7 C 
The RBI bought seven G-Sec, maturing between 2029 and 2053, and injected the notified amount into the banking system
The Vande Bharat Sleeper Express is set to launch on the Guwahati-Howrah route this month, featuring a unique booking system with no RAC or waiting lists. All berths will be available for booking from the advance reservation period start. Fares will include basic charges plus GST, with a minimum distance of 400 km applied.
FD vsRD vsMutual funds vs Gold: Choosing between FD, RD, mutual funds and gold depends on risk tolerance, tax impact and time horizon. FDs and RDs offer safety but limited growth, mutual funds provide higher long-term returns with volatility, while gold adds stability and diversification. A balanced mix delivers the best outcome.
Income Tax Refund delay explained: Why are FY 2024-25 refunds taking longer?
Struggling to save? 6 money habits you must ditch in 2026
Financial resolutions fail because we focus on what to start instead of what to stop. Learn 6 powerful strategies to identify and break the old money habits blocking your path to saving more in 2026.
NFO Alert: Bandhan Mutual Fund launches precious metals based two ETF Fund of Funds
Bandhan Mutual Fund has launched Bandhan Gold ETF FoF and Bandhan Silver ETF FoF, offering investors a simple, transparent, and cost-efficient way to invest in precious metals. The NFOs are open until January 20, with minimum investments of Rs 1,000 and SIPs starting at Rs 100.
Dharana Capital raises $250 million second growth fund, to back Indias tech and consumer startups
The new fund will deployed across companies that focus on investing in tech and consumer businesses in India.
An expert warns that retiring at 27 with a Rs 1.6 crore corpus and Rs 65,000 monthly expenses may be risky, as inflation, taxes, longevity, and emergencies could exhaust savings well before age 75.
Best-performing NPS equity funds: Offer over 12% returns in 1 year. Check details
Several NPS equity fund managers delivered strong one-year returns, with Tata Pension Management leading the pack. While select funds crossed 12%, others posted moderate gains, offering investors insight into comparative pension fund performance against the BSE 200 TRI.
Tamil Nadu launches new pension scheme with NPS, OPS-like features: Eligibility, benefits & timeline
Tamil Nadu has introduced the Assured Pension Scheme (TAPS), replacing its 23-year-old system. Effective January 1, 2026, TAPS offers employees 50% of their last basic pay and DA, blending features of the Old Pension Scheme and NPS. Employees will contribute 10% to their pension pool.
Gold ETF inflows hit USD 88.5 billion worldwide; Nippon India Gold BeES ranks 15th
Nippon India ETF Gold BeES ranked among the world's top 15 gold ETFs in 2025, attracting USD 1.17 billion in inflows. This performance contributed to India's position as the third-largest market for gold ETF inflows globally, highlighting gold's continued role as a key portfolio diversifier amidst macroeconomic uncertainty.
While a Sunday Budget would be a first, presenting Budgets on weekends is not unprecedented. Budget 2025, under Sitharaman, was presented on a Saturday, and Budget 2015, under Arun Jaitley, was also presented on Saturday on February 28, 2015.
JioBlackRock Flexi Cap Fund raised exposure to Adani Energy, HAL and several largecap stocks in December while trimming holdings in IndiGo and others. The fund also exited multiple stocks, added new names and saw a rise in assets under management.
Dubai return shock: Customs seizes 994-purity gold ring, Delhi HC orders release and Rs 5,000 costs
Sayara's gold ring was seized at Delhi airport. The Delhi High Court ruled the seizure misplaced. The court ordered the ring's return and no warehousing charges. The Customs Department must also pay Sayara Rs 5,000 in costs. The court found the seizure unreasonable and the ring to be personal jewellery of Indian origin.
Indian Railways is implementing significant changes for train ticket bookings. Effective January 12, 2026, only Aadhaar-authenticated users can book general reserved tickets on the Advance Reservation Period (ARP) opening day. This follows mandatory Aadhaar authentication for Tatkal tickets starting July 1, 2025.
ICICI Prudential India Opportunities Fund turns Rs 10,000 SIP into over Rs 20 lakh in 7 years
ICICI Prudential India Opportunities Fund has turned a Rs 10,000 monthly SIP into over Rs 20 lakh in seven years. Strong returns across SIP and lumpsum investments highlight the funds special situations strategy and long-term wealth creation potential.
