Personal Finance News
City Union Bank, SalarySe partner for a credit card exclusively for salaried employees
The Level Up Credit Card introduces a Salary Day Bonus feature, offering up to 37.5% rewards on salary disbursement days, enabling employees to maximise returns on essential expenses coinciding with payroll cycles
IDFC FIRST Bank launches upgraded version of its FD-backed credit card
The card is available against an FD from 20,000 and is open to all applicants aged 18 and above
CBDT sends over 44,000 communications to taxpayers to disclose crypto transaction
Meanwhile, mop up through TDS on transaction of crypto has more than doubled in three years, Finance Ministry data, presented in Lok Sabha showed
Rate cut, USD/INR buy/sell swap announcements weigh on rupee
Indian currency slips past 90-mark again vs dollar
8th Pay Commission implementation date: What minister said in Parliament today
Government employees and pensioners eagerly await the 8th Pay Commission's implementation date. While the commission has 18 months to submit its report, the Finance Ministry stated that the government will decide the implementation timeline. Appropriate funds will be allocated in the 2026-2027 budget for accepted recommendations, impacting over 50 lakh employees and 69 lakh pensioners.
Financier J.P. Morgan believed character and trust were key to money and power. His wisdom guided generations. Morgan helped the USA during the 1907 financial panic, preventing collapse and leading to the Federal Reserve.
Tamil Nadu government has released its 2026 holiday calendar, detailing public and government holidays under the Negotiable Instruments Act. This announcement ensures clarity for state government offices, commercial banks, and cooperative banks, enabling efficient planning for employees and institutions. All government offices will be closed on notified public holidays and all Saturdays and Sundays.
Indian Railways is enhancing train travel comfort for senior citizens, women aged 45+, pregnant passengers, the visually impaired, and persons with disabilities. New features include automatic lower berth allotments, reserved quotas, dedicated coaches with accessibility features, and Braille signage. Modern trains like Vande Bharat also boast improved accessibility for all.
Quant Small Cap Fund increased stakes in NBCC, Pfizer, and 13 other stocks in November while trimming positions in Bata India, India Shelter Finance, and Oriental Hotels. The fund added four new stocks, exited four, and maintained exposure in 71 stocks, holding a total of 93 stocks, unchanged from October.
According to the report, industry gross direct premium income surged 24.1% year-on-year in November 2025, reflecting sustained demand momentum
ICICI Prudential AMC plans acquisition in private equity space, CEO says
ICICI Prudential AMC Is also awaiting the markets regulator's approval to acquire group company ICICI Ventures as part of its private equity expansion
Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme or ECHS has updated its healthcare pricing. Revised Central Government Health Scheme or CGHS package rates will now apply to all ECHS empanelled healthcare organisations. Medical reimbursement claims submitted by service pensioners and eligible ECHS beneficiaries will also use these new rates. Cashless treatment will be extended as per existing rules.
20 equity mutual funds offer over 20% XIRR on SIP investments in 5 years. Do you own any?
Nifty continues its bullish trend with new highs, firm RSI readings, and support at key moving averages and Fibonacci levels. Strong macro data and a favourable derivatives setup further reinforce the buy-on-dips approach, with experts recommending a Bull Call Spread to manage risk and capture upside.
Indian and Asia Pacific banks maintain stronger capital than US and European peers: Moody's
Moodys survey highlights that Asia-Pacific banks, including Indias, have stronger capital positions than peers in the US and Western Europe, supported by prudent regulatory oversight. Large Indian private banks, such as SBI, ICICI, HDFC, and Axis Bank, show high CET1 ratios (14.718%) and leverage due to strong internal capital generation and easy access to equity markets, outperforming government-owned peers.
Home loan EMIs to get lower: HDFC Bank, PNB, Indian Bank and these lenders slash lending rates
HDFC Bank cuts MCLR: Home loan borrowers can expect lower EMIs as major banks like HDFC Bank, Punjab National Bank, and Bank of India have reduced lending rates. This follows the RBI's repo rate cut last week. Customers may see reduced monthly payments or shorter loan tenures. Banks are trimming RLLR, RBLR, and MCLR-linked rates, bringing financial relief to many.
NFO Alert: Tata Mutual Fund launches Indias first multicap consumption index fund
Tata Mutual Fund has launched Indias first multi-cap consumption index fund, offering diversified exposure across large-, mid-, and small-cap consumption stocks. The open-ended Tata BSE Multicap Consumption 50:30:20 Index Fund tracks the BSE Multicap Consumption 50:30:20 Index (TRI), aiming to balance stability and growth. The NFO closes on December 23, tapping into Indias long-term consumption theme, which contributes over 60% to GDP.
