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HAL shares decline 5% on Tejas crash reports; company denies incident
The shares of Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) fell 5% to settle at Rs 4,024 on Monday after media reports claimed that a Tejas light combat aircraft (LCA) crashed during a training sortie.
Rs 3 crore corpus and no liabilities: Is SWP a smart retirement strategy?
With a Rs 3 crore corpus and no liabilities, a systematic withdrawal plan can offer a tax-efficient and flexible retirement income. Experts suggest hybrid funds, disciplined withdrawals around 7%, and periodic review to balance growth and stability while managing market volatility and ensuring long-term sustainability of post-retirement finances.
Merchant payments outpace consumer play as Paytm holds profit edge: Bernstein
NEW DELHI, Feb 23: Merchant payments are emerging as the more attractive segment in Indias digital payments ecosystem, with Paytm retaining an edge in revenue intensity and profitability, according to a February 23 report by Bernstein. The brokerage said merchant acquiring offers structurally stronger monetisation than consumer payments, driven by higher take-rate instruments such as credit cards and online gateways, device-led revenue streams, and the ability to cross-sell credit. In contrast, consumer payments, particularly peer-to-peer (P2P) UPI transactions, remain difficult [] The post Merchant payments outpace consumer play as Paytm holds profit edge: Bernstein appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
RBI holds 621st central board meeting in presence of FM Sitharaman
The Board assessed the global and domestic economic landscape, factoring in the challenges arising from geopolitical developments and financial market volatility
AU SFB says engaging with Haryana govt for re-empanelment
Sees no financial impact on bank due to de-empanllement
Axis Bank denies bidding for CreditAccess Grameen
Sources indicate CA Grameen has been on the block for many years now to provide an exit to its long term investors
Banks should focus on core business, not on mis-selling, says FM Sitharaman
Im glad the RBI is issuing guidance against mis-selling; The message should go to the banks that they cannot afford to mis-sell, and it is an offense, she said
We will spare no one: IDFC First Bank CEO says on 590 crore fraud
Banks shares cracked up to 19% in early market trading hours following the disclosure
Sectoral and thematic mutual fund inflows have plunged nearly 89% year-on-year to 1,043 crore in January 2026, reflecting weak performance, heightened volatility, and shifting investor preferences, according to ICRA Analytics. Investors are moving away from concentrated thematic bets toward diversified strategies as sector cycles reverse and caution rises.
Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) premature redemption dates: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued the details of the Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB) tranches that are scheduled for premature redemption from April 2026 to September 2026.
Investing Rs 95,000 a month through mutual fund SIPs - Can it build a Rs 5 crore corpus in 15 years?
An investor's Rs 95,000 monthly SIP towards a Rs 5 crore goal appears on track, potentially reaching Rs 6 crore in 15 years with a 12% annual return. While the investment amount is robust, holding 16 mutual funds warrants a closer look at scheme overlap and diversification to ensure optimal returns and manage risk effectively.
IDFC First Bank fraud: RBI Governor says no systemic issue
We are watching the development, there is no systemic issue, Malhotra told reporters at a press briefing
A Pune taxpayer faces a hefty Rs 9.44 lakh penalty for misreporting Rs 10.65 lakh in deductions, including fake claims for political donations and medical expenses. The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal upheld the penalty, deeming the misreporting a conscious act rather than a bonafide mistake. This resulted in a 200% penalty on the additional tax liability.
Best-performing NPS equity funds: Up to 18% returns in 3 years. Check details
Best-performing NPS equity funds have delivered up to 18% returns over the past 3 years see detailed performance and picks.
IDFC First Bank reported unauthorized transactions by employees at its Chandigarh branch, impacting Haryana government accounts by approximately Rs 590 crore. While the bank investigates and plans recovery, the RBI assures no systemic issue.
The Employees Provident Fund Organisation is considering new investment avenues. These include emerging sectors like rare earths, railways, and defence. The organisation also plans to introduce performance-linked incentives for its fund managers.
Staff collusion led to account fraud, profits to stay solid despite provisions: IDFC Bank
The bank will take some provisions as a result of the fraud... (but) On a standalone basis, we were expecting a very solid Q4 in terms of profitability, IDFCs Managing Director and Chief Executive V Vaidyanathan said
PPFAS launches 2 new passive GIFT City-based outbound funds
PPFAS GIFT has launched two passive outbound fund of funds tracking the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 indices. The schemes offer Indian investors exposure to U.S. equities via GIFT City without foreign accounts. With a low minimum investment and competitive expense ratios, the funds target global diversification through a regulated platform.
