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Looking to invest in smallcaps in 2026? 5 big predictions by 5 experts
After a steep underperformance in 2025, Indias smallcap stocks enter 2026 amid divided expert views. While some see improving earnings and selective opportunities, others warn valuations and ownership risks remain. Most strategists agree largecaps offer better visibility, with stock selection and active management critical in smaller segments.
Slideshow: Top 4 small cap mutual funds to invest in December 2025
ETMutualFunds has identified top-performing small-cap mutual funds based on rolling returns, consistency and risk parameters, highlighting schemes suitable for aggressive investors with long-term goals.
ET Wealth Reader's Query: Please let me know if short-term capital gains (STCG) or capital losses can be adjusted against long-term capital gains (LTCG) or long-term capital losses on the sale of listed shares through an exchange under the new tax regime.
Equity mutual funds offer upto 4% return last week. Check top 10 performers
Equity mutual funds recorded mixed performance last week, with select international and sectoral schemes delivering gains of up to 4%, led by Nippon India Taiwan Equity Fund.
Mutual fund NFO: Only one passive fund will open for subscription this week. Check details
A new passive mutual fund is set to open for subscription in early January, offering investors diversified exposure to the Nifty 500 through investments in equity ETFs and index funds, with a low minimum investment requirement.
Chandigarh consumer court ruled against Star Health Insurance. The company was found deficient in service for partially settling a medical claim. The policyholder's wife underwent surgery, incurring a bill of Rs 2.25 lakh. Star Health paid only Rs 69,958. The court ordered Star Health to pay the remaining Rs 1.55 lakh with interest and compensation.
The Department of Pension and Pensioners' Welfare has issued new guidelines on gratuity for government employees re-employed in civil services. The clarification addresses situations where individuals have already received gratuity for military service. It outlines conditions under which a separate gratuity for re-employment will not be granted.
Top 7 flexi cap mutual funds to invest in December 2025
ETMutualFunds shortlisted top flexi cap funds using rolling returns, consistency, risk and size filters. Parag Parikh and HDFC Flexi Cap emerged as consistent leaders, while others showed mixed quartile performance, highlighting the importance of long-term horizons for investors.
NFO Alert: ICICI Prudential Life Insurance launches Sector Leaders Index Fund
ICICI Prudential Life launched a Sector Leaders Index Fund under ULIPs, offering passive exposure to market-leading companies across 20+ sectors, aiming to simplify long-term equity investing with diversification, discipline and a rule-based approach aligned to Indias growth story.
Probate of will cant be blocked by tenant's claim: High Court clarifies occupancy vs Inheritance
The Karnataka High Court ruled that a tenant claiming occupancy rights cannot block probate proceedings for a will. The court clarified that such claims do not constitute an inheritance interest, preventing the tenant from contesting the landlady's will, which was submitted for probate by her daughter-in-law. Read below to know why the tenant lost.
Aryaman Financial Services arm receives RBI registration
AFSL, in a regulatory filing, said its WOS has received the CoR to commence/carry on the business of a Non-Banking Financial Institution (Category: Type II NBFC-Non-Deposit taking-Investment and Credit Company)
With February 1, 2026, falling on a Sunday, the presentation of India's Union Budget is under scrutiny. While parliamentary conventions suggest it could be presented on the Sunday, a final decision rests with the Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs. This date shift aims to ensure budget implementation by April 1, the start of the fiscal year.
Mutual funds launched a record 222 NFOs in 2025 till November, raising Rs 63,631 crore. Index funds dominated launches, while sectoral and thematic schemes attracted the highest inflows, highlighting investor preference for targeted and passive strategies.
HDFC Mutual Fund announces change in fund managers for its 3 equity funds as Roshi Jain exits
HDFC Mutual Fund has reshuffled fund managers for three key equity schemes effective December 8, 2025, following the exit of Roshi Jain, while all scheme terms and investment objectives remain unchanged.
Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested two bank officials for accepting bribes. They helped cyber criminals open mule accounts for money laundering. These accounts were used to transfer funds from cyber frauds. The officials also advised criminals on avoiding detection. This operation highlights how bank insiders enable cybercrime. Investigations are ongoing.
How equity and gold SIPs can turn Rs 24,000 into Rs 6 crore in nearly 2 decades
Long-term wealth hinges on disciplined SIP investing, regular step-ups and diversification. A 22-year equity-focused SIP, complemented by gold allocation and annual contribution increases, can significantly enhance retirement corpus while countering inflation.
Smart Money Tip of the Week: What is the 25 rule and how can it help you retire early?
Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE) has gained a lot of popularity among the younger generation, especially Gen Z. It is a concept that helps people plan early retirement, as opposed to the conventional retirement age of 60 years. A thumb rule of personal finance states that you can aim to achieve financial independence by building a corpus that is 25 times your annual expenses.
Central government employees eagerly await the 8th Pay Commission's recommendations for salary revisions. While the exact quantum of increase remains unknown, applying potential fitment factors like 1.92, 2.15, or 2.57 offers a glimpse into possible hikes for Level 1-5 employees. The fitment factor, determined by economic and organisational factors, plays a crucial role in these salary adjustments.
Saturday bank holiday: Are banks open or closed today on December 27, 2025?
As the year concludes, Indian banks have limited working days remaining. Several other state-specific holidays are also impacting banking operations throughout December, including Christmas and New Year's Eve.
Quote of the day by Benjamin Graham: But investing isnt about beating others at their game...
Benjamin Graham quote: Benjamin Graham emphasized controlling oneself over beating others in the market. He warned that fear and greed are investors' true enemies, leading to poor decisions.
Ace investor Ramesh Damani has picked up Rs 13 crore worth of John Cockerill India shares in a bulk deal on Friday, while promoter John Cockerill SA offloaded Rs 91 crore worth of stock. The shares were purchased at a price of Rs 4,704.45 apiece, a 1% discount from the Wednesday closing price of Rs 4755.40 on the BSE.
CICs seek RBI nod to use utility bill data for Grameen Credit Score
The move aims to improve credit assessment for rural borrowers and SHG members who often have limited or no formal credit history.
Michael Bloomberg's quote: 'If you dont encounter setbacks in your career, if you dont have doubts and disappointments, let me tell you, youre not dreaming big enough,' encourages individuals to embrace challenges and step outside their comfort zones.
UTI Mutual Fund announces change in symbols of ETFs across NSE and BSE
UTI AMC has revised the trading symbols of select equity, debt, and commodity ETFs listed on NSE and BSE, effective December 24, 2025. The new naming convention adds a BETA suffix to improve clarity, consistency, and ease of identification, with no change to investment objectives or portfolios.
Tenants who illegally constructed two additional floors on a rented property in Shimla have been ordered to demolish them by the Himachal Pradesh High Court. The court ruled that rent payment does not confer ownership rights, and unauthorized construction without landlord or municipal permission is illegal. The landlords successfully proved their ownership and the tenants' violation of building norms.
PSB consolidation to gain momentum in 2026 as Govt eyes big, world-class banks
NEW DELHI, Dec 26: Consolidation in public sector banks is expected to gain momentum in the coming year, as the Government has expressed its desire to have more big, world-class banks in the country to fuel the next phase of growth for Viksit Bharat by 2047. Last month, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said India needs many big, world-class banks, and work in this regard has already commenced. The Government has initiated discussions with the Reserve Bank and public sector banks, [] The post PSB consolidation to gain momentum in 2026 as Govt eyes big, world-class banks appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
GST exemption boosts health insurance coverage, average sum insured jumps 31%: Report
The report said that after the removal of GST, the average health insurance cover increased from 14.5 lakh in the pre-GST period to 19 lakh in the post-GST period
PAN Aadhaar Card link deadline: It is crucial to prevent your PAN from becoming inoperative. A deadline of December 31, 2025, is set for certain individuals. Failure to link by this date will result in your PAN becoming inactive from January 1, 2026. A Rs 1,000 penalty applies for late linkage.
Mutual fund AUM set to surpass Rs 300 trillion by 2035: ICRA Analytics
The Indian mutual fund industry continues its robust growth trajectory, with AUM rising to Rs 81 trillion by November 2025, driven by strong retail participation, SIP inflows, and digital adoption. Flexicap, multi-cap, and smallcap funds led equity growth, while debt and money market funds delivered steady returns. Industry outlook remains bullish.
Precious metals lead, mid caps power equity returns in 10 years
Gold and silver topped long-term returns over a decade, while equities across market caps created wealth with volatility and debt delivered steady performance.
Mutual fund AUM surge by 21% in 2025, passive funds lead the growth
Indias mutual fund industry recorded a 21% rise in assets under management in 2025, led by strong growth in passive funds, gold ETFs, hybrid schemes and equity funds, according to AMFI data.
2026 Investment Tips: Top 4 portfolio rules from market expert for New Year
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.
SGB final redemption date today: Rs 1 lakh investment in gold bond has soared to Rs 4.82 lakh
Sovereign Gold Bond final redemption: The Reserve Bank of India has set the final redemption price for Sovereign Gold Bond 2017-18 Series-XIII. This bond matures on December 26, 2025.