Is life without a paycheck possible? 5 ways you can build true financial independence
Your home loan interest, EMI burden set to dip
Since all new, retail floating-rate home loans sanctioned after 1 October, 2019 are linked to an external benchmark, which is the repo rate in most cases, banks will have to pass on the benefit to existing borrowers at the reset dates.
SIPs alone wont make you rich: The missing pieces you need to reach your life goals
NPS equity funds offer over 15% return in 5 years. Check details
The National Pension System (NPS) has delivered robust returns over the past five years. Top performers, Kotak, ICICI Prudential, UTI, and LIC Pension Funds, posted over 17%, while HDFC, ABSL, and SBI Pension Funds offered 14-16%, reflecting consistent growth.
IDBI Bank stake sale expected to bridge part of tax shortfall
At the current market price of the bank, the total proceeds from the stake sale are estimated at 63,000 crore
In a recent development, a taxpayer residing in the UAE with an income of Rs 4 crore from India found themselves in a positive light as the ITAT in Delhi ruled in their favor. Despite having Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) already handled, the taxpayer had not submitted their Income Tax Return (ITR).
Best large & mid cap funds to invest in December 2025
Large and mid cap mutual funds invest in both large and mid cap stocks. These funds are suitable for aggressive investors ready to take on extra risk for potential growth. The article lists recommended funds for December 2025. Investors with a long-term view and willingness to accept some risk can consider these options.
Everything you need to know about CIBIL Score for a housing loan
Your CIBIL score significantly impacts housing loan eligibility and interest rates. Lenders prefer scores of 750+ to signify creditworthiness. Improving your score by paying bills on time, managing credit utilization, and avoiding multiple applications can secure better loan terms and reduce overall repayment.
The Delhi High Court has awarded Rs 1 lakh to a credit card customer. This comes after the customer faced harassment from a bank's recovery agent. The court also ordered the bank to reverse Rs 76,777 in fraudulent transactions. The judgement highlights issues with the RBI's Ombudsman scheme and directs improvements for consumer protection.
December car discounts shine but pick carefully
Unlike 2024, when high inventory and weaker demand patches forced broad-based discounting, 2025s deal pattern is more surgical.
Who can invest in PPFAS large cap fund?
The fund houses next big play is a differentiated large-cap offering that deviates from the hallmarks of its proven flagship fund.
New Labour Code vs old PF law: Payroll confusion
A visible exception in the latest reform story is that the Employees Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act (EPF Act), 1952Indias principal PF lawis yet to be repealed. This means that the new wage universe governing gratuity, ESI and leave encashment, and the old wage definition continuing for PF both operate simultaneously.
Use FIFO strategy for smart tax saving on equities
Why FIFO and your demat strategy matter: smart choices can preserve big gains.
Why women need money skills, not just spending
Women may be dealing with money in terms of bargaining for the best deal for what they buy. They may be allocating money for various competing expenses, and may be comfortable hoarding money in physical assets like gold. Have we somewhat normalised this association, where womens efficiency is measured merely with respect to her spending decisions?
Insurance ombudsman reforms: Key changes explained
The Finance Ministry proposes major insurance ombudsman reforms. These changes aim to strengthen policyholder protection and improve claim settlement, but implementation and awareness remain critical for success.
Health insurance complaints surge, doubled in 6 years
Health insurance complaints have doubled in six years, now accounting for 80% of all grievances. Ombudsman calls for healthcare industry regulator and urges insurers to simplify policy terms as post-Covid awareness remains limited despite rising penetration.
Labour codes 2025: Variable pay impact on EPF, gratuity
India's new labour codes require 50% of CTC to be factored into social security calculations, affecting EPF and gratuity contributions. Employers and employees prepare for changes as final implementation rules are expected in coming months.
Choosing your first credit card: A beginner's guide
Choosing your first credit card requires understanding base conversion rates, category bonuses, and redemption values. Learn how reward points work, which cards suit different spending patterns and how to maximize value through accelerated rewards and partner ecosystems. Compare milestone benefits, annual fees, and card recommendations for beginners.
Indians investing actively but lack financial preparedness
Indian corporate employees are investing more actively in mutual funds and equities, but many lack adequate financial knowledge and emergency preparedness, shows a Finsafe India study.
LATAM stocks outperform India, US in 2025
Currency fluctuations impact the returns on foreign investments. To capture the real value from an Indian investors standpoint, these returns are adjusted to reflect their equivalent in Indian rupees. The key takeaway: no market dominates, diversify for security. By Sameer Bhardwaj.
