15 C 
Latest PPF interest rate: The Finance Ministry has confirmed that interest rates for small savings schemes, including the Public Provident Fund (PPF), will remain unchanged for the January-March 2026 quarter. PPF investors will continue to earn a tax-free interest of 7.1% on their deposits. This rate has been consistent since 2020.
Market Wrap: Nifty hits record high, Sensex gains 573 points on second trading day of 2026
The Nifty 50 climbed as much as 193.45 points during the session to an all-time high of 26,340 before closing at 26,328.55, up 182 points, or 0.7%. The BSE Sensex advanced 573 points, or 0.67%, to finish at 85,762.
Britain's FTSE-100 hits 10,000 mark, getting 2026 off to strong start
London's blue-chip FTSE 100 index hit the symbolic 10,000 points mark for the first time on Friday, the latest sign of surging stock markets around the world, and a positive start to 2026 for the long unloved British market.
Passive mutual funds deliver upto 76% gain in 2025. Should you chase them in 2026?
Passive mutual funds emerged as a strong performer in 2025, delivering up to 76% returns, led by gold, silver, and international equity funds. With AUM rising sevenfold to Rs 14 lakh crore and growing folio counts, experts predict that passive investing will continue to gain momentum in 2026 as a core portfolio strategy.
Central government employees and pensioners are anticipating a Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief increase. The November AICPI-IW data suggests a potential hike for early 2026. This revision ensures payouts keep pace with inflation. The upcoming 8th Pay Commission may also consider these allowances, influencing future salary and pension adjustments.
How should you invest in 2026? Expert shares 4 tips for investors
After a challenging 2025 for equity investors, financial expert Mohit Gang, CEO of Moneyfront, outlines key strategies to strengthen portfolios and navigate the year ahead.The expert noted that the past year was a challenging one for some investors who had concentrated all of their investments in equities, especially in the high-risk mid- and small-cap stocks. Gang said that the large-cap stocks investors managed to get a little better, earning modest single-digit returns.
Coal India shares surged to a 52-week high after announcing that foreign buyers from Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal can directly participate in SWMA e-auctions from 1 January 2026. The move aims to enhance transparency, efficiency, and global market integration.
Scheduled Commercial Banks can now sponsor pension funds. PFRDA has revised charges for Points of Presence in NPS schemes. Investment management fees for pension funds will also see changes from April 1, 2026. These updates aim to strengthen the pension ecosystem and enhance competition for subscribers. New charge structures will be effective from January 1, 2026.
Looking to invest Rs 10 lakh in 2026? Here is a help for aggressive investors
Investment experts suggest aggressive investors deploying a Rs 10 lakh lump sum in 2026 should maintain a strong equity bias despite weak 2025 returns. Recommendations favour diversified exposure across large, mid and small-cap funds, selective international equity, and a limited allocation to gold and silver, while largely avoiding debt.
Quant Mutual Fund remains bullish on large caps, select private banks, and insurance. With strong liquidity, mid and smallcap exposure rising, supportive RBI policy, and a stable US dollar, the fund expects Indian equities to participate in the 2026 uptrend.
Bitcoin, gold or private equity? A modern guide to alternative investing in 2026
Planning your mutual fund investments for 2026? Experts recommend key strategy to follow
As investors head into 2026, experts emphasize a balanced, diversification-led strategy for mutual fund portfolios. Key recommendations include focusing on asset allocation, managing risk, and preserving capital over chasing returns. Investors are advised to structure portfolios correctly and stay disciplined through market cycles, avoiding common mistakes like reacting to short-term volatility.
ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund announces change in fund managers of its 2 funds
ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund announces a shift in leadership for its funds. S Naren will transition out of the Dynamic Asset Allocation Active FOF management. Concurrently, expect updates to the Gold ETF, Regular Gold Savings Fund, and Silver ETF Fund of Fund's core attributes.
Top 10 mutual funds to invest in January 2026
We have chosen two schemes from five different equity mutual fund categories - aggressive hybrid, large cap, mid cap, small cap and flexi cap schemes which we believe should be enough for regular mutual fund investors.