Even if probate is granted for a Will, Indian law allows for its revocation if a criminal court later declares the Will forged. This ruling highlights that parallel proceedings for Will forgery and probate can continue simultaneously, with a criminal court's finding of forgery providing grounds for revoking probate under the Indian Succession Act.
A Kerala man received Rs 25,000 compensation after his new motorcycle developed gearbox problems just three days after purchase. The consumer commission ordered the service centre to repair the bike or pay additional compensation. The bike spent considerable time at the service centre without resolution. The manufacturer was exonerated due to lack of expert inspection.
SIM swap attack: How hackers steal your OTPs and empty your bank account
Mutual Fund compounding made simple: How to structure your portfolio for long-term wealth
Bitcoin falls below $65,000 in latest bout of tariff uncertainty
Bitcoin earlier this month wiped out the remaining gains it had seen since Trump won re-election in November 2024
Gold, Silver ETFs surge up to 17% as US-Iran tensions and tariff ruling boost safe-haven demand
Gold and silver Exchange Traded Funds saw significant gains on Monday. This surge was driven by escalating tensions between the United States and Iran. President Donald Trump's decision to impose new global tariffs also fueled demand for these precious metals as safe havens. Several silver ETFs experienced substantial increases, while gold ETFs also reported gains.
Best corporate bond mutual funds to invest in February 2026
Corporate bond mutual funds invest at least 80% of their corpus in the papers of the highest-rated companies. This makes them relatively safer than other debt schemes such as credit risk funds. They are also safer than gilt funds and long term debt funds that are highly sensitive to interest rate changes in the economy.
India's new lending curbs seen squeezing trading firms
Under the current rules, trading firms use bank financing to ramp up leverage and reap big profits, outmaneuvering retail investors with their much higher level of sophistication
Bajaj Finance Share Price Live Updates: Bajaj Finance Stock Details
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Banks across India will observe closures on various holidays throughout the year. These include national and state-specific observances, as well as special events like elections. Municipal elections in Jharkhand on February 23, 2026, will lead to bank closures there. Customers should plan transactions accordingly, as some services require branch visits.
Investors are flocking to multi-asset funds, with new 'omni' and fund-of-funds (FoF) variants emerging. These newer offerings provide manager diversification and style diversification, along with favourable tax treatment. However, they lack exposure to foreign equities, limiting global diversification compared to traditional multi-asset funds.
30K salary, 40L debt: Gen Z debt trap & 7 red flags
Young Indians, particularly Gen Z, are facing a growing debt crisis. Easy digital loans and lifestyle demands are pushing them into significant debt. Many struggle to repay, leading to harassment and financial ruin. Experts highlight the need for responsible borrowing and financial literacy to navigate these challenges and avoid a widespread crisis.
PSU banks outshine AI hype as FIIs buy
State-run banks are outperforming India's stock market, attracting foreign investment despite broader equity pullbacks. These lenders are showing stronger growth prospects and better valuations, with foreign investors increasing their stakes to multi-year highs. This resilience signals a reallocation towards steadier earnings, contrasting with tech sector outflows.
Old tax regime revival? Check HRA math first
New draft rules for the Income Tax Act, 2025, are sparking a debate between old and new tax regimes. Salaried taxpayers may find the old regime more beneficial if they can utilise exemptions like house rent allowance and other deductions. The proposed rules offer higher exemption limits for certain allowances.
Book gold & silver gains smartly with tax harvesting
Gold and silver funds experienced strong rallies and sharp corrections, creating opportunities for tax harvesting. Investors can strategically use capital losses to offset gains or leverage the LTCG exemption to retain more profits. Careful timing and adherence to tax rules can significantly improve post-tax returns without altering long-term allocations. Tax harvesting can help investors lock in gains, adjust losses, and step up acquisition costs without changing their long-term precious metals bet.
Buying property abroad? 7-point FEMA guide for you
Indian investors acquiring Dubai properties without proper outward remittances are facing Directorate of Enforcement scrutiny. Violations of FEMA, including illegal money transfers and misdeclarations under the LRS, can lead to penalties and attached Indian assets. Proper documentation and compliance with both Indian and foreign regulations are crucial to avoid issues.