Whats missing from your 2026 playbook? Real-time intelligence could be the blind spot
Deutsche banks $2.5 billion India retail assets draw final bids
The German lenders assets up for grabs include mortgage loans, small business loans and wealth management
Anup Kumar Saha joins Kotak Mahindra Bank as whole-time director
A seasoned finance professional, Saha previously worked at ICICI Bank and spent over eight years at Bajaj Finance, where he led major business transformation initiatives
Income Tax Act 2025: 5 things that will change for taxpayers when new laws replace old rules
India's new Income Tax Act, 2025, effective April 1, 2026, aims to simplify tax rules and enhance compliance. Key changes include the introduction of a 'Tax Year,' more detailed ITR disclosures, and a push towards the new tax regime. Technology-driven compliances and faster processing are expected to benefit taxpayers.
The Updated Return (ITR-U) is a successful tax reform. However, it cannot be filed if tax proceedings have started, even if unrelated to the disclosed income. Budget 2026 should amend this rule. This change will allow more taxpayers to self-correct errors, boosting voluntary compliance and revenue collection. It will also reduce litigation and align with trust-based governance.
Why loud budgeting is replacing quiet luxury as the smartest way to build wealth in 2026
Big bets in equities: 7 mutual funds garner over Rs 800 crore in December. Check details
Homeowners can avoid income tax on additional carpet area received through property redevelopment. This is possible under Section 54 of the Income Tax Act, provided the new property is acquired within specific timelines. A recent ITAT ruling confirmed that even separately paid-for extra space can be included in the tax exemption calculation.
Flexicap mutual funds saw record inflows of over Rs 10,000 crore in December. This surge highlights investor confidence in the category's flexibility and consistent performance. Experts advise sticking to long-term asset allocation rather than chasing trends. Flexicap funds are recommended as core holdings for investors, especially first-time equity investors, best accessed through SIPs.
Bank holiday today: Are banks open or closed today on January 12, 2026?
Swami Vivekananda birth anniversary: Banks in some states will observe Swami Vivekananda's birth anniversary. This public holiday means physical branches will be shut, though online and digital banking services will remain operational. Customers are advised to plan their banking needs accordingly.
Deposits and advances expanded manifold over two decades, says SBI research
The report cautions that the sharp rise in unsecured lending raises risk sensitivity.; All scheduled commercial banks contingent liabilities has soared at an unexceptional pace
Best flexi cap mutual funds to invest in January 2026
Flexi cap schemes are typically recommended to moderate investors to create wealth over a long period of time. Ideally, one should invest in these schemes with an investment horizon of five to seven years.
Home vs retirement facility: How seniors should plan
Choosing a retirement facility over ones own home will call for many financial decisions. Buying or renting the place; selling or renting the house; managing funds for routine monthly payments that would rise with inflation; estimating the contributions from others, especially children; and estimating healthcare and other expenses.
What are Alpha and Beta in mutual funds and stocks?
If you are confused by personal finance terms, jargon and calculations, heres a series to simplify and deconstruct these for you. In the 85th part of this series, Riju Mehta explains how these indicators differ from each other.
Branded Residences: Smart investment vs status symbol
For discerning buyers, the experience must remain central. A successful branded residence merges design coherence, integrated services, and superior craftsmanship to make daily living noticeably better.
6 tips on how to create successful cafe business
Rohit Kumar, a former gym trainer, ventured into the cafe business with no prior experience, opening Olipo Cafe & Bakery. Despite initial assumptions of easy money, he discovered the industry's tight margins and high working capital needs. Kumar now runs two successful cafes in Delhi, emphasising careful menu design, financial management, and a focus on walk-in customers for profitability.
Are you ready for 2 cr shortfall in your corpus?
Inflation significantly erodes the purchasing power of savings, especially over long investment horizons like retirement. Failing to account for inflation, particularly in expenses like education and healthcare, leads to an underestimated retirement corpus. A balanced asset allocation is crucial for managing inflation risk and ensuring long-term financial security.
Why insurance complaints take 6+ months to be heard
Policyholders face significant delays in insurance claim resolutions, with many waiting six months to over a year for their complaints to be heard by insurance ombudsmen. Despite official reports showing a high disposal rate, on-ground experiences reveal a growing backlog, particularly at busy centers, highlighting the need for more ombudsman offices and streamlined processes.