What is credit score and why it matters
A credit score determines your loan eligibility and interest rates. Learn what affects your credit score, why lenders check it, and how to improve it for better loan terms from banks and NBFCs in India. In the 80th part of this series, Riju Mehta explains why this score is important for you.
AI hype is high, clarity is low Im staying cautious: WhiteOak Capital CEO Aashish Somaiyaa
WhiteOak Capital Asset Management differentiates itself with strategies designed to keep investors invested for longer. This includes portfolio construction that avoids extreme swings, a fund lineup less prone to high volatility, and a sticky SIP-led franchise, CEO Aashish Somaiyaa tells Sanket Dhanorkar in an interview.
Short-term debt funds may gain favour amid dovish rate outlook
Investors can now focus on accrual strategies for fixed-income portfolios. The Reserve Bank of India's interest rate outlook suggests lower returns from capital gains. Fund managers recommend short-term and liquid funds for near-term horizons. Longer horizons can consider short-duration and corporate bond strategies. This approach aims to earn returns from interest receipts.
Fino to sell its corporate BC business, aspires to become universal bank eventually: CEO
Fino Payments Bank will re-brand itself as Fino SFB post conversion and double its branch network from 120 currently, over the next 2-3 years, and hire 500-600 employees in the initial years of becoming a SFB.
Loan Approvals: MNRE shares status of solar PV manufacturing chain with FinMin, NBFCs
This will help financial institutions adopt a calibrated and well-informed approach while evaluating proposals
IL&FS to initiate process before NCLT to recover 187 cr excess remuneration paid to ex-directors
IL&FS said it will file an application before the NCLT against the erstwhile whole-time directors, who owe nearly 90 per cent of the total dues, and also seek recovery from independent directors of these three companies
Bajaj Finserv sees consolidated PAT rising 1822% CAGR to 21,00024,000 cr by FY2030
Bajaj Finance plans to enter wealth management business.
Equity mutual funds deliver up to 6% returns last week; global funds lead. Check top 5 gainers
Digitally unified insurance systems can transform Indias healthcare: GIM-WHO study
As India continues to expand subsidised health insurance schemes, the study highlights why unification of data and processes across different stakeholders is essential for improving service delivery
5 mutual fund NFOs open for subscription this week. Check dates and key details
JioBlackRock Mutual Fund is launching its JioBlackRock Arbitrage Fund on December 9, offering a low-risk option for short-term money. The fund will primarily invest in arbitrage opportunities across cash and derivatives markets, with a portion in debt and money market instruments. Suitable for investors with a 312 month horizon, it aims to generate income while leveraging market price gaps.
LIC will become completely digital in next two months: DFS Secretary Nagaraju
Stating that the digital transformation would be similar to what State Bank of India had undergone in terms of various processes, the secretary hinted at a comprehensive set of reforms in insurance whichwill be announced soon
Investor flows are diverging, says Sanjay Shah of Prudent Corporate. While SIPs continue to channel steady money into mid- and smallcaps, fresh allocations are moving toward hybrid, multi-asset, and large-and-midcap funds. New AMCs, NFOs, and SEBI incentives are driving added traction.
Choosing between Gold ETF and Gold ETF FoF? Here are 7 differences to guide you
Gold ETFs invest directly in physical gold, require a demat account, offer real-time liquidity, and have lower expenses. Gold ETF FoFs invest in ETF units, need no demat, allow low-ticket SIPs, carry higher expenses, and follow NAV-based pricing.
DigiLocker fraud on Google Play Store: How scammers are stealing money & how you can avoid it
Indian users, beware! Theres a rise in fraudulent DigiLocker applications designed to snatch away your confidential data. These scammers are thriving by creating lookalike apps, making it imperative to install only the legitimate version from the National e-Governance Division. Dont forget to check the developers information and be cautious with apps that resemble the official one.
These 5 equity mutual funds lose over 10% in 2025. Do you own any?
Five equity mutual funds have fallen more than 10% in 2025, led by steep declines in Samco and small-cap schemes. Overall, 69 funds delivered negative returns, with most losses ranging from marginal dips to high single digits.
FD rate up to 8% for general citizens investing for five year; Know full list of banks
General citizens can still find fixed deposits offering up to 8% interest for a five-year term. Suryoday Small Finance Bank and Jana Small Finance Bank are among those providing this attractive rate. Ujjivan Small Finance Bank offers 7.2%. Investors should note TDS rules and the option to submit Form 15G to avoid deductions.