3 in 4 SIPs stopped: Fix mis-selling, hype: Lunawat
The Wealth Company Asset Management, India's newest fund house, is making waves. CEO Madhu Lunawat is prioritizing distributor partnerships and understanding investor behavior. This approach aims to build trust and long-term investment. The company is also launching unique schemes like an Ethical Fund. Their strategy focuses on education and merit-based investments in a growing market. She talks on fixing distribution gaps, resisting hype and building a performance-led fund house, in conversation with Kayezad E. Adajania.
OpenAI-Tata data centre plan lifts AI infra plays
Indian data centre shares saw a significant rally last week. Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India's goal to become a global AI hub. This announcement, made in the presence of AI leaders, boosted the market value of data centre companies. Major tech firms and Indian conglomerates are investing in India's data centre infrastructure.
Latin America leads, US & India lag in early 2026
Welcome to TrendMap, your visual guide to investment performance. This edition tracks 10 years of global equity returns. 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, diversification matters. By Sameer Bhardwaj.
Beyond standard deviation: skewness, kurtosis matter
Standard deviation, while common, inadequately captures investment risk due to its equal treatment of gains and losses and assumption of symmetry. Skewness and kurtosis offer crucial insights, revealing the asymmetry and frequency of extreme returns. Combining these measures provides a more comprehensive understanding of potential upside and downside, enabling better risk management.
From SBI to HDFC: Stricter credit card reward rules
Credit card companies are changing reward systems. American Express is shifting to a milestone structure for its Platinum Travel Card. Other banks like ICICI Bank, SBI, and HDFC Bank are also adjusting perks. These changes require higher spending for benefits. Users must adapt their strategies for optimal card usage.
Microfinance loans: Eligibility, features and rules
If you are confused by personal finance terms, jargon and calculations, heres a series to simplify and deconstruct these for you. In the 91st part of this series, Riju Mehta explains all about this category of small-ticket loans.
7 reasons your career is stuck, 5 ways to fix it
Comfort in a career is a silent assassin, leading to stagnation and a decline in market value. Professionals must embrace discomfort, continuously learn new skills, and seek challenging roles to remain relevant and build career insurance. Disrupting oneself and redefining comfort through growth is crucial for long-term success.
Gold and silver funds experienced strong rallies and sharp corrections, creating opportunities for tax harvesting. Investors can strategically use capital losses to offset gains or leverage the LTCG exemption to retain more profits. Careful timing and adherence to tax rules can significantly improve post-tax returns without altering long-term allocations. Tax harvesting can help investors lock in gains, adjust losses, and step up acquisition costs without changing their long-term precious metals bet.
The Wealth Company Asset Management, India's newest fund house, is making waves. CEO Madhu Lunawat is prioritizing distributor partnerships and understanding investor behavior. This approach aims to build trust and long-term investment. The company is also launching unique schemes like an Ethical Fund. Their strategy focuses on education and merit-based investments in a growing market. She talks on fixing distribution gaps, resisting hype and building a performance-led fund house, in conversation with Kayezad E. Adajania.
IDFC First Bank, AU Small Finance Bank de-empanelled for govt business in Haryana
In several cases, it has been observed that despite clear instructions to place funds in flexible deposits or other fixed deposit instruments offering higher rates of interest, banks are retaining the funds in savings accounts, resulting in lower returns and consequent financial loss to the Government, as per the notification.
PSBs up their game on credit underwriting, ensuring lower slippages
While overall NPA additions ranged between 18% and 24% of the NPA opening balance in the case of PSBs, it ranged between 61% and 93% for PvSBs in the last three years
SBI aims to up green advances portfolio to 7.5-10% by 2030
SBI has launched CHAKRA, a Centre of Excellence to finance sunrise sectors such as renewable energy, electric mobility and green hydrogen, accelerating Indias green transition
IDFC First Bank flags 590 crore fraud from Chandigarh branch
Issue tied to Haryana govt-linked accounts; four bank officials suspended
Higher EPS Pension reinstated by EPFO: Who will benefit and who will not
EPFO has reinstated the option for employees to link their pension scheme contributions to their full basic salary. This move offers relief to a limited group who previously opted for higher contributions, restoring a provision discontinued in 2014. The decision aims to address long-standing confusion regarding pensionable salary caps.
