meetings with employee unions and stakeholders from Chandigarh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Punjab.
Moody upgrades JSW Steel to global investment grade Baa3
This rating is a recognition of the strength and resilience of JSW Steels business - our scale as Indias largest steel producer, our cost-competitive operations across multiple locations, and the quality of assets we have built over the years, said Jayant Acharya, joint managing director and chief executive at JSW Steel.
Mumbai records best-ever July property registrations, stamp duty collections
Mumbai's property market achieved its best-ever July performance with strong housing demand. The city recorded its highest-ever property registrations and stamp duty collections for July. This sustained buyer confidence reflects resilient end-user demand and enduring confidence in homeownership. Infrastructure upgrades and improved connectivity continue to support residential demand across micro-markets. Industry experts anticipate healthy transaction activity supported by new housing supply and redevelopment.
Maruti Suzuki is investing Rs 561 crore in four compressed biogas manufacturing projects. This move supports India's transition to cleaner mobility and reduces fuel imports. The company's first-quarter profitability declined due to higher raw material costs. Despite this, vehicle sales increased significantly, aided by a new manufacturing plant. Maruti Suzuki's net sales rose, but net profit saw a decline.
Baba Ramdevs next stretch: Patanjali takes the insurance route
Loan growth remains strong, shows latest RBI sectoral data
Banking credit to industries showed robust growth, increasing 19.2 percent year on year. Personal loan growth also remained strong, rising 16 percent compared to last year. Medium enterprises experienced the fastest credit growth, surging 30 percent year on year. Petroleum, coal products, and gems and jewellery sectors saw significant expansion. Loan against gold jewellery emerged as the fastest growing personal loan segment.
DA hike: Central government employees and retired pensioners are expecting a second increase in dearness allowance this year, sometime in the second half as a Diwali gift during the festive season.
1.1 trillion blind spot: How ignoring employee health is costing Indian businesses
The largest hidden cost is presenteeismwhere employees show up to work but cannot perform at their full capacity. This phenomenon accounts for 51,000 crore of the total annual cost to employers.
Health insurance: Co-payment vs deductible explained. Which one should you choose?
Having a clear understanding of co-payments and deductibles in health insurance can help policyholders estimate out-of-pocket costs, compare plans, and avoid claim surprises. This guide explains how both clauses work, their impact on premiums, and how to choose the right policy.
Mutual fund NFOs: 5 new funds are open for subscription now. Check dates and key details
Five new mutual fund offers are currently open for subscription, including two ETFs, two domestic FoFs and one flexi-cap fund, giving investors fresh options across diverse investment categories.
6 smallcap mutual funds deliver over 20% return in 6 months. Do you own any?
Six smallcap mutual funds delivered over 20% returns in the past six months, led by Bank of India Small Cap Fund, reflecting strong performance in the segment, according to ACE MF data.
ESOP taxation can arise at two stageswhen shares are exercised and when they are sold. Here's how salary income, capital gains, fair market value and record-keeping affect ITR filing for AY 2026-27, and how to avoid these common tax reporting mistakes.
Wealth creators: 12 equity mutual funds turn Rs 1,000 SIP to nearly Rs 3 crore since their inception
Twelve equity mutual funds have turned a Rs 1,000 monthly SIP into more than Rs 1 crore since their inception, with the top performer generating a corpus of up to Rs 2.86 crore. The list spans seven fund categories, led by midcap and flexicap schemes.
15 lakh income, different tax liabilities: Why salaried middle class ends up paying highest tax
India's income tax system is progressive - higher incomes are taxed at higher rates. However, the final tax liability depends not just on how much a person earns, but also on how that income is earned.
Personal accident cover and standalone term insurance provide financial protection but serve different purposes. Let's deep dive into similarities and differences between the two insurance policies.
Filed your ITR in the last hour? These 5 mistakes can trigger a defective return notice
As the 31 July ITR filing deadline approaches, taxpayers should review their returns to avoid errors that may lead to a defective return notice from the income tax department. Here are 5 mistakes can trigger a defective return notice.
8th Pay Commission: 5 latest updates boost hopes for 1.1 crore employees and pensioners
The 8th Pay Commission has stepped up stakeholder consultations with meetings across India. Here are the five latest official updates, and what they mean for over 1.1 crore central government employees and pensioners.
ITR filing deadline today: Here's how much a one-day delay could cost you in interest and late fee
The deadline for income tax return filing is 31 July 2026, with over 5.4 million returns already filed. Taxpayers missing this date face late fees and interest under Sections 234A and 234F. Here's how much you may have to pay if you miss the deadline by just a day.
Gold and silver prices today, 31 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.
