8 C 
Earnings preview: ICICI Bank could report stable Q3 earnings, CEO continuation key monitorable
The bank is set to report its Q3FY26 earnings Saturday
RBI ombudsman authorised to clear compensation up to 30 lakh
The Reserve Bank will establish the Centralised Receipt and Processing Centre at one or more places to receive the complaints filed under the Reserve Bank Integrated Ombudsman Scheme
From withdrawal rules to pension payments: 16 key EPFO reforms every member should know
The eligibility of applicants under the EDLI Scheme of 1976 has been relaxed, the minimum benefits have been increased to Rs 50,000, and the service continuity rules softened. The combined effect of these steps is an increase in the insurance coverage and the overall financial security of the families of the deceased members.
Central Bank of Indias Q3FY26 net profit up 32% at 1,263 cr
The Banks board on Friday approved third interim dividend at 2 per cent 20 paise per equity share having face value of 10 each for FY26.
StanChart mulls options for India cards unit in retail pullback
Stanchart said in an emailed response that its wealth and retail banking strategy for India is focused on multi-product relationships, with a strong overlay of international banking
No blind bet on future: 6 advantages of financial advisors that outgrow the nominal cost
While some people may have the skill, experience and time to do it themselves, however, many people lack it. So, should they still manage their personal finance themselves or take the help of a qualified professional advisor?
Federal Bank Q3 PAT up 9% on stable core income growth
Shares of the lender ended trading 10 per cent higher at 270 apiece on the BSE today.
NFO Update: Kotak Mutual Fund launches Nifty200 Value 30 Index Fund
Kotak Mutual Fund has launched the Kotak Nifty200 Value 30 Index Fund, a passive offering tracking value score-based stocks from the Nifty 200, aiming to give investors low-cost, diversified exposure to fundamentally strong companies trading at reasonable valuations long term.
Banks and NBFCs among 7 key investment themes for 2026: DSP Mutual Fund
DSP Mutual Fund, in its latest equity report Beyond the Efficient Frontier, has identified key investment themes to watch in 2026 amid evolving interest rates, policy signals and global trends. The fund house sees opportunities in select pockets of the market, including banks and NBFCs, IT services, consumer-focused businesses, PSUs, power, healthcare and agri-inputs.
RIL, HDFC Bank, Infosys among top holdings in JioBlackRock MF in December
NFO Alert: ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund launches 2 funds under iSIF segment
ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund has launched two new investment strategies under its Specialised Investment Funds (SIF) segment: the iSIF Equity Ex-Top 100 Long-Short Fund and the iSIF Hybrid Long-Short Fund. Both funds, designed to offer adaptive, risk-managed investment solutions, are open for subscription through their NFOs, which will close on January 30.
HDFC Mutual Fund portfolio December moves: RIL, IndiGo, HAL among key buys and sells
The fund house added 10 new stocks to its portfolio during the month. Among these, nearly 40 lakh shares of Aequs were added, followed by 37 lakh shares of Wakefit Innovations and 20 lakh shares of ICICI Prudential AMC.
7 mutual funds trim exposure in 18 midcap stocks in December. Check details
Seven mutual funds reduced exposure to 18 midcap stocks in December as part of portfolio rebalancing. Funds including HDFC, SBI, Kotak and Quant Mutual Fund trimmed stakes across banking, capital goods, pharma and consumption-focused names.
Invest in health like money: the smartest long-term financial strategy explained
As Union Budget 2026 approaches, investors are focusing on PSU, infrastructure, manufacturing, and defence sectors. Experts anticipate continued government support and policy reforms in these areas. Mutual funds aligned with these sectors are drawing attention. Investors are advised to assess these opportunities for potential growth, considering the medium-term outlook and disciplined investment approaches
Rs 80,000 EMI vs Rs 40,000 rent: EMI vs rent math every first-time buyers must see
Best arbitrage mutual funds to invest in January 2026
Arbitrage funds are taxed like equity mutual funds. This means they qualify for long term capital gains tax of 12.5% if investments are held for more than a year. If investments are for less than a year, short term capital gains tax of 20% will be applicable.