RBI builds secured data centre away from potential enemy strikes, seismic risk
NEW DELHI, Feb 22: The Reserve Bank of India has built a high-security data centre in Odisha, strategically located well away from potential cross-border threat zones and high seismic-risk regions, as part of efforts to safeguard critical financial infrastructure and strengthen continuity of core systems. The greenfield facility in Bhubaneswar is designed to house core computing systems supporting the central banks currency management, payment and settlement operations, and regulatory data functions, analysts and officials said. When RBI began work on [] The post RBI builds secured data centre away from potential enemy strikes, seismic risk appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
IDFC First Bank discloses 590 cr fraud by employees in Haryana govt accounts
Four officials working for the IDFC First Bank have been placed under suspension pending investigation, the bank said
Mutual fund NFOs: 8 new funds to open for subscription this week. Check key details
10% becomes 15%: How stock market may react to Trumps tariff shift on Monday
Indian markets head into Monday amid fresh tariff uncertainty after Donald Trump raised temporary US import duties from 10% to 15%, following a Supreme Court setback. While experts say markets may price in continuity, near-term volatility remains likely. Export-oriented sectors could see knee-jerk reactions as investors assess legal risks, refund implications and the broader India-US trade understanding.
M-cap of six of top 10 most valued firms climbs Rs 63,000 crore; L&T, SBI biggest gainers
Top Indian firms saw a significant market valuation surge last week, with Larsen & Toubro and State Bank of India leading the gains. Six of the top-10 valued companies collectively added over Rs 63,000 crore, while others experienced a decline in their market capitalization.
IPO watch: 9 new issues set to open this week; GMPs hint at up to 36% returns
Primary markets brace for a hectic week as nine IPOs open across the mainboard and SME segments. Grey market premiums remain selective, with standout interest in select SME counters.
Should I choose a longer home loan tenure or repay faster?
ET Wealth Reader's Query: I am 32, recently married, and both of us are working in Mumbai. I plan to buy our first home, costing about Rs 2 crore. Should we opt for a longer home loan tenure or repay aggressively to become debt-free sooner?
Equity mutual funds clock up to 4% weekly gains. Check top 5 here
Trump tariff twist, US-Iran tensions among 8 factors likely to steer D-Street this week
Nifty ended the week 0.4% higher, aided by gains in financials and metals, with the index rising 117 points on Friday to close at 25,571. As markets reopen on Monday, multiple domestic and global triggers are set to influence sentiment. Technically, analysts see resistance at the 21-EMA, while a bearish RSI crossover signals weak underlying momentum.
Dalal Street Week Ahead: Nifty braces for fresh breakout after US Supreme Court verdict boost
Nifty ended the week in a consolidative range, reflecting caution ahead of Mondays open after the US Supreme Court verdict. Markets are watching for breakout momentum, with key sectors showing mixed relative strength. Investors should track resistance, support, and global cues for direction in the coming week.
Wealth quote of the day: Never spend money before. by Thomas Jefferson
People often fall into debt traps due to easy spending in the digital age. Unproductive, high-cost debts like credit card balances grow rapidly. This situation arises when spending exceeds income. While credit is vital for education and housing, impulsive borrowing for lifestyle expenses creates long-term debt cycles. Thomas Jefferson's advice to not spend money before earning it remains relevant.
Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) turned net buyers in February, investing Rs 16,912 crore amid improved Q3 corporate earnings. While outflows hit Rs 35,962 crore in January, buying returned across financial services and capital goods. Analysts see this as a potential trend reversal, with continued FPI inflows expected through FY26.
IOB Officers Association threatens nationwide strike on Mar 2 over alleged coercive practices
In a statement, it claimed that repeated representations highlighting concerns over morale, mental well-being and institutional functioning have not received an adequate response
PhonePe launches AI-powered search built using Microsoft Foundry
The feature aims to help users navigate, pay and track transaction insights by using simple voice or text commands.
Highest FD interest rate: With FD rates declining, investors seeking fixed returns should carefully consider their options. Small finance banks currently offer the highest FD interest rates, reaching up to 7.90% per annum.
Sweeping tariffs gone but Trump's 15% global tariffs on. What to expect from markets on Monday?
Indian markets are set for a strong start following a US Supreme Court ruling. This decision removes Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs, benefiting export sectors like gems, jewellery, textiles, marine products, and pharmaceuticals. Auto sector action is also expected. Experts see this as a major sentiment booster, though they advise caution on potential Trump administration responses.
Top 5 flexicap funds with highest risk-adjusted returns. Check details
Flexicap funds with strong risk-adjusted returns have outperformed in recent years, led by Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund and HDFC offerings. Based on Sharpe ratio analysis, these funds have delivered consistent three-year returns while managing volatility effectively, making them suitable options for investors seeking balanced risk and reward.