Brokerages have turned sharply cautious on ITC after the governments steep hike in cigarette excise duties, triggering downgrades, earnings cuts and valuation resets. While domestic brokerages warn of volume pressure and a revival of illicit trade, Jefferies has retained a Buy rating, arguing that long-term returns and cash payouts could cushion near-term pain.
Tata Steel Share Price Live Updates: Tata Steel's six-month beta reflects market volatility
Axis Bank Share Price Live Updates: Axis Bank's End of Day Price
Tata Consumer Share Price Live Updates: Tata Consumer's previous day close
LTIMindtree Share Price Live Updates: LTIMindtree's Latest Trading Figures
Hindalco Share Price Live Updates: Hindalco's Trading Day Summary
Adani Ports SEZ Share Price Live Updates: Adani Ports SEZ closes at 1469.8
Sun Pharma Share Price Live Updates: Sun Pharma's market close
Britannia Share Price Live Updates: Britannia's Previous Day Market Close
Dr Reddys Share Price Live Updates: Dr. Reddy's shares ended the day at 1271.4.
HCL Tech Share Price Live Updates: HCL Tech's Closing Price Update
Asian Paints Share Price Live Updates: Asian Paints Trading Performance
M&M Share Price Live Updates: M&M stock performance update
Power Grid Share Price Live Updates: Power Grid's previous day close at Rs 264.6
Bharti Airtel Share Price Live Updates: Bharti Airtel's Closing Figures from Yesterday
Titan Company Share Price Live Updates: Titan Company market close
Coal India Share Price Live Updates: Coal India Closing Price
Apollo Hospital Share Price Live Updates: Apollo Hospital's Recent Trading Performance
The Delhi High Court has ruled in favour of two government officers. Delay in issuing their appointment letters created a gap in their promotion and pay hike eligibility. The court held the Union of India responsible for the administrative delay. These officers will now receive notional promotion and associated benefits.
A husband partly won his maintenance case as the Allahabad High Court reduced his wife's monthly payment. The court acknowledged the unpredictable income of junior district court lawyers. Despite the wife's claims of significant assets, the husband's earnings were deemed uncertain. The maintenance was lowered from Rs 5,000 to Rs 3,750 per month.
2025 saw mixed asset class performance, with gold and silver soaring while small-cap equities declined. Experts anticipate a potential equity revival in 2026, driven by economic growth and corporate earnings. Debt markets may offer opportunities amidst expected RBI rate cuts, while real estate offers diversified entry through REITs and InvITs.
RBI eases capital norms for NBFCs financing high-quality infrastructure projects
The RBI said the Amendment Directions will be applicable from April 1, 2026, or from an earlier date when these directions are adopted by a NBFC in entirety
ITC shares fall 10%: SBI and PPFAS Mutual Fund among 8 AMC to have over 10 crore shares before crash
ITC shares plunged nearly 10% after the government announced higher excise duties on tobacco products from February 1, raising concerns over pricing pressure, demand impact and investor sentiment.
Slippages in unsecured retail loans go up to 53.1 % of total retail loans for banks: FSR
With slippages going up in unsecured retail lending, PVBs resorted to write-offs in a big way even as recoveries were muted.
Smallcap mutual funds lose over 5% in 2025. Check top 5 losers
Small-cap mutual funds emerged as the weakest performers of 2025, with most schemes delivering negative returns and underperforming benchmarks. Only one fund managed positive gains, highlighting broad-based pressure across the segment. The trend underscores heightened volatility, stock-specific risks, and the challenges faced by small-cap investors during the year.
Mutual fund NFOs: 2 passive funds are open for subscription now. Check details
Two new passive mutual fund schemes, an ETF and an index fund, are currently open for subscription, offering investors additional low-cost investment options across equity and government securities.
PFRDA Reforms NPS: Heres what new sponsors and fee changes mean for your pension
The new policy also comes with a very specific set of requirements for the banks, which comprises their net worth, market capitalisation and compliance with RBI guidelines in terms of financial stability, thus making it certain that only the most financially strong and less risky banks will be allowed to set up Pension Funds. The comprehensive criteria will be published in a separate notification and will be applicable to both new and existing funds.
Silver to have higher drawdown risk than gold in 2026: Mirae Asset Mutual Fund
Mirae Asset Mutual Funds 2026 outlook highlights higher volatility risks in silver after strong gains, favouring balanced precious metal allocation with a gradual tilt to gold. It stresses disciplined asset allocation, selective equity strategies, accrual-focused fixed income, and diversified passive investing to navigate volatility and achieve long-term portfolio stability.
