27 C 
FD premature withdrawal rules: How much penalty do banks charge? All you need to know
Whether driven by urgent medical costs, emergency home repairs, or other sudden financial requirements, liquidating a fixed deposit prematurely carries significant implications.
Sebi proposes allowing online bond platforms to offer IFSCA-regulated products, tax-saving bonds
The new framework seeks to bridge the gap regarding IFSCA-regulated services, proposing that OBPPs operate within the GIFT-IFSC in a manner similar to Sebi-registered stockbrokers.
The demand for travel insurance is rising, with 22% growth in policy issuance in 2026. Here's how these policies work and everything a flyer needs to know before their next trip.
For the April-June 2026 quarter, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana continues to lead with an 8.2% yield, while the PPF rate remains at 7.1%.
Investors reassess asset allocation strategies amid market volatility, focusing on equity, debt, gold, and cash based on their risk appetite and goals. Here's a complete guide to allocate 10 lakh in the current market scenario for different investor profiles.
The Department of Posts now requires depositors to quote their PAN for all specified financial activities
Sebi plans CKYC 2.0 rollout in July: Experts decode impact on investors and borrowers
Unified KYC is being designed on the lines of the Centre's One Nation One KYC plan. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also recently spoke about this while speaking at Sebi's foundation day event last month.
After the account holder's death, PPF account closes, and the nominee or legal heir can claim the balance. The account continues to earn interest until the claim is settled, but no new contributions can be made posthumously.
The meetings will prioritise pensioners, associations, and stakeholders representing personnel from railways and defence.
Money management: Top five lessons Indian mothers taught us long before financial advisors did
Indian mothers have long instilled money management lessons in their children, focusing on disciplined spending, saving, and prioritizing education.
How long will it take to double your investments? Heres how the Rule of 72 works
The Rule of 72 helps investors estimate investment doubling time by dividing 72 with annual return rate. It simplifies compound interest calculations, though results remain approximate for extreme interest rates.
Searching for mid-cap mutual funds? Here are 5 funds for investing in May
ETMutualFunds has shortlisted top midcap mutual funds based on rolling returns, consistency, downside risk, outperformance and asset size. Funds from Axis, PGIM India, Invesco, Kotak and Tata featured in the list. Experts suggest midcap funds are suitable only for investors with high risk tolerance and long investment horizons.
Quant Small Cap Fund exits HDFC Bank, Jio Financial Services and 5 other stocks in April
Quant Small Cap Fund reshuffled its portfolio in April, exiting seven stocks including HDFC Bank and Jio Financial Services while adding new names and trimming exposure in select counters. The fund maintained a defensive stance with higher large-cap allocation, aiming to manage volatility and improve liquidity amid broader market uncertainty.
On April 18, the Centre raised the dearness allowance for employees by 2%, increasing it to 60%. The next DA hike is expected in July 2026, with a potential increase of 2-3% depending on inflation trends, benefiting approximately 50.46 lakh employees and 68.27 lakh pensioners.
Invesco Mutual Fund resumes subscription in 3 international funds
Invesco Mutual Fund has resumed subscriptions for three international funds, including Global Equity Income, Pan European Equity, and Global Consumer Trends, effective May 8. Subscriptions will be permitted up to available headroom without breaching overseas investment limits as of February 1, 2022. The fund house reserves the right to temporarily suspend subscriptions if limits are approached.
I asked ChatGPT to plan an international family holiday in June these destinations made the list
A budget-friendly 10-day international family trip from Mumbai can include destinations such as Thailand, Vietnam, Bali, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka, all within a budget of 23 lakh.
Motilal Oswal Mutual Fund has launched its Contra Fund, open for subscription until May 22. The fund aims for long-term capital appreciation by investing in fundamentally sound but undervalued stocks. Experts suggest this strategy suits patient investors with a 3-5 year horizon, especially during market volatility.
EPFO 3.0 update: PF withdrawal via ATM, UPI soon Check the expected launch date
EPFO subscribers will soon be able to withdraw funds via ATMs, enhancing convenience. This change, part of the EPFO 3.0 initiative, is expected to be implemented by the end of May, allowing quick access to provident funds with minimal paperwork.
