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FM Nirmala Sitharaman said the New Income Tax Act would come into effect from 1 April 2026. She had proposed to overhaul the six-decade-old Income Tax Act of 1961 in her budget presentation last year. Here's all you need to know about the changes.
Budget 2026: TCS slashed to 2%; how will it impact taxpayers? Explained
Budget 2026: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced that tax collected at source for several purposes will now be charged at 2% instead of 5% or 20%.
Budget 2026: Centre scraps tax on motor accident compensation, interest
Starting 1 April 2026, any compensation and interest awarded by the Motor Accidents Claims Tribunals to an individual or their legal heirs will be entirely exempt from income tax.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the 2026-27 Union Budget, focusing on capital expenditure and sector incentives. Additionally, taxes on certain goods have been reduced, while tobacco and alcohol rates have been hiked.
The Budget 2026 hike in Securities Transaction Tax is expected to reduce arbitrage fund returns by about 0.5% next year, according to Capitalminds Deepak Shenoy. While retail investors may see limited impact, arbitrage funds and foreign portfolio investors could face higher costs in futures trading.
Union Budget 2026: How experts decode this for mutual fund investors
The Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, in her budget 2026 speech, announced to raise the STT on Futures to 0.05% from the present 0.02%. STT on options premium and exercise of options are both proposed to be raised to 0.15% from the present rate of 0.1% and 0.125%, respectively.
Union Budget 2026: FM Nirmala Sitharaman proposes taxing buyback proceeds as capital tax
In the Union Budget 2026-27, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed that the buyback proceeds for all types of shareholders will be taxed as capital gains. Details here.
Union Budget 2026: ITR revision deadline extended to March 31
Union Budget 2026 proposes extending the deadline for filing revised income-tax returns to 31 March from 31 December, as FM Sitharaman announces key compliance changes under the Income Tax Act, 2025.
Budget 2026 income tax announcements: Salaried taxpayers and the middle class citizens of India were expecting major income tax announcements after the relief that FM Sitharaman announced last year.
Union Budget 2026: FM Sitharaman announces new scheme for small taxpayers - Details inside
Union Budget 2026: FM Nirmala Sitharaman announces a new automated scheme for small taxpayers in the FY27 Budget, enabling lower or nil tax deduction certificates, reducing TCS on overseas spending, and extending income-tax return deadlines.
Income Tax Slabs Budget 2026 Live Updates: FM Nirmala Sitharaman will present her ninth Budget today. Ahead of Budget 2026, taxpayers are wishing for income tax rate cuts today. Follow along for all LIVE updates on Budget 2026 income tax announcements.
16 equity mutual funds deliver over 20% return since last budget. Do you own any in your portfolio?
Equity mutual funds have shown strong performance since the last budget on February 1, 2025. Approximately 16 funds delivered over 20% returns. Sectoral and thematic funds, including international, energy, and banking sectors, led the gains. Nippon India Taiwan Equity Fund topped the list with a 61.40% return.
Budget 2026: Will the old tax regime be phased out this time? Experts weigh in
Budget 2026: The old tax regime still offers key deductions like Section 80C and House Rent Allowance (HRA). Plus, the New Income Tax Act 2025 permits filing ITRs under the old regime, keeping it relevant despite the push towards the new regime.
Why global investing matters now more than ever
At Mint Horizons Kolkata, Neil Borate emphasised that global investing is an ingrained instinct for Indians, citing gold as a historical example. He discussed the importance of geographic diversification and various routes for Indian investors to gain global exposure.
Top 5 smallcap mutual funds offer up to 27% annualised return in 3 years
Top smallcap mutual funds delivered strong three-year returns of up to 27%, led by Bandhan Small Cap Fund. Passive small cap index funds and actively managed schemes dominated the top performers, while several established funds lagged with negative returns, highlighting wide divergence in small cap fund performance.
Mutual fund NFOs: 5 new funds will open for subscription this week. Check key details
Five new mutual fund NFOs are opening for subscription this week across ETFs, index funds, sectoral funds, and funds of funds. Offerings include defence, consumption, services, and multi-asset strategies from Mirae Asset, HDFC, Kotak, and DSP, giving investors fresh options across themes and risk profiles.
INR Check: What history reveals about gold, silver and market crashes
Budget 2026: Mutual fund industry seeks debt indexation return, ELSS relief and MF pension schemes
Ahead of Budget 2026, the mutual fund industry has urged the government to restore debt fund indexation, offer ELSS tax relief under the new regime, and allow pension-oriented MF schemes. Experts also expect tax stability, fiscal discipline, and policy clarity to boost long-term investing and investor confidence.