M&M Share Price Live Updates: M&M's three-month performance showcases resilience
HDFC Life Share Price Live Updates: HDFC Life's Price Movement Today
Divis Labs Share Price Live Updates: Divis Labs reports a drop in three-month returns
Power Grid Share Price Live Updates: Power Grid's performance under scrutiny with negative returns
8th Pay Commission: What can be expected salary rise for Group A, B, C and D employees in 8th CPC?
Central government employees and pensioners await the 8th Pay Commission's fitment factor decision, expected in late 2027. Experts predict a range of 1.83 to 2.57, with potential for uniform or differentiated application across pay levels. The revised payouts will impact all employee groups and retirees.
The Jharkhand High Court has ruled that employees can be switched to a more beneficial pension scheme like General Provident Fund (GPF) even without formally opting in. This decision applies if the employee was appointed before January 1, 1986, and did not explicitly choose to remain in the Contributory Provident Fund (CPF).
Bring EVs and hybrid vehicles under car perquisite valuation framework in Budget 2026: Experts
The current car perquisite policy under the Income Tax Act, 1961, offers tax benefits for combustion engine cars but lacks clarity for electric and hybrid vehicles. Experts urge the government to introduce specific regulations for EVs and hybrids to encourage corporate adoption and support India's electrification goals.
Stocks to Buy in 2026: Angel One, Groww among 5 picks for 1530% long-term returns
Five top stock picks for 2026, including Angel One and Groww, are projected to deliver 1530% long-term returns.
Banks will be closed in Tamil Nadu on January 16, 2026, for Thiruvalluvar Day. Andhra Pradesh banks will also be shut for the Kanuma festival. Further bank holidays in January 2026 include Thiruvalluvar Day on January 17 in Tamil Nadu. Republic Day on January 26 will see nationwide bank closures.
MFs rebalance new-age, IT portfolios ahead of Q3 result season
Mutual fund managers adjusted portfolios in December, buying Swiggy and Zomato amid underperformance and favoring Tata Consultancy Services over Infosys. They also rotated allocations in InterGlobe Aviation following a selloff due to mass flight cancellations, preparing for the Q3 results season.
Nuvoco Vistas turns profitable as Ebitda jumps 50% in Q3
Nuvoco Vistas Corp reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 49.37 crore in the December quarter, a significant turnaround from a year-earlier loss. This improvement was driven by a 50% surge in Ebitda to Rs 386 crore, alongside a 12% rise in revenue to Rs 2,701 crore.
Jio Finance Q3 consolidated PAT down marginally on higher expenses
JFSs total income grew to 901 crore in Q3FY26, from 449 crore a year ago
Driving without third-party motor insurance in India carries severe penalties. This mandatory cover protects accident victims financially. Penalties include hefty fines, potential imprisonment, and license suspension. Read on to know the penalties for not having it, costs for two-wheelers and four-wheelers, available discounts, and more.
The Supreme Court ruled that a widowed daughter-in-law is a dependant entitled to maintenance from her deceased father-in-law's estate under Section 21(vii). Denying maintenance payment on technical grounds violates her right to live with dignity. The court also emphasised the pious obligation of the father-in-law to support her if she cannot maintain herself.
Sovereign gold bond: Investors in Sovereign Gold Bonds 2019-20 Series-II can redeem their holdings from January 16, 2026. The Reserve Bank of India has set the premature redemption price at Rs 14,092 per unit. This price is based on the average gold price over three preceding working days.
Where are mutual funds placing their bets? A look at Decembers sectoral trends
SBI Mutual Fund: ITC, RIL, Infosys among top 10 stock holdings in December
SBI Mutual Fund, Indias largest by AUM, held Rs 12.74 lakh crore in December 2025. Its top holdings were led by HDFC Bank, Reliance Industries and ICICI Bank, with marginal monthly weight changes across major banking, telecom and industrial stocks.