Best large & mid cap funds to invest in May 2026
Large and mid-cap mutual funds offer a mix of large and mid-cap stocks. These funds suit aggressive investors with a long-term view. Fund managers adjust allocations based on market outlook. Investors can choose funds tilted towards large caps for safety or mid caps for growth. Performance updates for recommended schemes are provided.
Quant MFs Sandeep Tandon says this is Indias biggest buying opportunity since covid
Quant Mutual Fund founder and CIO Sandeep Tandon says fear around crude, the rupee and FII exits has created opportunity in undervalued pockets of the market, even as investors crowd into consensus trades.
An emergency fund should be easily accessible and low-risk. You will have to allocate your funds such that they can be liquidated for immediate needs while giving optimal returns without compromising safety.
The revised NPS was launched on the lines of the Centre's unified pension scheme (UPS), a default pension scheme rolled out for the new recruits joining central government jobs starting 1 April 2025.
The cost-of-living index comparison between India and the United States highlights key differences in housing, healthcare, salaries, and purchasing power. It will help individuals and families make informed decisions on relocation and financial planning.
The Arunachal Pradesh state government on Wednesday announced a 2% hike in dearness allowance component in salaries of serving employees, raising the rate to 60 per cent of basic pay and pension.
I asked ChatGPT to calculate corpus for retirement to vacation location at 55, factoring in inflation, healthcare, and a sustainable withdrawal rate. Here is what artificial intelligence chatbot said
The AIDEF submitted demands to the 8th CPC, including a minimum pay of 69,000, a fitment factor of 3.833, and risk allowances for hazardous jobs. Here's a look at demands from civilian employees with the defence ministry
Secure your future early with EPFO, as EPF, EPS, and EDLI contributions can steadily help in building retirement savings, lifelong pension benefits, and family financial security for salaried employees across the country.
The newly approved Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) 5.0 could potentially benefit around 1.1 crore MSME accounts, helping businesses tide over disruptions arising from the ongoing West Asia conflict, according to a report by State Bank of India (SBI).
A fixed deposit of 25 lakh can offer a stable monthly income as many banks give up to 7.75% interest. However, before deciding on any investment product, one should consult a certified financial planner.
The PIB Fact Check unit clarified that a video of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman endorsing an investment platform is fake and was created using AI. It also warned against online investment scams.
Why your health insurance won't cover the true cost of ageing
While platforms such as Bima Sugam make buying insurance easier, better access doesn't solve the deeper problem: policies are designed for medical crises, not the recurring, ongoing costs of ageing.
NFO Update: Motilal Oswal Mutual Fund launches Motilal Oswal Contra Fund
Motilal Oswal Mutual Fund has launched the Motilal Oswal Contra Fund, an open-ended equity scheme based on a contrarian investment strategy. The NFO opens on May 8 and closes on May 22. The fund aims for long-term capital appreciation by investing in undervalued companies with turnaround potential across market cycles.
A woman from the US, who has been living in Bengaluru, spoke about rental problems in the city. From the hefty security deposit to the annual rent hike, she explained why the same practices would be illegal in her home country.
NFO Alert: Kotak International announces launch of Kotak Indo-Pacific Defence UCITS ETF
Kotak International has launched its first UCITS ETF focused on the Indo-Pacific defence sector, offering exposure to rising military spending across key Asian markets. Developed with HANetf, the fund includes nearly 30% allocation to Indian companies, aligning with Kotaks strategy to expand global, theme-based investment offerings.
FDs, Real Estate or Gold: Where does Tamil Nadu CM contender Vijay invest most?
According to the 15-page election affidavit filed by Vijay ahead of Assembly polls, and archived by the Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR), this is what his investments look like:
Forgot your EPFO PPO number? Here are 5 easy steps to retrieve it
Easily recover EPFO PPO number online through simple steps using the EPFO portal to ensure smooth pension payments, uninterrupted benefits and quick access to pension records.
Can Rs 85,000 monthly SIP create Rs 2 crore corpus in 7 years? Heres what calculations show
An investor investing Rs 85,000 monthly may not reach Rs 2 crore in seven years. Experts suggest increasing monthly SIPs by Rs 68,000 to Rs 1.53 lakh. The portfolio strategy needs adjustment as the goal nears. Reducing exposure to volatile small and midcap funds is advised. Shifting to largecap or index funds will stabilize returns and protect the corpus.