Looking for gold and silver based ETFs with investment horizon of 3 years? Check 5 toppers
Gold and silver based ETFs have delivered strong returns over a three year period amid global uncertainty. Data from MF Screener highlights the top five fund of fund options across gold and silver categories for medium term investors.
Top 5 flexi-cap mutual funds offer over 20% CAGR in 3 years
Nilesh Shah says judging fund managers by old clips misleads investors. Market views evolve with facts. He cites gold and silver gains since 2020, driven by central bank buying, geopolitics and diversification, urging investors to judge actions and allocation instead.
JioBlackRock Sector Rotation Fund opens for subscription: 10 things to know
Top 10 AMCs gold ETF AUM crosses Rs 1.5 lakh crore in January. Check details here
Gold ETF boom: AUM of the top 10 AMCs crosses Rs 1.5 lakh crore in January as investors flock to safe-haven assets.
Railway-focused mutual funds lose up to 8% since last Budget. Is 2026 time to stay invested or exit?
Since the last Union Budget, 45 stocks have become multibaggers. As the next budget approaches, analysts are identifying sectors poised for growth. Infrastructure, defence, renewable energy, and manufacturing are key areas to watch. Targeted government spending and policy signals are expected to drive stock performance.
Best dynamic bond funds to invest in January 2026
If you are planning to invest for three to five years, but dont want to take a call on interest rates, you can bet on dynamic bond funds. Kotak Dynamic Bond Fund, one of the recommended schemes, has been in the third quartile for the last 20 months. ICICI Prudential All Seasons Bond Fund has been in the second quartile for the last 20 months. Please follow our monthly updates to keep track of your investments
Quiet confidence: How first-time earners are redefining money habits
Rather than splurging, Indias young professionals are adopting disciplined, flexible budgeting to navigate their first years of earning.
Strong local flows into funds offset volatile overseas money
Mutual funds, driven by consistent household inflows via SIPs, have become a cornerstone of India's equity market, offsetting volatile foreign investor flows. Domestic institutional investors, including mutual funds and insurance companies, now hold a larger share of equities than foreign portfolio investors, marking a significant shift in market dynamics.
Anup Upadhyay, fund manager at SBI Mutual Fund, said about 70% of the SBI Flexi Cap Fund is now in large caps, up from 55% a year ago. In an interview with Mint, he also spoke about his outlook for the market, sectoral bets, and structural changes in the SBI Flexi Cap Fund.
HDFC Mutual Fund announces change in fundamental attribute of its non-cyclical consumer fund
Under the revised mandate, the fund will allocate 80100% of its assets to equity and equity-related instruments of companies in the consumption and consumption-related or allied sectors.
NFO Alert: Mirae Asset launches two BSE India Defence-based passive funds
Mirae Asset Investment Managers (India) has launched two BSE India Defencebased passive funds: the Mirae Asset BSE India Defence ETF and its ETF FOF. The NFOs open on February 2, the ETF closes on February 10 and the FOF closes on February 16, 2026. The schemes will reopen for continuous transactions later in February.
The Economic Survey 2025-26 highlights a sharp rise in equity and mutual fund allocation in household savings, driven by a sevenfold increase in SIP contributions, signalling a structural shift towards disciplined, long-term investing by Indian households.
Budget 2026 and your portfolio: Track but retain long-term focus
The budget 2026 is just one stop on your investment journeyit does not change your destination.
Gold ETFs outshine silver ETFs with up to 13% surge amid precious metals rally
Gold ETFs outperformed silver ETFs with gains up to 13% amid a rally in precious metals. Rising geopolitical risks, strong investment flows and tight supply conditions have driven record highs in gold and silver futures on MCX.
International mutual funds have delivered triple-digit gains since Budget 2025, driven by a rebound in US and Asian markets. Experts say the surge reflects a cyclical recovery, not a structural shift. For Budget 2026, investors and AMCs expect policy stability, higher offshore limits, and clearer taxation rules to support global diversification.
These top 10 AMCs manage over Rs 1 lakh crore of silver ETF AUM in January. Nippon Mutual Fund leads
Indias top 10 asset management companies collectively managed over Rs 1.13 lakh crore in silver ETF assets in January 2026. Nippon India Mutual Fund led the pack, followed by ICICI Prudential and HDFC Mutual Fund, according to NSE data.
