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Govt may hike FDI limit in pension sector; Bill likely in Monsoon Session
The government is poised to significantly boost foreign direct investment in the pension sector, potentially raising the limit to 100%. A bill to this effect is anticipated in upcoming parliamentary sessions. This move mirrors the insurance sector's recent FDI liberalization. Additionally, proposals include separating the NPS Trust from the PFRDA, aiming for independent management.
Akshaya Tritiya, April 19, 2026, is here. This auspicious day is ideal for gold purchases and new beginnings. Families traditionally invest in gold and start ventures. Check the latest gold rates from Tanishq, Joyalukkas, Kalyan Jewellers, and Malabar Gold & Diamonds. The Bureau of Indian Standards app helps verify gold authenticity.
5 mutual funds add 11 smallcap stocks to their portfolios in March. Check which ones
Five mutual funds added 11 smallcap stocks to their portfolios in March, according to Nuvama Institutional Equities. SBI Mutual Fund and ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund led additions, while Axis, Nippon India and Quant Mutual Fund also picked select names, reflecting active portfolio management in the smallcap segment.
JioBlackRock Mutual Fund: HDFC Bank, ITC and Infosys among top 10 stock holdings in March
JioBlackRock Mutual Fund, a new entrant, reported an AUM of Rs 15,258 crore in March, with HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank as its top holdings. The portfolio also includes Bharti Airtel, Reliance Industries, Infosys and ITC, based on data from Prime Database.
Nine midcap stocks, including Physicswallah and Jubilant Foodworks, may be downgraded to smallcap in AMFIs H2 CY26 rejig, according to Nuvama Institutional Equities. Revised market capitalisation thresholds could trigger reclassification, impacting mutual fund portfolios and stock positioning across categories.
11 gold ETFs offer up to 59% return since last Akshaya Tritiya. Do you own any?
Gold ETFs have delivered significant returns, with some offering up to 59% since the last Akshaya Tritiya. Tata Gold ETF led with a 59.42% return. Experts suggest digital gold via ETFs or funds of funds is preferable for investment. Gold remains a crucial asset for portfolio diversification and hedging against inflation and economic uncertainty.
YES Bank logs robust 45 per cent jump in Q4FY26 standalone net profit at 1,068 crore
Loan loss provisions declined about 41 per cent y-o-y to Rs 188 crore (Rs 318 crore)
ICICI Bank reports 8.5% rise in Q4 net profit amid lower provisions
The private lenders net profit for the fourth quarter came in at 13,701.7 crore, while net interest income was 8.4% higher on year at 22,979 crore
Akshaya Tritiya Meets Smart Investing: The Rise of Digital Gold
Akshaya Tritiya, a day for prosperity, now embraces digital gold. This modern investment allows easy online gold purchases, offering convenience and flexibility. Investors can start small, ensuring consistent savings. Digital gold blends tradition with smart financial planning for a secure future. It provides a safe and accessible way to honor this timeless gold tradition.
Q4 Results Highlights Today, April 18, 2026: Catch latest updates
Gold prices in Dubai remained a key focus on Saturday, April 18, 2026, influenced by global market trends. Major jewelers like Joyalukkas, Kalyan Jewellers, Dubai Jewellery Group, and iGold updated their 18k, 22k, and 24k rates. Consumers can now check the latest prices for 24k gold around AED 582.25 per gram.
HDFC Bank Q4 profit rises 8% to 20,350 crore; NPAs improve
The banks asset quality improved, with gross NPAs falling to 1.15 per cent
DA hike for central government employees: A 2% hike in DA will take it from its current rate of 58% to 60%. With this hike, dearness relief (DR) for pensioners has also been increased to 60%. The announcement is for January 2026 and central government employees and pensioners will get arrears from the back date.
Yes Bank posts higher Q4 profit on loan growth
The private lender's loans grew 10.7% year-on-year during the quarter.
SBI Mutual Fund : HDFC Bank and Infosys among top 10 stock holdings in March
Wipro among 18 stocks from which these 7 mutual funds made complete exit in March. Check details
5 equity mutual funds offer over 15% annualised return on SIP investments in 10 years. Check details
Gold rate today: Gold prices saw a rise on Saturday, April 18, 2026, as Akshaya Tritiya approaches on April 19, 2026. Consumers are closely watching these daily fluctuations to make informed purchase decisions for the auspicious occasion. IBJA rates for April 17, 2026, are also provided.