ICRA Analytics said investors should blend active and passive mutual fund strategies to navigate volatile markets driven by geopolitical tensions and global uncertainty. The report highlighted that balanced portfolio allocation based on risk appetite, goals and investment horizon can help investors stay resilient through market cycles while pursuing long-term wealth creation.
New Income Tax Rules 2026 explained: 6 key form changes and what they mean for taxpayers
Major tax overhaul streamlines compliance as Income Tax Rules 2026 transform key forms, merging TDS, PAN and AIS systems to simplify filing and improve accuracy nationwide
Looking for largecap mutual funds amid market volatility? Check these top 5 funds to invest in May
Top largecap mutual funds were shortlisted using rolling returns, consistency, downside risk, outperformance, and asset size, with select schemes delivering around 1516% returns over the last five years.
Retirement 2.0: How seniors are turning passion into paychecks
Retirees are turning skills, hobbies and decades of experience into new income streamsfrom homestays and startups to care homes and social ventures.
Sensex down nearly 7,200 points in 2026 so far. Should you continue SIPs or pause?
The BSE Sensex has seen a significant drop this year. Experts recommend investors continue their Systematic Investment Plans. This strategy allows for acquiring more mutual fund units at lower prices. For those with extra funds, staggered lump sum investments are also suggested. Market corrections are viewed as normal and beneficial for long-term wealth creation.
A social media user who works at Google shared his monthly expenses, including rent, utility bills, travel costs, groceries and more. Reacting to it, some called it even more expensive than the cost of living in London.
Filing income-tax returns online has become easier, but first-time taxpayers may find it confusing. Income Tax notices can be issued for various reasons, here's what to do if you get one
Dearness Allowance: DA for Pensioners Who is eligible, how does it work? Here's all you need to know
Retired central govt employees are eligible for individual or family pensions which are adjusted every time the CPC rolls out a DA hike or cut, depending on inflation computation. Here's all you need to know
The 8th Pay Commission will conduct stakeholder meetings in Delhi on 13-14 May to discuss pay and pension reforms. Interested parties can apply through the official portal to take part.
Fixed deposit investment strategies can help retirees and senior citizens generate a safe, predictable monthly income of 50,000 through fixed deposits, small savings schemes, and a balanced portfolio allocation strategy.
I asked ChatGPT to calculate the required financial independence, retire early aka F.I.R.E. number to create retirement corpus with 15 lakh per annum salary at 35. Here is what the artificial intelligence chatbot said
I asked ChatGPT to create a budget that ensures retirement by 55, with enough savings to support myself and my parents, buy a home and build a good retirement corpus. Here is what artificial intelligence chatbot said
7th Pay Commission for West Bengal govt staff: Will BJP keep its poll promise? Here is what we know
West Bengal government employees are closely tracking developments on the 7th Pay Commission. As the new BJP government is set to take charge, heres a look at how its potential implementation could impact salaries, allowances, pensions, and overall benefits.
NFO Update: Groww Mutual Fund launches Groww Nifty Private Bank ETF
Groww Mutual Fund has launched the Groww Nifty Private Bank ETF, a passive scheme tracking the Nifty Private Bank Index TRI. The NFO is open until May 20. The fund offers exposure to private banking stocks with a low-cost, rules-based approach, aiming to minimise tracking error and deliver benchmark-aligned returns.
Car loan interest rates May 2026: SBI, ICICI, HDFC and top banks offer from 7.60% Full comparison
Car loan interest rate comparison for May 2026 covers leading public and private banks. Check competitive rates, EMI planning, repayment strategies and key factors influencing total borrowing costs and financial decisions.
11 equity mutual funds with over Rs 1,000 NAV offer upto 24% CAGR since their inception
Around 11 equity mutual funds with NAVs above Rs 1,000 have delivered strong long-term returns, with CAGRs reaching up to 24%. Most of these funds have been in the market for over two decades, highlighting the role of time and compounding in wealth creation across categories like mid cap and flexi cap.
RBI also laid ground rules for how these seized assets must be handled, including how long the lenders can keep them, and who is banned from buying them back.
Using mutual funds as collateral? Avoid these 5 errors before taking loan
Loans against mutual funds offer liquidity without redeeming investments, but require careful handling. Investors often overlook loan terms, valuation risks and repayment discipline. Comparing lenders and avoiding unnecessary borrowing are key to preventing financial strain while using mutual funds as collateral for short-term funding needs.