Best short duration mutual funds to invest in January 2026
According to the Sebi mandate, short duration funds can invest in debt instruments which have maturity between one and three years. That means these schemes are meant for short-term investments of up to three years or more. They are somewhat in the middle when it comes to interest rate risk. They are riskier than liquid, ultra short term, and low duration funds.
Why naming a nominee may be the most important step in your life insurance
Assigning a nominee in a life insurance policy ensures faster claim settlement, legal clarity and financial security for families when they need it most.
Is a Hiba valid for gifting property to unborn grandchildren?
Hiba made in favour of unborn children is invalid. A key principle that governs Hiba is the fact that Hiba can be effected inter vivos or among living persons. When a Hiba is made to a child in the womb, it would stand valid only if the child is born alive within 6 months from the date the Hiba.
Nippon India Gold & Silver ETFs cross Rs 1 lakh crore AUM, emerge as market leader
Among the Top 10 AMCs managing Gold and Silver ETFs, Nippon India Mutual Fund leads with the highest combined AUM, ahead of peers like ICICI Prudential MF (Rs 48,165.7 crore), HDFC MF (Rs 34,075.7 crore), and SBI MF (Rs 33,103.6 crore).
Lessons from the Binny Bansal ruling: Dubai or Singapore not an easy NRI tax arbitrage
Recent rulings in the Binny Bansal and Tiger Global cases signal that day counts and paper relocations are no longer enough. Tax authorities are looking for real overseas substance before granting non-resident status or treaty benefits.
Is continuing NPS investment the right choice for long-term retirement planning?
Which mutual funds to pick for SIPs in January? Aggressive investors weigh in
Aggressive investors suggest prioritizing high growth mutual funds like small cap, midcap, flexi cap, and sectoral schemes for SIPs in January to potentially maximize long term returns while accepting higher volatility.
Parag Parikh Large Cap Fund NFO closes Friday: 10 key things to know
Parag Parikh Large Cap Funds New Fund Offer, which opened on January 19 and closes on Friday, January 30, aims to give investors cost efficient exposure to large cap stocks with smart execution and broad diversification ahead of reopening for continuous subscriptions in February 2026.
Why did you just buy five books when you needed two?
From false scarcity to hidden fees, digital platforms are engineered to extract maximum value. Here are the psychological weapons used against your wallet.
Eighteen equity mutual funds delivered over 1.85 times returns on lumpsum investments over three years, led by mid and small cap schemes. The analysis highlights top performers while reiterating that returns vary based on risk profile, market conditions and investment horizon.
Best medium to long duration funds to invest in January 2026
According to Sebi norms, medium to long term funds have a mandate to invest in debt and money market instruments in such a way that the Macaulay's duration of the portfolio is four to seven years. Since these schemes invest in long-term debt instruments, they are considered risky.
The Internal Revenue Service officially started accepting 2025 tax returns on 26 January, launching a taxpaying season that the White House projects could deliver an additional $100 billion returns to taxpayers.
Can income-plus arbitrage FoFs deliver stable, tax-efficient returns?
Income-plus arbitrage fund of funds offer a stable, tax-efficient fixed-income option for investors seeking to avoid equity and recent precious metal volatility. These schemes blend debt and arbitrage strategies, providing stability from debt and low-risk, tax-advantaged returns from arbitrage opportunities.
How to merge two PF accounts, and is a withdrawal taxable?
The latest UAN linked to your last employer should be retained, and the older one linked to your first employment must be merged
Why gold and silver are returning to Indian portfolios - for reasons beyond tradition
Indian households are returning to gold and silver, not out of tradition, but as part of a more structured approach to financial stability. As income becomes less predictable, these metals are finding a new role within diversified portfolios, alongside market-linked assets and passive income strategies that together support long-term financial freedom.
JioBlackRock Sector Rotation Fund is open for subscription. Should you invest?
The JioBlackRock Sector Rotation Fund uses AI, big data, and BlackRocks SAE approach to dynamically adjust sector exposures. Designed to complement core equity funds, it aims to enhance diversification, manage risk, and capture sectoral opportunities, offering Indian investors a top-down, sector-focused investment strategy. Investors can subscribe to the scheme until February 9.