Back in India? 6 NRI tax traps to avoid in year one
Returning Indians face significant tax challenges, often experiencing 'return shock' due to complex rules on residency, overseas income, and foreign assets. Misclassifying residential status is a common, costly error. Experts advise meticulous day-count tracking, prompt account conversions, and proactive planning to navigate these complexities and avoid penalties.
Selling unlisted shares? What NRIs must watch out for
Even after paying taxes in India, NRIs may be taxed in their country of residence on the same income. Most nations offer foreign tax credit for taxes paid in India, but the mechanics of claiming it involve additional compliance, documentation, and potential timing mismatches.
HRA can decide old vs new tax regime for high earners
Most Indians now prefer the new tax regime for its simplicity and higher in-hand pay. Those sticking to the old regime need careful tax planning. This includes maintaining proper documentation for deductions like HRA and ensuring compliance with TDS rules. Smart salary structuring and capital gains tax optimisation are key strategies for both regimes.
Oil, dollar, rate cuts: Why Trumps move matters
The US has captured Venezuelan President Maduro, seizing control of its vast oil reserves. This move significantly reshapes global energy dynamics, granting the US unprecedented leverage. While short-term oil prices may spike due to uncertainty, the long-term outlook suggests potential price pressure as Venezuela's production could increase.
Small, mid-sized NBFC-MFIs hope for a credit guarantee fund announcement in Union Budget
Disbursements from banks to these entities have either stopped or is very limited. Whatever recovery these MFIs make, only that can be recycled for giving fresh loans and repaying the loans taken from banks, says Jiji Mammen, CEO, Sa-Dhan
Equity mutual funds lost over 5% last week. Check top 5 laggards
How can I ensure my wife inherits our ancestral properties without claims from my children?
ET Wealth Reader's Query: Im a Hindu and need legal advice on drafting my will. I own two ancestral properties inherited from my grandmother and mother. I want my wife to be the sole and absolute owner of these after my death, with no claim from my sons or their legal heirs.
Financial control by husband alone doesn't amount to cruelty: Supreme Court quashes 498A case
The Supreme Court granted relief to a husband from a 498A case filed by his wife. The court ruled that the husband's financial dominance, including asking his wife to maintain an expense spreadsheet and transfer her salary, did not constitute cruelty. Allegations were deemed vague and lacking specific evidence, leading to the quashing of the criminal proceedings.
Moodys changes Shriram Finance rating outlook to positive from stable post MUFG deal
Moodys affirms Ba1 rating to Shriram Finance
The Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS) offers a competitive 8.2% fixed interest rate, matching the Sukanya Samriddhi Account. This rate, applicable for the January-March 2026 quarter, remains unchanged from the previous period. SCSS provides a higher return than most bank FDs, though it has a deposit limit of Rs 30 lakh.
Not gold or property: Here's what Radhika Gupta calls real inheritance from the previous generation
Radhika Gupta, MD & CEO of Edelweiss Mutual Fund, said the true inheritance from previous generations lies in the values they instilledhard work, responsibility, family respect, and financial prudencerather than material assets like gold or property. She emphasized that these principles guide life and financial choices across generations.
NFO Alert: The Wealth Company Mutual Fund launches Gold ETF FoF
The Wealth Company Mutual Fund has launched a Gold ETF Fund of Fund, offering investors a cost-efficient and transparent way to gain gold exposure without physical ownership. The NFO is open until January 23, 2026, with low minimum investment and SIP options.
HDFC Bank is transitioning its debit card lounge access to a voucher-based system from January 10, 2026. Customers meeting a Rs 10,000 quarterly spend will receive a digital voucher via SMS or email, replacing the previous card swipe method. This new process requires claiming a voucher code to gain entry to airport lounges.
Motilal Oswal Mutual Fund has discontinued subscriptions in its Nifty Microcap 250 Index Fund following consultations with SEBI, citing the absence of a defined microcap category. The move impacts fresh investments, SIPs, and STPs, while existing terms remain unchanged.
Quant Small Cap Fund: LIC and Adani Green Energy among stocks bought and sold in December
Quant Small Cap Fund made selective portfolio changes in December, adding Adani Green Energy and exiting LIC completely. The fund increased exposure to select stocks while maintaining a defensive stance, focusing on liquidity and calibrated smallcap exposure amid market volatility.
NFOs: 8 mutual funds and 1 SIF are open for subscription now. Check dates and key details
Eight mutual fund NFOs and one SIF are currently open for subscription across categories such as small cap, duration, sectoral, thematic and FoFs. Here is a list of the latest launches with closing dates and key details.