Top 5 largecap mutual funds offer over 20% annualised return in 3 years. Check details
Large cap mutual funds have delivered up to 27.1% annualised returns over three years, led by BHARAT 22 ETF. Several Sensex Next 50 ETFs also performed strongly, while five major schemes lagged.
Starting your first SIP? Heres an expert guide to choosing the right mutual fund
Starting an SIP becomes easy with clarity on goals, time horizon and risk appetite. Expert guidance helps beginners avoid mis-selling, choose the right fund, and build confidence for a smooth long-term investing journey.
Starting November 21, 2025, a revised Labour Code brings exciting tax-saving opportunities. With wages comprising 50% of the Cost to Company (CTC), employees have a chance to maximize their savings. For instance, with a CTC of Rs 15 lakh, individuals can now enjoy an additional Rs 75,000 in tax relief.
Allegations of adultery cant deny a wife her family pension, rules Bombay HC
In a significant verdict, the Bombay High Court has upheld the rights of a widow by granting her the family pension she deserves. Despite her late husband's unproven accusations of infidelity, the court ruled that such allegations cannot bar a spouse from receiving pension benefits.
Record silver prices: Can silver outshine gold as form of investment?
Silver is outperforming gold, driven by strong industrial demand and investment appeal. Experts believe silver's growth potential may exceed gold's in the long term. Increased use in solar, EVs and electronics fuels this trend. While gold remains a safe haven, silver's unique dual role positions it for significant future gains. Investors are advised to consider both metals.
Saturday bank holiday: Are banks open or closed today on December 6, 2025?
Saturday bank holiday: Many banking services have moved online, but several transactions still require a physical visit to the branch due to verification, compliance, or documentation requirements.
PhonePe shuts Pincodes B2C arm, pivots to B2B solutions
It moved travel and transited to the main PhonePe app
RBIs repo cut to aid consumption, investment and funding cost, bankers say
1 lakh crore OMO purchases along with the 3-year USD/INR buy-sell swap will support liquidity and monetary transmission
RBI grants in-principle approval to Fino Payments Bank for conversion to a small finance bank
With Finos exit, there are only few operational and large scale payments bank in the country. These include Airtel Payments Bank, Jio Payments Bank and India Post Payments Bank
MPC cuts repo rate by 25 bps to a 3-year low
Announces lliquidity enhancement measures; ups FY26 GDP projection by 50 bps, cuts inflation projection by 60 bps
ICICI Lombard, Vastu Housing Finance join hands for insurance distribution
The tie-up will provide Vastus customer base access to two main insurance products
The Reserve Bank of India's repo rate reduction brings welcome news for home loan borrowers. Interest rates on loans linked to the repo rate are expected to decrease soon. Borrowers can anticipate significant savings on interest payments and potentially a shorter loan tenure. This move offers financial relief and flexibility for homeowners across India.
Home loan EMI to fall for Bank of Baroda borrowers: PSU bank cuts lending rates for these borrowers
Following the RBI's 25 bps repo rate cut, Bank of Baroda has reduced its Benchmark Retail Loan Lending Rate (BRLLR) from 8.15% to 7.90%, effective December 6, 2025. This move is expected to prompt other banks to lower their repo-linked lending rates.
Vrutti partners with HSBC India to launch FPO Shakti financing facility
India has more than 44,000 registered FPOs, but fewer than one-third can secure formal credit, FPO Shakti addresses this challenge
Mandatory Hallmarking Unique Identification (HUID) for silver jewellery is now in effect, ensuring purity and curbing unfair practices. Over 17 lakh silver pieces have been hallmarked since its September launch. This six-digit code offers digital traceability, mirroring the gold hallmarking system. Consumers can verify authenticity via the BIS CARE mobile app, checking purity, jewellery type, and jeweller details.
Top 10 best-performing mutual funds for December 2025
ETMutualFunds has shortlisted the top 10 equity funds for December 2025 using performance consistency, risk metrics and rolling returnsnot short-term trends.
India talking to 8 more nations for UPI acceptability: Nagaraju
Unified Payment Interface (UPI) is currently accepted in eight countries -- Bhutan, Singapore, , Mauritius, Nepal, UAE, Sri Lanka and France
RBI Cuts Repo Rate to 5.25%: Here's how you can save Rs 45,000/year on a Rs 50 lakh loan
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Friday reduced the key benchmark repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.25 per cent, the first rate cut in six months. The central bank also retained a neutral stance, leaving room for potential further cuts.
Why do retail investors get trapped in sectoral and thematic funds?
Huge inflows over the last couple of years have made this the largest category in the equity mutual fund space, and it is time investors understood the risks associated with these funds, as reported by ETBureau.