South Indian Bank Q3 profit rises 9.3% to 374 crore
Total income increased to 3,003 crore, while operating profit rose to R584 crore
Indian retirement schemes are not fully tax-exempt as commonly believed. Contribution and growth limits mean many salaried individuals face multiple taxes on their savings. Outdated exemption thresholds penalize middle-income earners. This disconnect between policy and economic reality discourages long-term investing. Will Budget 2026 help?
How to register a will in India: Complete process, costs, and legal safeguards explained
Under the Indian Succession Act, 1925, both registered and unregistered wills are legally acceptable as long as they if are properly written drafted and signed. However that said, registering a will adds an extra layer of security and reduces future legal battles. Read on to find out what to know before registering your will.
HDFC Flexi Cap Fund adds Eternal; trims stakes in Swiggy & 3 others in Dec
HDFC Flexi Cap Fund, a leading fund, added Eternal to its portfolio in December while reducing holdings in Swiggy and three other firms. The fund also boosted its stake in Infosys. Its portfolio now spans 51 stocks across 21 sectors, with a significant allocation to banks.
Salary Account for central govt employees: Central government employees can now open a new Composite Salary Account. This package provides zero-balance accounts, concessional loan rates, and significant insurance covers.
The Supreme Court has reinstated a hotel cashier wrongly dismissed. The court ruled his 'manager' title was a mere formality. His actual duties were not supervisory. He will receive his job back with full back wages. This landmark decision emphasizes the dominant nature of work over job titles in labour law.
7 mutual funds trim their exposure in 18 smallcap stocks in December
Seven mutual funds trimmed exposure across 18 smallcap stocks in December, with stake reductions seen in names such as HUDCO, BSE, City Union Bank and Craftsman Auto, reflecting cautious portfolio rebalancing amid market volatility.
A Canadian citizen of Indian origin lost his plea in the Delhi High Court to condone the delay in filing his income tax return. He failed to claim TDS deducted on the sale of his Rs 2 crore Indian property, as ignorance of tax laws was deemed an insufficient reason for the delay.
A Canadian citizen of Indian origin lost his plea in the Delhi High Court to condone the delay in filing his income tax return. He failed to claim TDS deducted on the sale of his Rs 2 crore Indian property, as ignorance of tax laws was deemed an insufficient reason for the delay.
ET Wealth Reader's Query: I sold shares worth Rs.5 lakh (long-term) and redeemed mutual funds worth Rs.24 lakh, largely long-term. Unfortunately, I invested the entire amount through a bogus trading portal and lost all the money. Will there still be any tax implications on these gains?
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund: ITC and Infosys among stocks bought and sold in December
ESOP tax rules trap expatriates and returning Indians; why Budget 2026 should bring clarity on this
Budget 2026 needs to fix stock option tax confusion for cross-border employees. Current rules create hardship for expatriates and returning Indians. Experts urge clear guidelines for taxing Employee Stock Option Plans earned across different countries. This will reduce disputes and improve compliance for mobile workers. The government aims for tax certainty and ease of doing business.
9 Buy Now, Pay Later mistakes we make that can damage our credit score
NFRA seeks AI tools to improve financial reporting quality
The initiative aims to generate explainable compliance reports, risk analytics and AI-driven insights for regulators
Silver ETFs rally up to 188% in 1 year. Should investors stay invested or book gains?
Silver ETFs have surged up to 188% over the past year on strong industrial demand and supply constraints. While experts remain constructive on the long term outlook, they advise profit booking, portfolio rebalancing and staggered investments amid elevated volatility.
Best aggressive hybrid mutual funds to invest in January 2026
If you are bothered about the uncertainties and volatility in the market, you can consider investing in aggressive hybrid mutual funds. Mutual fund advisors typically recommend aggressive hybrid fund schemes to conservative equity investors to create wealth to achieve their long-term financial goals.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court ruled that Aadhaar and voter IDs are not conclusive proof of date of birth in service law. The court reinstated Pramila as Anganwadi Sahayika, quashing the reinstatement of Hirlibai based on these documents and ordering recovery of Hirlibai's salary.