Gold Exchange Traded Funds saw unprecedented inflows in December, reaching an all-time high. This surge has prompted market experts to recommend investors rebalance their portfolios. They advise aligning gold ETF holdings with individual asset allocation targets. For new investors, a gradual entry through systematic plans is suggested.
SBI ATM fee: State Bank of India has revised its ATM transaction charges, effective December 1, 2025, due to an increase in interchange fees. Savings and salary account holders using other banks' ATMs will see higher charges for cash withdrawals and non-financial transactions after the free limit. SBI debit card holders using SBI ATMs and BSBD account holders remain unaffected.
Mutual fund SIP contributions hit a record Rs 30,002 crore in December, even as the SIP stoppage ratio climbed to 85%. AMFI data shows strong long-term investor participation, rising SIP AUM and expanding folio count despite market volatility.
Mutual fund investors take a bigger shine to gold and silver
In December, mutual fund investors took a gold and silver plunge, ramping up their stakes in precious metal funds. Meanwhile, equity and fixed-income investments cooled off, indicating a cautious approach in the market. Additionally, multi-asset allocation funds attracted more capital, underscoring a trend towards safer investment choices as investors hedge against uncertainty.
Inflow slowdown hits large, mid and smallcap funds in December. Is investor sentiment cooling?
Mutual fund inflows into large-, mid- and small-cap schemes declined in December despite limited market weakness. Experts attribute the slowdown to elevated valuations, volatility and profit booking, signalling a more cautious and selective investor approach across equity fund categories.
UK-based taxpayer ignored tax notices, still escaped Rs 10,000 penalty; heres why
A UK resident successfully challenged a Rs 10,000 tax penalty imposed for not responding to a notice. The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) Delhi ruled that the penalty was invalid as there was no proof the notice was actually served on the taxpayer. This decision highlights the importance of proper notice delivery for tax proceedings.
Saturday bank holiday: Are banks open or closed today on January 10, 2026?
Bank holiday today: Bank customers should plan their work in advance. Banks observe holidays on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month. January 2026 features several state-specific holidays. Republic Day is a national holiday.
Skydo receives RBI authorisation to operate as cross-border payments aggregator
NPST, Infinity Infoway launch ERP-linked prepaid card for schools, transport firms
The solution, backed by NSDL Payment Bank, will be rolled out pan-India in phases.
More commission payments: 23 insurers under IRDAIs lens for exceeding expenses
Surge in commission payments is driven by the private insurers in life and non-life business
Are you reviewing your personal finances the right way?
Many women beneficiaries of the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin scheme have completed their e-KYC but are yet to receive their December installment. With January 2026 underway, beneficiaries are also waiting for the current month's payment. The government has not announced the disbursal date, causing confusion among recipients.
8th Pay Commission: Comparing salary increases under 6th and 7th CPC
December saw 23 open-ended mutual fund NFOs raise Rs 4,074 crore, led by Abakkus Flexi Caps Rs 2,468 crore haul, while sectoral, arbitrage, small-cap, index, ETF, liquid and gold funds drew modest investor interest amid selective risk appetite in December.
NaBFID boosts derivatives use as falling rates squeeze margins
The infra lender has entered into swap transactions with global banks to offset the mismatch between floating-rate loans and fixed borrowing costs after RBI rate cuts.
We are partners in the nations development. So, we have to work together to strike the right balance between growth and systemic stability on one hand and responsible innovation and consumer protection on the other, he said
Bain's Manappuram deal delayed by Indian regulatory concerns, sources say
Shares in Manappuram slid on the news, extending losses to be last down 5%
Budget 2026: Previous years tax cuts spur hope for more
Anticipation builds for Budget 2026 as taxpayers hope for more tax cuts and relief amid economic recovery and low inflation
Mutual fund inflows touch Rs 8 lakh crore in 2025; flexicap funds attract Rs 80,000 crore
Mutual funds saw strong investor interest in 2025. Open-ended funds attracted over Rs 7.9 lakh crore. Equity schemes were popular, with flexicap funds leading inflows. Debt and hybrid funds also saw significant investments. Passive funds, including ETFs and index funds, garnered substantial inflows. The total assets under management for open-ended schemes grew by 20%.
PM Kisan beneficiaries can expect the 22nd instalment between March and April 2026. Each payment will be Rs 2,000. Completing eKYC is crucial to receive funds directly into Aadhaar-seeded bank accounts. Farmers can use OTP, biometrics, or face authentication for eKYC.