PPF account: You will remain a crorepati despite drawing 1 lakh monthly pension for 20 years
PPF accouont holders can expect 1,54,50,911 maturity amount after 30 years, assuming a flat PPF interest rate of 7.10% throughout this period
RBI informed the Supreme Court that 30 banks are now integrated with the UDGAM portal, allowing legal heirs to search unclaimed deposits online. The PIL highlights the need for greater integration of assets such as post office deposits and insurance. The SC will hear the matter on 19 May.
Earning 3% on idle cash? Sweep-in FDs may offer a smarter fix
Savings accounts offer safety but little return. Sweep-in facilities promise FD-level interest without sacrificing liquidity. Heres how they work, what they cost and when they make sense.
My Portfolio: How your mutual fund SIP can help you create Rs 7 crore corpus in 15 years
A 30-year-old investor aiming for Rs 7 crore in 15 years faces a shortfall despite a Rs 10,000 monthly SIP with a 27% annual step-up. Expert Vishal Dhawan suggests consolidating mid-cap and small-cap funds to reduce overlap, retaining Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund as core. Increasing contributions is key to bridging the Rs 2.2-2.5 crore gap.
Looking for best mutual funds to invest in May 2026? Here are top 10 performers
Here are some of the top-performing mutual funds for May 2026, based on recent performance, consistency, and category leadership across large-cap, flexi-cap, midcap, and thematic segments:
The great money reset: how Indias Gen Z can turn paycheques into wealth in the age of AI
AI is reshaping how young Indians budget, save and invest. But while tools are powerful, disciplinenot algorithmswill decide whether Gen Z builds lasting wealth or just spends smarter.
Why fund managers have turned cautious on long duration funds
Investors who were looking at gilt funds as a tactical play, expecting yields to normalise in the medium-term, would be better off waiting for fresh triggers to emerge.
Why MF expense ratios are showing higher numbers
Mutual fund expense ratios are rising due to new Sebi guidelines mandating the inclusion of trading-related costs in the Total Expense Ratio (TER). This revised reporting offers investors a more transparent view of all scheme expenses, including brokerage and transaction fees, previously excluded from the headline number.
SBI employees to go on a 2-day strike on May 25,26: Check their 16 key demands
State Bank of India employees plan a two-day strike on May 25-26, 2026, to demand better working conditions and job security. The All India State Bank of India Staff Federation cites administrative neglect and anti-employee policies as reasons for the protest.
The new Income-Tax Act 2025 replaced the original Tax Deducted at Source forms Form 15G and 15H with a single Form 121, as part of the government's move to streamline and simplify India's tax codes.
Tenant rights in India: How much of security deposit can be legally deducted by your landlord?
Security deposit rules in India, guided by the Model Tenancy Act, 2021, vary by state and dictate how much landlords can collect and under what conditions deductions may occur. Details here.
CA Kaushik believes that ordinary investors should not take advice from influencers who push for 100 crore retirement fund, calling it a mathematical impossibility and math scam. He feels that 2-3 crore or even up to 5 crore are strong, realistic numbers.
ChatGPT recommends planning for global education beyond Harvard. It outlines significant costs for a master's degree, estimating up to 7.22 crore for two years. It suggests diversifying investments and emphasizes the importance of academic preparation and scholarship opportunities.
Buy Now Pay Later: Here's how BNPL works, who is eligible and how it impacts your credit score
Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) is a short-term financing option allowing customers to buy items and pay in installments. Here's all you need to know about how it works, who is eligible and how it impacts your credit score
The rupee fell to a record low against the US dollar on 5 May 2026 due to rising US-Iran tensions and soaring crude oil prices. This could impact India's economy as well as household spending. Details here.
EPF vs PPF: Key differences, rules, tax benefits and returns explained
EPF and PPF are key long-term savings instruments in India. While EPF is for salaried employees, PPF is open to all. Both offer tax benefits and fixed interest rates, but differ in eligibility, contributions, and withdrawal rules.
Dearness Allowance: What are the types of DA? How often are they revised? We answer the top FAQs
Dearness Allowance is of two types, one which is revised quarterly based on CPI, and the other revised semi-annually. Both these aim to mitigate inflation effects for households of central government employees.