Why have multi-asset allocation mutual funds been best performers in 2025?
Multi-asset allocation funds outperformed equity funds in 2025, driven by strong gains in gold and silver and dynamic asset allocation strategies.
New train rates: Indian Railways announces revised passenger fares starting December 26, 2025. Increases vary by travel distance and train category. Sleeper and first-class ordinary tickets see a minimal 1 paisa per kilometre hike.
Want to take charge of your money? Start with the 50-30-20 rule
Silver ETFs deliver over 160% return in 2025. Is more shine left?
Silver ETFs have surged over 160% in 2025 amid record-high silver prices, driven by strong industrial demand, supply tightness, and safe-haven buying, with experts advising partial profit-booking and disciplined portfolio rebalancing.
Climate-proof your finances: 8 ways you can secure your savings, insurance and retirement income
Best medium duration mutual funds to invest in December 2025
As per Sebi mandate, medium duration funds must invest in debt and money market instruments with Macaulay duration of three to four years. As you can see, these schemes are suitable for investors looking to invest for three to four years or more. However, you should check the portfolio duration of the scheme to ensure that the scheme is in line with your investment horizon.
Sensex, Nifty edge lower in thin year-end trade ahead of earnings
Indian stocks opened slightly lower on Friday, with both the Sensex and Nifty struggling for direction. Thin year-end trading volumes saw investors holding back on fresh bets ahead of upcoming earnings cues. Market participants believe future upside will depend on earnings momentum rather than short-term flows.
Tata vs Reliance Industries vs Adani: Which conglomerate made stock market investors richer in 2025
Tata Group experienced a significant market value erosion in 2025, underperforming rivals like Reliance and Adani. Key drags included sharp losses in Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles and Tata Consultancy Services, despite some bright spots. Investors now await a turnaround in 2026, focusing on earnings visibility and execution.
PSU banks gain MSME and home loan share, but Motilal Oswal backs HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, SBI and AU Bank as cycle stabilises.
Hindustan Zinc shares rally 14% in 10 days as silver prices scale record highs
Hindustan Zinc shares soared to unprecedented levels on Friday, a direct result of the silver market's remarkable uplift, with prices surpassing $75 per ounce. The surge in silver can be attributed to various factors including robust industrial consumption, a flight to safety by investors, and supply challenges.
FII exodus: Rs 2 lakh crore bleeds from 6 key sectors as India's market appeal dims
FIIs have pulled out heavily from Indian equities in 2025, but brokerages see scope for stabilisation and a gradual reversal. While IPO activity and global return differentials have diverted foreign flows, expectations of Fed rate cuts, improving earnings visibility and normalised valuations could support sentiment. Most brokerages recommend a selective, buy-on-dips strategy heading into 2026.
Friday brought a significant rise in defence stocks, fueled by the upcoming Defence Acquisition Council meeting that is poised to greenlight substantial defence contracts totaling Rs 80,000 crore. The spotlight will be on essential military technologies, including airborne early warning systems and drones, designed to fortify India's defensive infrastructure and elevate domestic production capabilities.
The report said that beyond the first quarter, the RBI may conduct additional OMOs worth 2 lakh crore to 3 lakh crore during the rest of 2026
PNB Housing Finance among 4 stocks flashing bullish signals, indicating possible uptrend
A White Marubozu is a bullish candlestick pattern in technical analysis that forms when the opening price is the lowest and the closing price is the highest for a given period.
Nuvama Wealth Management among 5 F&O stocks that saw a sharp rise in futures open interest
As of December 24, five stocks in the NSE F&O segment witnessed a sharp rise in futures open interest, signalling increased derivatives activity. Rising open interest indicates fresh positions or expansion of existing bets, reflecting stronger trader participation and growing conviction on near-term price direction.
IndusInd Bank shares slip 1% as SFIO initiates probe into Rs 2,600 crore accounting discrepancies
IndusInd Bank shares fell 1.2% after the bank confirmed receiving a formal letter from the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) regarding an ongoing probe. This investigation stems from accounting irregularities, including discrepancies totaling Rs 2,600 crore, discovered during audits of its financial results.
Hindustan Copper among 4 stocks closed crossing above VWAP
DCM Shriram Industries shares in focus as demerger record date takes effect
DCM Shriram Industries shares are in focus as the stock trades ex-demerger following its approved scheme. Shareholders on the record date will receive a 1:1:1 ratio of shares in the residual company, DCM Shriram Fine Chemicals Ltd, and DCM Shriram International Ltd.
Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone among 4 Nifty stocks showing bullish RSI upswing
An uptrend signal is generated when the RSI crosses above the 50 mark from below.
Bajaj Auto Share Price Highlights: Bajaj Auto Stock Price History
Bajaj Finserv Share Price Highlights: Bajaj Finserv Stock Price History
UltraTech Cem Share Price Highlights: UltraTech Cem. Stock Price History
Indian residents can now invest in dollar-denominated mutual funds in GIFT City. This offers a way to diversify portfolios, especially with RBI restrictions on domestic overseas funds. Investments are made using the Liberalised Remittance Scheme. Taxation is handled at the fund level, not the investor level. This provides a new avenue for global investment opportunities.
Employees often end up with multiple Universal Account Numbers due to data mismatches or onboarding issues. This can lead to significant interest loss on inactive Provident Fund accounts and complicate tax planning. The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation offers a straightforward online process to merge these UANs.
Bank holiday today: Are banks open today on December 26, 2025, Friday for Christmas celebrations?
Bank holiday on December 26, 2025: Bank holidays in India vary significantly by state, especially during festive periods like Christmas. Customers should verify bank operating hours locally, as national and regional holidays, along with the second and fourth Saturdays, dictate closures.
ADB signs pacts with Pakistan for two projects worth $730 million
The Asian Development Bank has partnered with Pakistan for two significant projects totaling $730 million. These initiatives aim to bolster the nation's energy infrastructure and drive institutional reforms. The Power Transmission Strengthening Project will enhance electricity evacuation and grid resilience.
From speculation to structure: How 2025 reset crypto markets and set the tone for 2026
Looking ahead to 2026, volatility is unlikely to disappear. However, there will be compression. Price discovery may become steadier with increased institutional participation.
Indian financial institutions now using AI to drive revenue, not just efficiency
Post-pandemic digital adoption has accelerated AI-led customer engagement, onboarding and risk management
Bank Holiday Today: Are banks open or closed on Christmas, December 25?
Bank Holiday Today:Banks across India are closed on Thursday, December 25, 2025, due to Christmas, a nationwide public holiday. All public sector and private sector bank branches will remain shut for the day.
NPS exit rules explained: 5 situations when non-govt subscribers can withdraw 80% lump sum
NPS reforms now allow non-government subscribers to withdraw up to 80% of their corpus under various conditions, a significant increase from the previous 60% limit. This change offers greater flexibility and liquidity at retirement, though clarity on the tax treatment of the enhanced withdrawal is still awaited.
Starting January 1, 2026, significant changes to UAE VAT regulations are on the horizon. Residents should be aware that refund claims will need to be submitted within a five-year window. Additionally, minor inaccuracies in tax filings can be rectified directly without hassle.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court ruled that photos of adultery can be used as evidence in divorce cases, even without a Section 65B certificate. The court emphasized that the Indian Evidence Act is not strictly applied in matrimonial disputes, allowing Family Courts to consider all relevant evidence to ascertain the truth.
FoF schemes with ease of investing, tax advantage draw new investors
Investors are increasingly choosing fund-of-funds schemes. These schemes offer automatic diversification and professional management. They also provide tax efficiency, especially for long-term holdings. First-time investors find them appealing due to their simplicity. Fund-of-funds schemes invest in a mix of other mutual fund schemes. This approach simplifies investment decisions for many.
Why salaried employees are getting Income Tax Department intimations and what they should do now
The Income Tax Department is alerting taxpayers about incorrect deduction and exemption claims. Salaried individuals who chose the old tax regime are receiving notices. They must review their Income Tax Returns and revise them by December 31, 2025. Failure to do so may lead to additional tax demands, interest, and penalties.
A plot buyer lost Rs 4.45 crore earnest money after failing to pay the balance amount for a DDA commercial plot. The Delhi High Court upheld the forfeiture. The court ruled that the 'as is where is basis' sale meant the DDA had no obligation to provide amenities like sewerage and water.
Bank holiday today on Christmas 2025: Will banks remain open on December 25, 2025? Check list
Planning bank visits for December 25, 2025? Think again. December 2025 features several state-specific holidays, so check the RBI calendar for potential closures.
RBI postpones implementation of Phase 2 of Cheque Truncation System
The Central bank said this is to allow more time for banks to streamline their operations. The Phase 2 of Continuous Clearing and Settlement on Realisation in CTS was to start on January 3, 2026.