Baroda BNP Paribas Money Market Fund crosses Rs 4,500 crore AUM mark in 6 years
Baroda BNP Paribas Money Market Fund has crossed Rs 4,500 crore in assets under management after completing six years. The fund has delivered steady returns, maintained high credit quality and liquidity, and outperformed its benchmark amid a declining interest rate environment.
NFO Update: SBI Mutual Fund announces launch of SBI Quality Fund
SBI Mutual Fund has launched SBI Quality Fund, an open-ended equity scheme focused on the quality factor, aiming long-term capital appreciation by investing in fundamentally strong companies, with the NFO opening January 28 and closing February 11 for retail investors.
Tax-saving FD lock-in should be cut to three years, at par with ELSS in Budget 2026: SBI
State Bank of India has urged the government to cut the lock-in period for tax-saving fixed deposits to three years in Budget 2026, align interest taxation with capital gains, and remove TDS to boost bank deposit mobilisation.
Looking for low cost and high return ETFs with a three year investment period? Here are the top 5
Silver-based ETF FoFs have emerged as a low cost investment option, delivering over 62% returns in three years. Here is a comparison of the top five silver ETF funds based on returns, expense ratios, and assets under management.
The second shift: How Gen Z is building wealth after office hours
In an economy that demands diversification to survive, the best investment you can make might just be the one you do on a Saturday afternoon.
New Tax Regime: Is ELSS still relevant without Section 80C tax breaks?
ELSS does not offer tax deductions under the New Tax Regime. However, it still has the potential to deliver strong returns and create wealth. With a three-year lock-in period, ELSS can help investors overcome emotions such as greed and fear and become more disciplined.
Confused between old and new tax regime? A smart guide for middle-aged taxpayers
Managing investments in 2026 amid volatile markets and geopolitical uncertainty
From crypto SIPs and precious metals to IPO mania, 2025 saw investors chase returns like never before. As markets remind them of risk, 2026 calls for discipline over FOMO.
NFO Alert: Edelweiss MF launches Financial Services Fund
Edelweiss Mutual Fund has launched a new financial services equity fund, open for subscription until February 10. This scheme aims for long-term growth by investing in high-quality companies across India's expanding financial sector, driven by rising consumption and digital adoption. Managed by experienced professionals, it targets investors comfortable with sector-specific risks for potential capital appreciation.
Union Mutual Fund launches Arthaya SIF, appoints Rajesh Aynor to lead this platform
Union Asset Management Company has launched 'Arthaya SIF', a Specialized Investment Fund platform offering purpose-led, actively managed strategies across equity, hybrid, and fixed income. This move expands their product suite, providing agile and tailored solutions for investors seeking strategic, outcome-oriented portfolios. The platform aims to deliver value through clarity, adaptability, and alignment with long-term goals.
Best medium duration mutual funds to invest in January 2026
Medium duration mutual funds are extremely sensitive to changes in the interest rate environment. They suffer when the rates go up. Mutual fund advisors say many conservative investors would find it difficult to handle the volatility faced by these schemes.
Nominee vs heir: Why your bank nomination doesnt decide inheritance
Understanding the crucial difference between nominees and legal heirs can save families from disputes and ensure smooth asset transfer.
Why children are quietly becoming their parents financial managers
As fraud risks rise and finance grows more complex, adult children across urban India are becoming informal money managers for ageing parentsmanaging investments, blocking mis-selling and navigating a delicate balance between protection and autonomy.
Why silver isnt cheap goldand what investors get wrong about the catch-up trade
As gold hits record highs, many investors assume silver is the obvious next bet. History shows that thinking can quietly damage long-term portfolios.
7 equity mutual funds lose over 12% in 3 months. Do you own any?
Should you stop SIPs during market corrections? Heres what investors need to know
Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) in mutual funds are widely promoted as a simple and disciplined way to build long-term wealth. However, when markets turn volatile or portfolios show short-term losses, many investors begin to question whether SIPs would work in all conditions.
Mutual Fund AUM growth slows to 3-year low in 2025
Mutual fund AUM and investor folios saw multi-year low growth in 2025 due to subdued stock market performance and a high base from previous years. Equity AUM growth halved, while overall AUM increased by 20% and folios by 16%, reflecting cautious investor sentiment.
ICICI Prudential AMC stops inflows into 2 FoFs
ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund has announced the grandfathering of two fund-of-funds schemes, the Passive Multi Asset FoF and Global Advantage Fund, effective January 27. This move bars new investments while allowing existing investors to remain. The decision stems from the schemes not fitting Sebi's classification for multi-underlying fund-of-funds.