Looking for safe returns? These 5 government-backed schemes offer over 7.5% interest
Several government-backed savings schemes in India offer annual interest rates of 7.5% and higher. These options cater to various groups and provide tax benefits, attracting conservative investors.
Loan waiver offer? RBI says it could be a scam; 5 ways borrowers can protect themselves
RBI warns borrowers about rising fake loan waiver scams nationwide, urging verification with banks, avoiding upfront fees, and relying on official sources to prevent financial losses and credit damage.
The 8th CPC has extended its deadline for stakeholders to submit their memorandum of suggestions for the panel ahead of its recommendations. Here's a look at the top updates six months into the process
A digital living will: What it means for your family's financial decision
Maharashtras digital living will framework may seem like a small administrative step. But for families that use it, it does something estate planning often cannot
9000 monthly SIP can help you retire at 45 with 2 lakh monthly pension
A 25-year-old investor can accumulate 3,64,92,972 in the next 20 years through a disciplined monthly SIP of 9,000, potentially providing a monthly pension of 2 lakh post-retirement at 45 through a SWP for the next 40 years
Investing Rs 20,000 a month for 25 years? See how much wealth you can create
Investing Rs 20,000 monthly via SIP for 25 years at an expected 12% return can build a corpus of around Rs 3.40 crore. Out of this, Rs 60 lakh is the invested amount, while the remainder is generated through compounding over the long-term investment horizon.
Rupee falls to 95.16/USD, highlighting currency weakness, as Steve Hanke warns of a continued slide without inflows, which could impact inflation, travel costs, EMIs, investments and savings across the country.
100% FDI in Insurance: What rule says? What will be its impact?
The Finance Ministry has approved 100% foreign direct investment in the insurance sector under the automatic route, with a 20% cap for LIC. This reform aims to enhance technology and product design, addressing India's insurance penetration gap and improving affordability and distribution.
Looking to invest via mutual fund SIPs in May? Here are options for aggressive investors
ETMutualFunds outlines SIP portfolio options for aggressive investors across three investment brackets starting from Rs 2,000. The portfolios combine flexi cap, large cap, midcap, small cap, and hybrid funds, selected using an in-house methodology based on returns, consistency, risk, and asset size over the past three years.
The great fuel hedge: can EVs become a solution to India's ICE volatility
With crude over $110, a weak rupee, E20 mandates and BS6 diesel costs rising, electric vehicles are emerging not just as green alternatives but as Indias fiscal hedge.
Senior citizen FD rates in May 2026 across prominent PSU banks show stable returns up to 7.10%, offering safe income, inflation protection and predictable investment options in a volatile economy.
Axis Mutual Fund has temporarily suspended subscriptions in three international funds from May 5 due to overseas investment limits. While fresh inflows are halted, redemptions and existing SIPs continue. The move comes amid strong past returns and follows leadership changes, including Ashish Guptas exit and R Sivakumars elevation as CIO.
JioBlackRock Mutual Fund files draft document with Sebi for hybrid long-short fund under Prism SIF
JioBlackRock Mutual Fund has filed draft papers with Sebi to launch a hybrid long-short fund under its Prism SIF platform. The interval strategy will invest across equity, debt and derivatives with limited short exposure. With structured allocation and income strategies, the fund targets long-term capital appreciation alongside income generation for investors.
Defence mutual funds surge up to 25% in a month. Should you invest now or wait for a correction?
Defence mutual funds have surged up to 25% in a month, driven by geopolitical tensions. Experts advise against chasing this sharp rally, citing stretched valuations and long project timelines. Investors should consider gradual entry or diversified funds for long-term wealth creation.
From using appropriate forms, to making proper income disclosures, filling correct details and attaching documentation for proof Here are the top 10 common mistakes to avoid while filing your returns.
FD rates comparison: Here's a look at the latest bank fixed deposit rates offered by the biggest lenders State Bank of India, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank and Yes Bank.
The IT Ministry clarifies that it has no plans for a new look for its Aadhaar cards, adding that such speculation is not correct. Here's what's new for the government's biometric ID so far in 2026.
6 essential emergency fund rules every Indian household should know to stay debt-free
Emergency fund rules help households build financial resilience. It is imperative to maintain 36 months' expenses, keeping funds separate, prioritising liquidity, starting small, refilling after use, and reviewing annually for stability.