8th Pay Commission: How much can your pay rise from January 1, 2026? Check level-wise calculation
The 8th Pay Commission is set to bring major salary hikes for central government employees, defence personnel, and pensioners from January 1, 2026. While the new pay cycle has officially begun, actual payments will depend on the commissions recommendations. This article explains who stands to gain the most, how arrears will be calculated, and examples of expected increases across different pay levels.
Financial planners recommend goal-based investing for 2026; heres why
Financial planners advocate goal-based investing in 2026 as it aligns portfolios with specific life objectives, improves discipline, and helps navigate market volatility more effectively.
ICICI Bank launches capital gains account scheme to help taxpayers defer reinvestment
The launch follows the governments approval of ICICI Bank as an authorised CGAS institution
Over 55% return! Mutual fund scheme of the year 2025 crown goes to HSBC Brazil Fund
Mutual fund investors had a strong year in 2025, with the HSBC Brazil Fund emerging as the top-performing scheme. The fund delivered over 55% returns, turning a 1 lakh lump-sum invested at the start of the year into 1.55 lakh, while a 10,000 monthly SIP grew to 1.48 lakh with an XIRR of 46.45%, despite market volatility.
IREDAs loan disbursements up 44% at 24,903 cr in Apr-Dec
Loan sanctions during the period stood at 40,100 crore, reflecting a growth of 29% over 31,087 crore a year ago
IFSCA notifies rules to operationalise global in-house centres in IFSC
The move seeks to attract India-centric financial activities currently handled offshore, generate employment, and deepen Indias integration into the global financial value chain.
Best mutual fund SIP portfolios to invest in January 2026
ETMutualFunds' best mutual fund SIP portfolios are meant for three different individual risk profiles: conservative, moderate and aggressive. We have also considered three SIP baskets between Rs 2,000-5,000, between Rs 5,000-10,000 and above Rs 10,000 while creating these portfolios. Take a look at our recommended portfolios.
Mutual fund investing in 2026: Types of schemes that may do well
Mutual fund investors are planning their equity strategy for 2026. Experts recommend flexi-cap and large & mid-cap funds for stability and growth. New investors should start with flexi-cap and large-cap categories. Experienced investors can consider index, flexi cap, multi cap, and international funds. Caution is advised for mid-cap, small-cap, and international funds due to current valuations.
Missed Dec 31 revised ITR Deadline? How to claim your tax refund now
Missed the income tax return deadline. Do not worry. You can still fix mistakes. File a rectification application under Section 154. This applies to errors found after your return is processed. This option is available even after December 31, 2025. It helps correct mistakes apparent from the record. This process can lead to refunds or increased refunds.
Rs 40 crore margin glitch helps F&O trader earn Rs 1.75 crore in 20 minutes; Bombay HC says he can keep it. The Bombay High Court ruled that profits earned by a trader using mistakenly provided margin money due to a tech glitch belong to the trader, not the broker. The court found Kotak Securities' claim for profits unjust.
M&M Share Price Live Updates: M&M's Monthly Returns Analysis
After a 22 years long fight an Indian husband has got relief from his marriage when the Supreme Court of India gave him divorce. Prolonged matrimonial legal fight leads only to a marriage on paper, says Supreme Court; ends 22-year divorce battle in husbands favour. Read the article to know how the husband won.
A Mumbai woman successfully claimed capital gains tax exemption under Section 54F after selling land for Rs 70 lakh and investing in a new apartment. Despite a five-year delay by the builder in executing the sale agreement, the ITAT Mumbai ruled in her favor, acknowledging her timely payments and acquisition of rights to the property.
Important GST changes and amendments made in 2025 which will impact your taxation in 2026
Goods and Services Tax saw major shifts in 2025. A GST rates rationalisation, GST Appellate Tribunal launch, and changes to blocked credit definitions impacted businesses. Landmark court rulings clarified GST applicability on mutual associations, development rights, and SEZ units. These updates are reshaping tax compliance and dispute resolution across India.
New Year bank holiday January 1, 2026: Are banks open or closed today on New Years Day?