G-Secs rally on RBIs liquidity infusion announcement worth 2.90 lakh cr
RBI to conduct open market operation (OMO) purchase of G-Sec aggregating 2 lakh crore and a USD/INR three-year Buy/Sell Swap auction of $10 billion
IBBI mandates disclosure of beneficial ownership in resolution plans
Move will help in curbing opaque bids for resolution, say experts
Does the OCI card expire? How to reissue or renew it? Check all the details
An OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card remains valid for a lifetime, allowing its holders a multiple-entry lifelong visa for visiting India for any purpose. However, it has to be renewed from time to time.
Quote of the day by JP Morgan: Go as far as you can see; when you get there and
J.P. Morgan's quote: Go as far as you can see; when you get there, you'll be able to see farther, emphasizes the power of action and experience in personal and professional growth.
Income tax refund delayed: Taxpayers claiming incorrect refunds face potential delays in their income tax refunds. The Income Tax Department is notifying individuals with discrepancies in their filed returns, urging them to file a revised ITR by December 31, 2025.
Is your PAN active? What will happen if you miss to link PAN Aadhaar after December 31
PAN Aadhaar Link Status:According to the ITR department, both registered and unregistered users can link their Aadhaar and PAN on the e-filing portal, even without logging in. You can use the quick link Link Aadhaar on the e-Filing home page to link Aadhaar and PAN.
Gold vs Silver: Which metal is poised to deliver higher return in year 2026? Heres what experts say
Gold price vs silver price in 2026: Precious metals gold and silver delivered exceptional returns in 2025, with silver outperforming gold significantly. Experts anticipate continued positive performance in 2026, driven by factors like central bank buying, industrial demand, and economic uncertainty. While both metals are expected to rise, silver may continue to outperform gold on a percentage basis.
ET Wealth Reader's Query: I am currently employed in India and work for a US-based company, with my salary paid in INR and credited to my Indian bank account. My employer has asked me to continue in the same role while working from the US, with salary to be credited to my Indian account. Will this arrangement be valid once my residential status changes to NRI?
Are you travelling to tick off a checklist or investing in experiences that stay with you?
The Reserve Bank of India has proposed new regulations mandating banks to disclose all foreign exchange transaction costs upfront. This aims to bring transparency to cross-border payments, addressing issues like hidden charges and opaque pricing that have long troubled retail users. The move will empower customers to better understand and compare costs before committing to transactions.
Lumpsum investments disappoint many MF investors in 2025. Will 2026 be different?
Lumpsum mutual fund investments in 2025 yielded mixed results, with some schemes delivering negative returns up to 20%. This divergence highlights timing risk in volatile markets. While SIPs offered a less volatile approach, selective lumpsum investments in 2026, particularly in large and flexi-cap funds, are advised.
Small spending habits that are costing you big money in the long run
Your savings account is costing you money? Heres where idle cash should go instead
Delhi High Court has declared electricity a fundamental right. A tenant's power supply cannot be cut off due to a dispute with the landlord. BSES Rajdhani must restore electricity to a tenant's property. The court ordered the power company to visit the premises and restore the connection. Tenants must pay bills. Landlords cannot obstruct reconnection.
Online EPF withdrawal gets easier in 2026: Know how and when you can take money out
EPFO simplified EPF withdrawal rules in 2025, reducing categories to Essential Needs, Housing Needs, and Special Circumstances. While full withdrawals are possible for retirement, unemployment, or permanent disability, partial withdrawals are allowed for emergencies, education, marriage, and housing needs after specific service periods. Understanding tax implications, especially the 5-year service rule for tax-free withdrawals, is crucial.
The Allahabad High Court has ruled a woman cannot claim maintenance from a man she lived with for ten years if she was still legally married to another. The court stated that cohabitation, even with public acknowledgment, does not grant the legal status of a wife. This decision upholds the sanctity of marriage and Section 125 of the CrPC.
Confused about bank operations during the Christmas season? In 2025, banks will be closed on December 24th in Mizoram, Nagaland, and Meghalaya for Christmas Eve. Nationwide, all banks will observe a holiday on December 25th for Christmas, with other state-specific holidays also impacting December banking schedules.
Why have multi-asset MFs beaten equity funds this year?
Multi-asset allocation funds have surprised investors by outperforming pure equity funds. These funds invest in at least three asset classes, including gold and silver. Their allocation to precious metals, which saw a sharp rally, drove their strong performance. Investors seeking automatic asset allocation can consider these funds. The Indian mutual fund industry has 32 such schemes.
Aavas Financiers to mop up 975 cr via NCD issuance to a multilateral institution
The NCD issuance will be in two tranches, comprising three series