Bank holiday today 2026: Banks in some states are closed today, January 15, 2026, for Makar Sankranti and related festivals. In Maharashtra, banks are also shut due to municipal corporation elections. These closures will affect various banking services across the affected states.
Shareholders approve Shriram Finances MUFG deal proposal
Under the terms of the deal signed last month, MUFG will acquire 20 per cent stake in Shriram Finance for $4.4 billion
Bank deposits and loans soared in the last fortnight of Q3FY26
In the fortnight ended December 31, 2025, deposits of all scheduled banks soared by 7,34,623.39 crore
RBI recognises FEDAI as an SRO
FEDAI has been given one year to bring its functioning and governance framework in line with the Omnibus SRO framework
RBI grants in-principle approval to SMBC to set up a wholly-owned subsidiary in India
The decision comes after SMBC pciked up 24 per cent stake in YES Bank last year.
HDB Financial Q3 PAT up 36% on strong core income growth
HDB Financials gross loan book rose 12 per cent on-year to Rs 1.14 lakh crore as on December-end
Earnings preview: HDFC Bank likely to post modest earnings growth in Q3
HDFC Banks overall advances and deposits rose 12 per cent y-o-y each to 28.45 lakh crore and 28.59 lakh crore, respectively, as on December end
IOB Q3 profit up 56% y-o-y on credit growth, tax regime change
Robust credit growth and shift to new tax regime by the lender aids net profit growth
Gold at Rs 1.4 lakh and silver at 2.62 lakh: Sell, hold or buy what should investors do now?
Record gold and silver prices: Gold and silver prices surged to record highs on January 14, 2026, driven by geopolitical tensions and trade tariff threats. Gold's year-to-date return reached 5.16%, while silver saw a 15.02% increase. Experts advise new investors to consider staggered investments, and existing investors to book partial profits amid continued price volatility.
Union Bank Q3FY26 net profit up 9% at 5,017 cr
Bottomline supported by lower provisioning burden, including towards bad loans
S Naren re-appointed as executive director of ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company for 2 years
ICICI Prudential AMC reappointed Sankaran Naren as executive director for two years starting July 2026, subject to shareholder approval. The board also reappointed Antony Jacob as independent director, reinforcing leadership continuity at one of Indias largest asset managers.
NPS Vatsalya rules explained: Eligibility, contributions, withdrawals and exit options
Home or retirement facility? How seniors should prepare financially
PPFAS, Zerodha Mutual Fund among 8 AMCs with over Rs 1,000 Crore inflows in Dec
Choosing your first credit card? 9 smart checks to make before you say yes
Getting your first credit card marks an important step in your financial journey. It builds credit history, offers convenience, and provides rewards on everyday spending. Understanding how rewards work, matching cards to your lifestyle, and knowing hidden costs can transform your card from a simple payment tool into a smart financial asset.
Specialised Investment Funds saw inflows double to Rs 1,933 crore in December, led by hybrid strategies. Passive funds, SIPs, and equity schemes also posted strong inflows, highlighting sustained investor confidence despite market volatility, according to AMFI data.
When diversification becomes diworsification in small caps
As a fiduciary managing investors money, liquidity should be an important element of the investment strategy.
A nationwide survey reveals thousands of Indian borrowers are trapped in debt due to easy credit, with 85% dedicating over 40% of their income to EMIs. Many resort to desperate measures like credit juggling and sacrificing essentials, while facing severe harassment from recovery agents.
A property buyer will receive a refund of Rs 55 lakh after a 16-year legal battle. The Supreme Court ruled that a seller who hid a pending loan against a Rs 4 crore property defrauded the buyer. The buyer paid an advance for land in Kerala. The seller's concealment led to the buyer winning the case in the Supreme Court.
Mutual funds bet over Rs 12,000 crore on nine IPOs in December. Check details
The Karnataka High Court ruled that family courts cannot issue Look Out Circulars (LOCs) for maintenance default under Section 125 of CrPC. While property sale, arrest, and civil imprisonment are permissible, LOCs are for criminal proceedings, not civil debt recovery. The court cancelled an LOC issued against a husband, emphasizing that such actions exceed jurisdiction and violate constitutional rights.