Technology sector mutual funds achieved substantial gains during July. HDFC Technology Fund led with a remarkable 16.91% return for investors. Other tech funds also delivered double-digit returns, outperforming many others. International funds experienced significant declines, primarily due to market corrections. Experts advise diversified equity funds for balanced long-term investment strategies.
ITR filing deadline extension LIVE: The ITR filing due date is today for eligible taxpayers. Some are also hoping for an extension like last year, but experts caution that a similar relief is unlikely.
Taxpayers who file their ITR on 31 July can complete e-verification within 30 days. Here's how the verification timeline affects the filing date, the belated return status and compliance with income tax rules.
As the July 31 income tax return deadline approaches, over 5 crore ITRs have been filed till Thursday. Late filers may face penalties and miss out on benefits like carrying forward losses. Check all consequences here.
Missing ITR deadline today is like getting Hit Wicket: Tax department urges a Free Hit filing
The Income Tax Department, in a recent X post, reminded taxpayers that 31 July is the last date to file ITR-1 and ITR-2 for AY 2026-27. Complete filing and e-verification today to avoid late fees, interest and compliance issues.
Scheme selection key as mutual fund returns vary widely across categories
Mutual fund returns show significant differences between top and bottom performers. The flexi-cap category saw a wide gap between gains and losses. Small-cap funds also displayed considerable divergence in their yearly performance. Market trends favored stock-specific bets and certain sectors over traditional ones. Investors must understand fund styles and team track records for better selection.
ITR filing 2026: How to report capital gains from shares, mutual funds and ETFs to avoid tax notices
Taxpayers must accurately report capital gains from shares, mutual funds, and ETFs while filing the ITR for AY 2026-27. It is important to choose the correct ITR form, classify gains, reconcile investment records, and report only realised gains to avoid discrepancies and scrutiny.
Does Indias DIY mutual fund boom needs structured assistance?
Over 5-6 crore Indians now invest in mutual funds, thanks to digital platforms. While ease of access has increased, first-time investors face complexities in asset allocation. Future investing will require curated advice and structured assistance to ensure successful long-term portfolios.
Mid-cap funds aim to outperform their benchmark through active management, but not all succeed. There are currently eight mid-cap funds with a negative alpha, with Taurus Mid Cap Fund having the lowest alpha of -7.20.
A financial master sheet won't make you richerbut it could save your family from economic chaos
A financial master sheet is a single document that records the family's financial and administrative details, showing what assets exist, where they are held, and where supporting documents are stored.
Large-cap funds have seen their alpha generation decline over the years compared with the Nifty 50 TRI. While funds outperformed strongly during 2000-2009, the advantage narrowed in the following decade and turned negative after 2020.
Not reporting bank interest or LTCG in your ITR? Avoid these 2 common tax filing mistakes
Many taxpayers mistakenly assume that TDS-deducted income or tax-exempt LTCG need not be disclosed in their ITR. Such omissions can create mismatches with AIS and Form 26AS, leading to tax notices or adjustments even when no additional tax is payable.
The Maharashtra government has approved incentive allowance equivalent to 30% of basic pay for police officers and personnel in the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) under the 7th central pay commission.
The government says the income tax e-filing portal can process up to 1 crore ITRs a day, but experts say taxpayers should not mistake higher capacity for a risk-free last-day filing experience. Here's why they don't expect an extension yet, and why waiting until July 31 could still be costly.
Active large-cap funds may not provide as much diversification as many investors expect. A study shows their sector allocations and stock portfolios closely mirror the Nifty 50, with the overlap becoming even higher among the largest funds.
Kotak Investment Banking appoints Jayasankar, Sourav Mallik as Co-CEOs
Kotak Investment Banking is undergoing a noteworthy leadership transition. V. Jayasankar and Sourav Mallik will take the reins of the investment banking sector together, while Ramesh Srinivasan will become Non-Executive Vice Chairman. His years of experience will inform strategic advice and client engagement efforts, signaling a strong foundation for future growth in the organization.
The income tax return filing season is nearing its end, with over 5 crore returns submitted. A significant question on the ITR form is causing confusion. Here's how to respond to it.
Investec Selects Infosys Finacle SaaS Platform on Microsoft Azure for Digital Banking Transformation
Investec Selects Infosys Finacle SaaS Platform on Microsoft Azure for Digital Banking Transformation
DA hike: West Bengal state government employees will receive their 20% dearness allowance increase and salaries for October before Durga Puja festivities, according to Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.
EPF subscribers are facing issues with overlapping employment records and missing data on the EPFO portal after its recent system migration. Lawyers explain whether employers can reject your job application solely due to EPFO portal error.
After filing ITR, taxpayers may receive notices due to mismatches in income, incorrect ITR forms, pending tax demands or any scrutiny by the Income Tax Department. Understanding why these notices are issued and how to avoid them can help ensure timely compliance and prevent penalties.