NFO Alert : JioBlackRock Mutual Fund to launch arbitrage fund next week. Check dates, other details
JioBlackRock is launching its low-risk Arbitrage Fund on 911 December, aiming to generate stable returns through equity arbitrage and limited debt investments, targeting short-term investors seeking steady income.
RBI rate cut of 25 basis points: What does this mean for mutual fund investors?
After the Reserve Bank of India reduced the repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.25% in its Monetary Policy Committee meeting on Friday, a market expert recommended choosing short-term debt funds, market-neutral or fixed-income tilted alternatives, and hybrid strategies under Specialised Investment Funds (SIFs).
RBI MPC Policy: Mutual fund managers decode 25 basis point rate cut for investors
The RBIs MPC announced a 25 bps repo rate cut to 5.25% while maintaining a neutral stance, prompting mutual fund managers to highlight opportunities in dynamic bond, short-duration, and corporate bond funds. Liquidity infusion through OMOs and FX swaps is expected to soften yields and support investor portfolios.
Indigo flight cancellation news: IndiGo is facing widespread flight cancellations and delays, leaving thousands of passengers stranded. The airline offers passengers options for refunds or rebooking on alternative flights.
ED attaches 1,120-cr assets linked to Reliance Anil Ambani Group in YES Bank 'fraud case'
Separately, ED is probing a CBI FIR filed against RCOM, Anil Ambani and associates regarding loans worth 40,185 crore taken between 2010 and 2012
In a landmark decision on November 19, 2025, the ITAT Hyderabad ruled that severance packages is to be classified as taxable income under profits in lieu of salary for all terminated employees. The tribunal made it clear that unless there's a specific exemption outlined in Section 10, these severance payments will incur income tax obligations.
Is your investment portfolio too concentrated? Heres how to fix it
8 ways employees will benefit from the implementation of new Labour Codes
Labour Reforms were the need of the hour to ensure balanced and sustained growth in the country and above all, to guarantee dignity, security and fair treatment for every worker. The new Codes place employees at the centre of the labour framework, combining simplification with a decisive expansion of rights and protections.
ITR tax refund stuck? These 7 common errors could be the reason and how you can fix them
Tax refund delays can often stem from mistakes made by taxpayers. Make sure to double-check your Income Tax Return (ITR) within a month. If you receive any notifications regarding defective returns or proposed changes, respond quickly. Dont forget to confirm that your bank account is set up for refund deposits. Clear any outstanding demands prior to the refund process.
Russian lenders Gazprombank, Alfa Bank seek India's approval to set up branches, sources say
Both banks have sought a licence from India's central bank to open branches in the country and are expected to make an announcement around the time of Russian President Vladimir Putin's two-day visit to India that began on Thursday
RBI announces liquidity enhancement measures; to conduct OMO purchase and USD/INR buy-sell swap
The RBI has announced that it will conduct OMO purchase auctions of G-Secs for 1 lakh crore in two tranches of 50,000 crore each to be held on December 11, 2025, and December 18, 2025
Salary not paid? Heres how to send a legal notice that works
The Reserve Bank of India is launching a nationwide customer grievance redressal campaign. This initiative begins on January 1, 2026, and will run for two months. The campaign aims to resolve all complaints pending with the RBI Ombudsman for over a month. Regulated entities are instructed to prioritize customer service.
India's Manhattan? 40% of Indias ultra-luxury home sales now come from this Mumbai neighbourhood
Gold funds vs ETFs : Which investment makes more sense in current market volatility?
Gold prices have seen a significant surge, prompting investors to consider Gold ETFs and Gold Funds. Experts suggest SIPs for volatile markets, with ETFs offering cost-efficiency and liquidity, while mutual funds provide convenience for long-term investors. Multi-asset funds are also recommended for better risk-reward.
The Repo Rate cut by 25 bps to 5.25%
The RBI also announced liquidity enhancement measures including, conducting an open market operation (OMO) purchase of Government Securities for 1 lakh crore this month
India may seek bids for $7 billion IDBI Bank stake this month
The bank, once burdened by heavy bad loans, has emerged from a major cleanup, and returned to profitability in recent years after capital support and aggressive recoveries helped it cut non-performing assets sharply
Best small cap mutual funds to invest in December 2025
Small cap mutual funds delivered over 26.38% returns in 2024. Investors are showing renewed interest in October 2025. Despite market concerns, experts advise staggered investments in these schemes for long-term wealth. These funds invest in very small companies, offering high return potential but also significant risk and volatility. Careful selection of fund managers is crucial for success.

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