Akshaya Tritiya remains proven entry point for gold investors: Motilal Oswal
Gold continues its role as a trusted asset for Indian households, blending tradition with financial security. Investors are showing increased interest in flexible gold options alongside traditional purchases. Global factors like geopolitical tensions and economic growth concerns support gold's appeal. The outlook for gold remains constructive for medium to long-term investors, with a 'buy on dips' strategy recommended.
Gold funds vs ETFs: Where should mutual fund investors place their bets this Akshaya Tritiya?
Gold ETFs and Gold Funds offer different advantages for investors. Gold ETFs are more cost-effective and tax-efficient. Gold Funds provide easier access for those without a demat account. Experts suggest Gold ETFs for first-time investors seeking direct exposure. Gold's outlook remains constructive, though near-term volatility is expected. Investors should view gold as a hedge, not a core portfolio allocation.
205% return on SGB premature redemption date: Gold bond turns Rs 1 lakh investment into Rs 3.05 lakh
Sovereign Gold Bond: The Reserve Bank of India has set the premature redemption price for Sovereign Gold Bond SGB 2020-21 Series-VII. Investors can redeem these bonds from April 20, 2026. The redemption price is fixed at Rs 15,254 per unit.
Capital gains from property sale? How to balance tax saving with long-term wealth creation
Investors selling property face a choice: reinvest for tax savings or maximize long-term wealth. Financial expert Shweta Jain advises a balanced approach for a 10-year horizon, suggesting a mix of high-growth equities and stable instruments. While reinvesting in property offers tax benefits, it limits liquidity. Diversification is key for optimal returns and financial flexibility.
Goldman sees softer oil demand, flags two-sided risks to 2026 price outlook
Crude prices settled down by around 9% on Friday on reported progress towards a potential peace deal, which Goldman said could lead to a faster unwinding of the geopolitical risk premium and send prices lower in the near-term
Senior citizens seeking stable returns and capital safety find fixed deposits a preferred investment. For a 3-year tenure, small finance banks like Jana and Utkarsh offer the highest rates at 8%. Private sector banks Bandhan and YES Bank provide 7.75%, while public sector banks like Bank of India lead with 7%.
Central government pensioners' rights are a key focus in the NC-JCM's 51-page memorandum for the 8th Pay Commission. Demands include a same fitment factor for employees and pensioners, increased gratuity to Rs 75 lakh, and the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme. The memorandum also calls for a reduced pension commutation period and expanded CGHS facilities.
Saturday bank holiday today: Are banks open or closed today on April 18, 2026?
Bank holiday today: According to the RBI holiday calendar, banks are closed only on the second and fourth Saturdays. While branch services may be limited, digital banking channels remain accessible for routine transactions.
Got salary arrears after resigning? Use Form 39 to avoid higher tax in 202627
Resigning from a job in FY 2025-26 and receiving salary arrears in FY 2026-27 can lead to a higher tax liability. To avoid this, taxpayers must now use the new Form 39 for Tax Year 2026-27, replacing the older Form 10E, to claim relief under Section 89(1) and ensure accurate tax calculation.
Meal vouchers at Rs 200 per meal: Who gets income tax benefit and how the working hours rule applies
The increase in the tax-exempt limit for employer-provided meals to 200 per meal under Rule 15 of the Income-Tax Rules, 2026 marks a significant shift from the earlier 50 cap. However, the real issue lies not in the quantum of the benefit, but in the interpretation of the ruleparticularly the condition that meals must be provided during working hours.
IRDAI notifies obligatory cession for FY27
Obligatory cession refers to the compulsory sharing of insurance risk by insurers with the national reinsurer
The Latest Home Loan Interest Rates: Apr 17, 2026
The Latest Home Loan Interest Rates: Apr 17, 2026
SBI customers face OTP/SMS issues on Yono app; these services impacted
State Bank of India customers are facing temporary disruptions with OTP and SMS services on the YONO platform. This issue is impacting transactions requiring authentication. SBI expects services to be fully restored by 5:45 PM on April 17, 2026. Users are advised to utilize other digital banking channels in the interim. Similar disruptions occurred on April 16, 2026.