Banks will observe closures in select Indian states on January 1, 2026, for New Year's Day and Gaan-Ngai. While most banks will operate normally, account holders in Mizoram, Tamil Nadu, Sikkim, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, West Bengal, and Meghalaya should verify branch timings before visiting due to regional holidays.
Tamil Nadu RERA introduces a vital three-bank-account rule for real estate projects starting January 1, 2026. This system ensures homebuyers' money is strictly managed. Funds will be segregated into collection, separate, and transaction accounts. Builders must meet strict conditions for withdrawals, enhancing transparency and safeguarding investments. This move aims to prevent fund diversion and ensure project completion.
1,400 crore bank fraud: ED attaches UK property linked to S Kumars ex-CMD Nitin Kasliwal
Valued at around Rs 150 crore, the property is held through offshore trusts and companies controlled by Kasliwal and his family
New income tax rules for 2025 bring welcome changes. Salaried individuals earning up to Rs 12.75 lakh will pay no tax. TDS thresholds for rent, bank interest, and dividends are increased. Senior citizens benefit from doubled TDS limits on interest income. These updates aim to simplify compliance and offer financial relief to many taxpayers across India.
Banks exposure to capital market and real estate sector on a 6-year high
Private sector banks recorded a CAGR of 19.3% in the advances to capital market sector from FY20 to FY25, and a 20% CAGR in their exposure to the real estate sector
Planning to invest Rs 10 lakh in 2026? What should investors keep in mind
With a Rs 10 lakh lump sum for the new year, assess your risk tolerance first. Investment advisors recommend allocating at least 40% to equity mutual funds, despite past market underperformance. Diversify with multi-asset and hybrid funds, and continue including gold and silver in your portfolio.
Maritime NBFC Sagarmala Finance begins lending with 4,300 crore approvals
Of this, around Rs 4,000 crore is earmarked for a greenfield port project, while Dredging Corporation of India and Goa Shipyard have received Rs 150 crore and Rs 110 crore, respectively
BankNBFC interlinkages have evolved beyond the traditional lending-borrowing channel
Key gauge indicates the rising depreciation pressure on the Indian Rupee: FSR
EMP is used to measure external pressures on the currency and is constructed as a weighted average of exchange rate movements and changes in forex reserves
Supply of G-Secs State Govt Secs has risen considerably in FY26: FSR
The current steepening of the yield curve and relatively higher exchange rate volatility, if sustained, could impact banks treasury income
Stablecoins pose serious financial stability risks: RBI FSR
Stablecoins could undermine singleness of money, which is the principle that all forms of money are freely interchangeable, i.e., they trade at the same price and accepted everywhere
RBI floating rate bonds provide a secure investment with an 8.05% interest rate. Issued by the Indian government, these bonds offer a sovereign guarantee. Unlike many small savings schemes, there is no maximum investment limit. The interest rate adjusts every six months, aligning with market changes. This makes them ideal for conservative investors seeking stable income and capital protection.
The Finance Ministry maintained current interest rates for key small savings schemes like PPF, SCSS, and NSC for the January-March 2026 quarter. Despite indicators like low inflation and G-Sec yields suggesting a rate cut, the government opted to keep rates unchanged for the seventh consecutive quarter to support savers and retirees.
Nine NBFCs would breach minimum capital requirement limit if their top 3 borrowers default: RBI
The RBI assessed resilience of the NBFC sector to liquidity shocks by estimating the impact of assumed increase in cash outflows coupled with decline in cash inflows
Bartronics India to expand Maharashtra Gramin Banks network under long-term service agreement
The agreement builds on a seven-year partnership between the two entities
No bank to fall short of capital requirements, even under severe stress: RBI FSR
While banks asset quality remained stable, their y-o-y growth in net interest income remained muted over the first half of 2025-26, impacting the profit growth
Gujarat to form 9 new District Central Cooperative Banks by splitting existing ones
Banks and small finance banks significantly reduced fixed deposit interest rates in 2025 following multiple repo rate cuts by the RBI. As 2026 begins, experts anticipate FD rates will likely remain stable or trend slightly lower, with potential shifts towards debt funds for investors seeking better returns and liquidity.