ICICI Bank Credit Card rule changes from January 15, 2026: Check new fees and benefits
ICICI Bank is updating its credit card offerings. New rules for rewards, benefits, and fees will take effect on January 15, 2026. Cardholders should review changes to reward points, BookMyShow benefits, and various transaction fees. These revisions will affect spending habits and how cardholders earn rewards. Specific changes apply to cards like Emeralde Metal and Times Black.
Delhi High Court raps Income Tax Dept over 8-year delay, in tax refund and thus orders Rs 5.37 crore tax refund with interest to Microsoft India; warns Rs 1 lakh personal cost on on Deputy Commissioner if deadline missed. Read below to what else Delhi High Court said to Income Tax Department.
New NPS, EPF rules explained: Key updates that will impact your retirement corpus
Policymakers rolled out a series of reforms to address long-standing pain points for EPF and NPS subscribers, such as rigid withdrawal rules, paperwork-heavy processes, and limited flexibility in managing retirement savings.
CDSL Ventures registers over 10 crore KYC record
It is the first KYC Registration Agency in India and has been instrumental in establishing a centralized KYC system for the securities market
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund raises stake in ITC, 10 others; trims Infosys exposure in Dec
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund boosted its holdings in ITC and ten other stocks during December, notably adding significant stakes in Power Grid Corporation and HDFC Bank. The fund also introduced The Great Eastern Shipping Company to its portfolio. Meanwhile, exposure to Infosys was reduced, with no complete exits reported.
In your 30s? These 10 money habits decide your retirement future
Investing in 2026? This simple ETF vs index fund test tells you what to buy
AMFI Data: Mutual fund SIP inflows surge to record Rs 31,002 crore in December
Mutual fund SIP inflows reached a record high of over Rs 31,000 crore in December. This marks a significant increase, showing disciplined investor participation. Investors are using market dips to increase investments. The trend indicates a growing financialization of savings in India. More investors are expected to join mutual funds, driving SIP numbers higher.
A homebuyer who opted to continue with a delayed housing project in Chandigarh will only receive RERA-mandated interest compensation for the delay. Punjab RERA ruled that additional compensation for rent, legal fees, or mental distress is not permissible if the allottee chooses to stay with the project instead of withdrawing.
PF withdrawal rules: Know service period, 75% limit and unemployment benefits
AMFI Data: Equity mutual fund inflows dip 6% to Rs 28,054 crore in December
Equity mutual fund inflows dipped 6% to Rs 28,054 crore in December, marking a 32% year-on-year decline. Despite this, flexi-cap funds achieved a record high of Rs 10,019 crore in inflows, leading the pack among the 11 sub-categories. Overall, 2025 saw Rs 3.03 lakh crore invested in equity mutual funds.
MF Tracker: Axis Large Cap Fund turns Rs 10,000 SIP to Rs 58 lakh in 16 years
Axis Large Cap Fund has turned a Rs 10,000 monthly SIP into Rs 58.71 lakh over 16 years, ETMutualFunds analysis shows. Despite periods of underperformance, the large-cap scheme has delivered steady long-term returns. Experts say its quality-focused approach and stability make it a suitable option in todays volatile markets.
Best tax saving mutual funds or ELSS to invest in January 2026
Tax saving mutual funds or ELSSs invest in stocks. Therefore, they have a very high risk. You should be aware of this aspect, especially if you are a first-time investor in equity mutual funds. Compared to your usual investments like Public Provident Fund or National Savings Certificate, etc,
Gold and silver prices saw record highs in 2025. Global factors like central bank buying and geopolitical risks drove these surges. Indian demand remained steady but did not lead the price increases. High prices are now influencing consumer buying patterns. Investors are watching for potential portfolio rebalancing impacts in the new year.
The Delhi High Court ruled that a wife, despite concealing her dual MBA income, is entitled to maintenance for accommodation under the Domestic Violence Act. The court acknowledged her suppressed income but prioritized her right to secure a safe residence for herself and their child, modifying the interim maintenance order.
Can you still exchange Rs 2000 notes in 2026? The answer may surprise you
Can you still exchange Rs 2000 notes in 2026? With 98% already returned, here's what you need to know before your options disappear.
Bajaj Group completes acquisition of 23% stake in insurance ventures from Allianz
Allianz SE says it will consider options for redeployment of the proceeds, including investments into its new joint ventures in India