Akshaya Tritiya 202: Akshaya Tritiya on April 19, 2026, sees a surge in digital gold purchases. Platforms like PhonePe, JioFinance, and Paytm offer convenient ways to invest in 24K gold, bypassing crowded stores and storage concerns. These apps allow easy buying, selling, and even physical gold delivery options.
6 AMCs see over Rs 50,000 crore AUM drop in March; top 2 see Rs 1 lakh crore fall
PSU mutual funds see Rs 4,498 crore outflow in March: Report
PSU mutual funds saw Rs 4,498 crore in outflows in March, a mild improvement from February, according to Vallum Capital. While PSU funds posted strong long-term returns, sector trends were mixedconsumption saw withdrawals, but manufacturing, infrastructure, defence and pharma attracted fresh inflows, signalling a pivot toward domestic capex themes.
Want regular income from mutual funds? Here is why SWP offers more control than dividend
Generating a steady income from investments is a common goal for many investors, especially those looking to balance growth with regular cash flow.
RBI pulls out 2 lakh cr transient liquidity via 7-day VRRR auction
The central bank had received higher bids worth 2,28,098 crore than the notified amount of 2 lakh crore in the auction
In line with the larger national trend, gold prices in Chennai too recorded a slight drop on Friday (April 17, 2026). As per the prices quoted by leading jewellery retailers in the city, the price of 24 karat gold was around Rs 15,431 per gram, down from Rs 15,568 per gram levels on Thursday.
22k gold rate today: Gold prices saw a slight decrease across major jewellers on Friday, April 17, 2026, ahead of Akshaya Tritiya. This dip, influenced by geopolitical developments like a Lebanon-Israel ceasefire and potential US-Iran talks, offers a potential buying opportunity for consumers.
8th Pay Commission pay hike: Why NC-JCM is demanding a minimum basic pay of Rs 69,000
HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank expected to post healthy profits in Q4FY26
HDFC Bank expected to post 6-11% growth in Q4FY26 net profit year-on-year and 1-3% yoy for ICICI Bank
HDFC Mutual Fund: HDFC Bank and Infosys among top 10 stock holdings in March
Mismatch between savings and dreams? 4 reality check that you need
In most cases, income increase happens over time, but the expenses, goals, and lifestyles increase more than nullify this increase. Most people struggle throughout life with this income-expense mismatch, even though they are doing well by most metrics.
Akshaya Tritiya 2026 date and time: Check city-wise muhurat timings for gold buying
Akshaya Tritiya, a festival believed to bring wealth, sees a surge in gold purchases, with demand often rising a week prior. This year, the auspicious day falls on Sunday, April 19, 2026, with specific muhurat timings varying by city. Consumers are increasingly opting for investment-grade gold like coins and bars, alongside digital gold, while traditional jewellery remains popular.
Mutual fund gift rules: What parents must know before transferring to children
Gold ETFs have rallied up to 61% since last Akshaya Tritiya, driven by geopolitical tensions, central bank buying, and safe-haven demand. Experts advise sticking to asset-allocation disciplinebooking profits only if gold exceeds target weights. While valuations look stretched, long-term investors may continue SIPs as structural drivers remain supportive.
7 mutual funds trim stakes in 20 midcaps. Heres how money moved in March
Twelve stocks signaled bullish momentum by moving above their 200-day moving averages, indicating strengthening trends and potential upside continuation.
Best aggressive hybrid mutual funds to invest in April 2026
Hybrid mutual funds, particularly aggressive hybrid schemes, offer resilience in volatile markets due to their equity and debt mix. These funds, mandated to invest 65-80% in stocks and 20-35% in debt, help conservative equity investors manage risk while aiming for wealth creation. Regular profit booking by fund managers can also enhance returns.
Q4 Results Today, April 17, 2026, Live Updates: Catch live updates
No role of Bank of India employees in scam: CBI in Winsome Diamond case
The CBI will soon be filing a charge sheet against the jeweller, who is understood to be in London, and his accomplices in the case registered under the provisions of the Indian Penal Code
DA hike delay: NC-JCM seeks cabinet secretary's intervention for dearness allowance announcement
While the NC-JCM reached out to the cabinet secretary, one of its affiliated bodies, the Confederation of Central Govt. Employees & Workers, organised a nationwide lunch-hour protest on Thursday (April 16, 2026) to voice their frustration over the delay in announcing the DA hike. The confederation also wrote a similar letter to the cabinet secretary on April 14, 2026.