Cash transactions limit: Large cash payments for property, gold, or cars are restricted. Daily expenses like groceries can be paid in cash. The Income Tax Department tracks transactions via SFT submissions. Review your Annual Information Statement to avoid penalties.
Gainers & Losers: Vodafone Idea among 7 big movers on Wednesday
Indian markets snapped a four-day losing streak on the final trading day of 2025, with metals, auto and financial stocks leading gains, while select stocks saw sharp moves on news and profit booking.
Sunil Singhanias Abakkus Mutual Fund raises Rs 2,468 crore during NFO period of its maiden fund
Abakkus Flexi Cap Fund secures Rs 2,468 crore in NFO with strong participation from retail and institutional investors nationwide. The fund offers flexible equity exposure across market caps, guided by the MEETS framework for long-term wealth creation.
Looking for best investment mutual fund options for 2026? Here is what CIOs and CEOs recommend
As investors step into 2026, CIOs and CEOs recommend balanced allocation across equities, debt and gold, with a focus on quality midcaps, financials, consumption, cement and digital-led themes. Experts emphasise disciplined diversification, long-term megatrends and sector selectivity as markets enter a potentially stronger year with broader participation across categories.
How Bank Seva Kendra is building a scalable access layer for PSU home loans in Bengaluru
Bank Seva Kendra is bridging the gap in India's housing finance market by combining digital discovery with guided execution for public sector bank loans. The platform offers assisted documentation, advisory-led bank selection, and navigation of government schemes, addressing the complexity of PSU processes for digitally fluent yet outcome-oriented borrowers.
December 31, 2025 deadline: Last day to link PAN with Aadhaar, file revised, belated ITR, and more
December 31, 2025, marks significant deadlines. Taxpayers must file revised and belated Income Tax Returns. Linking your PAN card with Aadhaar is essential to avoid it becoming inoperative from January 1, 2026. Central government employees will see the 7th Pay Commission term end today.
Home loan borrowers enjoyed significant EMI reductions in 2025 due to RBI's 125 bps repo rate cuts. Experts suggest further rate cuts in 2026 are unlikely, with only marginal easing possible. While some banks have passed on benefits, others are slower. New borrowers are advised to act now, and existing ones should assess switching to repo-linked loans for potential savings.
Health insurance customers often overlook the Incurred Claim Ratio (ICR), a crucial indicator of an insurer's reliability. IRDAI's latest report reveals the 2024-25 ICR for general and health insurers. Experts suggest an ideal ICR between 70% and 90%. The non-life insurance industry's overall ICR stood at 82.88% for the period.
Ashika Group receives SEBI's in-principle approval to start mutual fund business
Ashika Group has received SEBIs in-principle approval to sponsor and launch Ashika Mutual Fund. The move marks a key strategic milestone, enabling the group to set up an AMC and expand its research-driven presence in Indias asset management space.
Retail rush, SIPs drive Rs 14 lakh cr jump in mutual fund assets in 2025
Mutual funds saw a record Rs 81 lakh crore in assets under management by November 2025, driven by a surge in retail participation and SIP inflows. Steady inflows, particularly into equity schemes, offset foreign outflows, highlighting a structural shift towards long-term investing and increased financial awareness among investors.
PAN-Aadhaar link deadline today: What will happen if your PAN becomes inoperative?
PAN-Aadhaar link deadline: Linking your PAN and Aadhaar by December 31, 2025, is vital. Missing this deadline makes your PAN inoperative. This triggers higher TDS and TCS rates, potentially doubling deductions. Your tax refunds will be frozen. Reactivation requires a Rs 1,000 fine and can take weeks. Act now to avoid financial penalties.
Seven market experts offer mixed but largely optimistic views on 2026, with most expecting a rally driven by earnings recovery, supportive macro conditions, and potential policy and rate tailwinds. Some foresee moderation or correction risks, highlighting valuation comfort and critical downside levels after a volatile and subdued 2025 period.
ET Wealth Reader's Query: We are three salaried friends, one of whom is a non-resident Indian (NRI), and have individually purchased adjoining commercial office spaces in the same project. We plan to rent them out after possession and want to know if forming a partnership firm could help optimise taxes and simplify compliance.
From one salary to many: Why multiple income streams became the new normal in 2025