A husband secured a divorce and Rs 5 lakh alimony from the Chhattisgarh High Court. His wife called him 'Paaltoo Chooha' for staying with his parents. She also refused to live separately and allegedly assaulted him. The court found her actions constituted cruelty and desertion. The wife earns more than the husband but will pay alimony.
IOB Q3 profit jumps 63% y-o-y, shares gain
Gross non-performing assets stood at at 1.54 per cent compared to 1.83 per cent in September quarter
Groww Q3 profit declines 28% to 547 cr; total income rises 26%
Despite the fall in profit, total income during the quarter rose 26 per cent to 1,261 crore, compared with 1,004 crore in the year-ago period
5 mutual funds made complete exit from 8 smallcap stocks in December
Five mutual funds fully exited eight smallcap stocks in December, according to Nuvama Institutional Equities. HDFC, SBI, Kotak, Quant and ICICI Prudential Mutual Funds exited names including HUDCO, Nazara Technologies, EPL, Bharat Dynamics and Pricol as part of portfolio realignment.
Bitcoin rally sees $600 million in bearish crypto bets wiped out
Bitcoin slumped to a loss of more than 6% for 2025 after ending the year in muted fashion, trading in a narrow range and proving largely indifferent to rallies in stocks and precious metals
RIL, MCX, JSW Energy feature among mutual funds key December trades
Mutual funds injected Rs 38,900 crore into Indian equities in December, actively managing portfolios by adding and exiting stocks across large, mid, and small-cap segments. Key additions included ICICI Bank and HDFC Bank, while Infosys and State Bank of India saw significant sales. The report highlights consistent buying in certain large-cap stocks and specific mid and small-cap companies.
From flash sales to real savings: Why more Indians should try a no-buy year
Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGB 2020-21 Series-IV) are set for premature redemption at Rs 13,929 per unit, a significant jump from their issue price. Investors who opted for digital purchase saw an impressive return of nearly 266% on their investment, excluding the 2.5% annual interest. This offers a lucrative exit option for bondholders.
Investor interest in sectoral and thematic mutual funds saw a significant drop in December. Monthly inflows fell by 49% as many funds failed to beat their benchmarks. Experts attribute this to the cyclical nature of these funds and investors reacting to underperformance. This trend reflects a cautious approach to concentrated strategies, with a shift towards alternative assets like precious metals.
7 mutual funds had over Rs 10,000 crore cash in their portfolio in December
Seven mutual fund houses including HDFC MF, SBI MF, PPFAS MF, ICICI Prudential MF, Motilal Oswal MF, Quant MF and Axis MF each held over 10,000 crore in cash in their portfolios as of Decembers month end, reflecting cautious liquidity positioning by fund managers.
Piramal Finance raises $350 million from IFC and ADB, eyes $500 million total
The fundraising follows the companys $815 million external commercial borrowing in FY25, comprising a $450 million US dollar bond and $365 million in syndicated bank loans
Best value funds to invest in January 2026
Value investors buy such stocks and wait for the market to discover these stocks. When the discovery happens, the stock prices will go up, and value investors make money. It may sound simple. But it is not very easy to execute. The market may take very long to discover these stocks and it may test your patience. The discovery may not happen at all. That is why value mutual funds are recommended to only sophisticated investors.
Taxpayers face difficulties with the Capital Gains Account Scheme. Experts propose Budget 2026 reforms to simplify the process. They want online account opening and integration with the Income Tax portal. This aims to reduce manual errors and improve transparency. The goal is to make claiming tax exemptions easier for citizens.
A US citizen of Indian origin, Mr. Patel, faced a tax notice for an unexplained Rs 66 lakh property purchase in India. Despite his inability to travel from the US to gather documents, leading to ex-parte orders and dismissal by CIT(A), the ITAT Ahmedabad granted him relief, restoring the matter to the AO for a fresh adjudication.