RBI urges state oil refiners to curb spot dollar buys
Central bank wants state-run refiners to tap credit line for FX; measure expected to help ease pressure on rupee, sources say
Employee fined Rs 10 lakh over lack of ESOP disclosure in ITR; here's why ITAT Chennai cancelled it
An Indian employee faced a Rs 10 lakh penalty for not disclosing foreign ESOPs in his Income Tax Return. The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, Chennai, has now cancelled this penalty. The tribunal ruled that the omission was accidental and bona fide, especially as it was the first year of the reporting requirement.
No campus housing? Key renting rules for Indian students in the US
Indian students pursuing education in the US on F1, M1, or J1 visas often face challenges securing off-campus housing. Landlords typically require a US credit history or a guarantor due to financial risk. Students must understand lease terms, including notice periods for moving out and rules against unauthorized occupancy.
Banking systems 5 lakh cr plus surplus liquidity prompts RBI to announce drain out auction
RBI aims to anchor WACR to policy repo rate to ensure effective monetary policy framework
Godrej Capital eyes 50,000 cr AUM in 2 years, to launch gold loans by June
Will add image soon Gold Loans is an area of particular focus with the company planning to launch the product by June of this year
Fintech IPO plans hit pause as weak rupee, retail pullback weigh on timing
Investors said the current phase is pushing start-ups to strengthen fundamentals rather than rush to list
Sushanta Kumar Mohanty takes charge as ED of Bank of Maharashtra
Prior to his elevation as ED, Mohanty was Chief General Manager at Bank of Baroda.
Q4 ResultsHighlights Today, April 16, 2026: CATCH UPDATES HERE
NIBM opens off-campus learning centre in Mumbai
NIBM was established in 1969 by RBI, in consultation with the Government of India, as an autonomous apex institution for research, training, education and consultancy in bank management
India strengthens AML framework as FIU-IND, SEBI ink pact
The agreement aims to improve monitoring of suspicious transactions, enhance compliance, and align with global standards, while also enabling training and international cooperation.
Gold rate today: Gold prices saw a slight increase on April 16, 2026, at major Indian jewellers. This comes as Akshaya Tritiya approaches on April 19, 2026. Brands are offering pre-booking deals and rate protection to attract customers.
Which sectors attracted mutual fund interest in March? Check details
Mutual funds favored Healthcare, Technology, and Utilities in March, increasing their weights. While most sectors saw value declines, Infrastructure, Technology, and Healthcare experienced the least. Private Banks maintained the highest weightage despite a slight dip, and NBFC-Non Lending saw significant over-ownership.
Health insurance restoration benefits, often misunderstood as unlimited coverage, restore your sum insured only after it's fully exhausted within the policy year. However, they have specific conditions and limitations. Understanding these nuances is crucial to avoiding underinsurance during medical emergencies.
Gurgaon's property market is set for significant changes as circle rates are slated to increase by up to 75% from April 1, 2026. This revision, reflecting market values, is expected to drive property price hikes between 15% and 75% across residential, commercial, and industrial segments. Emerging corridors like Dwarka Expressway and Southern Peripheral Road are leading these substantial increases.
Equity-oriented mutual funds saw a 17.38% year-on-year growth in average net assets under management in March 2026, driven by strong investor confidence. Flexi cap funds emerged as the largest and fastest-growing category, with average net AUM rising 25.10% to Rs 5.28 lakh crore.
Mutual funds deploy Rs 1,878 crore across 4 IPOs in March. Check details
Mutual funds invested Rs 1,878 crore across four IPOs in March, led by Sedemac Mechatronics and Central Mine Planning & Design Institute. The data highlights strong institutional participation in new listings, with sizeable allocations and shareholdings reflecting confidence in select offerings during the primary market activity.
LICs Super Sales Saathi, MyLIC apps launched: What customers and agents can do now
Senior Citizen Savings Scheme interest rate : SCSS is a government-backed small savings scheme specifically designed for small-scale investors seeking a fixed income option in their old age.
As per the AM retail prices updated by the Indian Bullion and Jewellers Association Ltd (IBJA) on Thursday, fine gold (999 purity) is priced at Rs 15,331 per gram, 22 carat gold at Rs 14,963 per gram, 20 carat gold at Rs 13,644 per gram, 18 carat gold at Rs 12,418 per gram.
Up to Rs 2.88 lakh tax exemption: Check who benefits from new education allowance rules
8th Pay Commission pay hike: Employee unions calculate the minimum pay for an employee based on the rates of a food basket for a month. The food basket includes protein sources, dairy consumption, fruits, vegetables, spices and the things of daily use. The drafting committee of NC-JCM has also recommended for five family units instead of three.
Lowest home loan interest rates in 2026: PSU banks vs private banks; check lists
home loan interest rates: The RBI's decision to maintain the repo rate at 5.25% has left borrowers questioning the impact on home loan interest rates and EMIs. While floating rate loans are directly influenced, fixed-rate loans remain unchanged. The article provides a comparative list of the lowest home loan interest rates offered by public and private banks for loans exceeding Rs 75 lakh.
No jobs, low salaries; new reality of white collar job market & how to survive it
The firm observed that the aforementioned episode is more about a governance-oversight nuance driven by an individuals personality rather than a material threat to shareholder value
Mutual funds raise tech exposure in March after 8-year low. Tactical move or trend reversal?
Mutual funds raised tech exposure in March after an eight-year low, driven by tactical rebalancing and improved valuations. Experts say global cues like US tech recovery and easing rate concerns are aiding sentiment. Despite recent losses of up to 25%, the sector outlook remains gradually positive, supported by AI and cloud trends, though near-term volatility persists.
6 mutual funds made complete exit from 12 smallcap stocks in March
Six mutual funds fully exited 12 smallcap stocks in March as part of active portfolio rebalancing, according to Nuvama Institutional Equities. HDFC, SBI and Nippon India Mutual Funds led the exits across multiple stocks, while others trimmed select holdings, reflecting cautious positioning and ongoing churn in the smallcap segment.
Q4 ResultsToday, April 16, 2026, Live Updates: CATCH LIVE UPDATES HERE
Property partition after owners death: A guide for legal heirs to divide assets
Partition of a property means the legal division of jointly owned property among co-owners or legal heirs, severing joint occupancy into individual shares. Now you can either do partition of the family property amicably via a registered partition deed or through a civil court by filing a partition case if property disputes arise, resulting in each heir getting a defined portion.
Multi-asset funds offer consistent returns if not quite the big bang
The strategy has, however, lagged higher-returning asset classes such as gold and global equities, with 14.7% and 18.6% annualised returns, respectively, over the same period. How gold, equity or debt behaves in isolation is very different from how a well-constructedcombination performs, said Aashish Sommaiyaa, ED & CEO, WhiteOak Capital Mutual Fund.
Living Will to go digital in Maharashtra: What it means for your estate & succession plan
Maharashtra is set to become India's first state to digitize Living Will records. A new portal on mahaulb.in will allow citizens to permanently store their medical treatment preferences. This initiative aims to eliminate practical hurdles and provide clear, legally backed direction for end-of-life care. Municipal officials will act as custodians, ensuring secure maintenance and access to these vital documents.
ED arrests former ADAG executive Amitabh Jhunjhunwala in bank loan fraud case
The probe involves alleged diversion of loans through shell companies linked to Reliance Home Finance and Reliance Commercial Finance
Satin Growth Alternatives launches debut 200 cr fund
The fund has an average ticket size of 4-5 crore going up to 10 crore
C-D ratio of banks widens to 255 bps
Credit and deposit growth of these banks stood at 15.96 per cent and 13.41 per cent, respectively.
Indias non-life insurance sector grows 9.2% in FY26, health insurers lead
While general insurers saw moderate growth, standalone health insurers led the expansion with a sharp 19.8% rise, supported by favourable policy measures like GST waivers.
RBI gives operational flexibility to NBFCs for branch expansion
The Reserve Bank of India has eased rules for non-banking financial companies. NBFCs can now open branches without prior approval in most situations. This change aims to simplify business operations. Deposit-taking NBFCs have specific conditions based on their net owned funds and credit ratings for opening branches or appointing agents.
RBI allows NBFCs, including gold loan companies, to open branches without prior approval
This move is to facilitate ease of doing business while ensuring necessary regulatory compliance, going by the Reserve Bank of India (Non-Banking Financial Companies Branch Authorisation) Amendment Directions, 2026