Powering the AI revolution: A Rs 200 lakh crore opportunity for capital markets
Indias AI revolution will rely less on code and more on massive infrastructurepower, fibre, cooling, chips, data centres and long-term capital. With a 200 lakh crore investment opportunity ahead, Indias maturing capital markets, REITs, InvITs and global investor appetite position the country to finance this next big private-sector-led buildout.
Bought and sold gold or silver ETFs on same day amid sharp price swings? Know the tax impact
Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi: Farmers eagerly await the PM Kisan 22nd instalment of Rs 2,000. This payment is tentatively scheduled between February end and March 2026. eKYC is a mandatory requirement for all registered PM Kisan beneficiaries.
10 tax-free incomes in India: PPF, EPF, gratuity, life insurance maturity & more
Know Your Fund Manager | Basant Bafna, Head Fixed Income, Mirae Asset
Basant Bafna of Mirae Asset Mutual Fund says his investment approach prioritises client-first discipline, high-credit-quality portfolios and active duration management. Drawing on experience at Export-Import Bank of India, he focuses on risk-adjusted returns backed by data, with alpha generation as the key motivation.
How to manage one mutual fund portfolio for multiple financial goals
A well-structured mutual fund portfolio can help investors achieve multiple financial goals without frequent changes. Experts suggest maintaining diversification, gradually reducing risk for short-term goals, and increasing SIP contributions for long-term targets. Regular portfolio reviews and disciplined investing remain key to balancing returns, risk, and goal-based planning effectively.
Sunil Singhanias Abakkus Portfolio: 7 stocks gain up to 60% in FY26; 2 new buys in Q3
Sunil Singhanias Abakkus portfolio shows a mixed FY26 performance, with seven stocks gaining over 30% and some declining sharply. The portfolio value has moderated, while two new additions were made in Q3. The analysis highlights key winners, laggards and evolving investment trends among prominent Dalal Street investors.
JSW Steel, Tata Steel poised for margin recovery as domestic demand holds firm: Siddhartha Khemka
India's steel sector shines globally with robust domestic demand and expanding capacity. It is the world's fastest-growing steel market. Projections show significant volume growth through FY28. Infrastructure, real estate, and energy transition fuel this expansion. Domestic producers benefit from protectionist measures and improving pricing. JSW Steel and Tata Steel are poised for growth.
IDBI Bank officers, staff serve notice for nationwide hunger strike on March 9
Warns of intensified action, including indefinite strike, if move for privatising bank is not revoked
Higher HRA, bigger tax-free perks: How draft Income-Tax Rules 2026 could boost your take-home pay
Budget 2026 introduces significant perquisite rule changes, lowering taxable housing valuations and increasing tax-free limits for education, meals, and gifts. While motor car perquisite values rise for employer-owned vehicles, employee-owned cars see a decrease in taxable value. These adjustments aim to boost employee take-home pay by reducing taxable income components.
The Supreme Court has ruled against granting equal status and benefits to contractual employees as regular staff. It stated that such a move would legitimize arbitrary hiring practices and undermine regular recruitment safeguards. However, the court urged employers to sympathetically consider regularizing long-serving contractual employees on humanitarian grounds, emphasizing this decision is not a precedent.
Harassment of elderly parents costs son dear: Jharkhand HC orders eviction from self-acquired home
Jharkhand High Court has ordered a son and his wife to vacate their parents' self-acquired home. The court ruled that inheritance comes with a duty to care for parents. The senior citizens claimed harassment and mistreatment. The High Court's decision supports elderly parents' right to a peaceful life in their own property.
Saturday bank holiday: Are banks open or closed today on February 21, 2026?
Bank holiday today: All public, private, cooperative and regional rural banks are subject to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) regulation. The RBI publishes a state-wise holiday list in its holiday calendar.
Following RBI's August 2024 guidelines, P2P lending platforms now offer greater transparency and investor control, stripping away guaranteed returns and algorithmic auto-investing. While still capable of higher yields than traditional fixed-income products, investors must now actively manage risks, diversify extensively, and understand platform fees and exit limitations.
SBI is in talks with Japanese banks to jointly bankroll acquisition financing
Banks should give loans to small businesses at cheaper interest rates: DFS Secretary
Nagaraju observed that Indian banks credit-to-GDP ratio stands at just 57%. This is significantly lower than economies like China, which has 199% credit-to-GDP ratio; the US at 147% and Japan at 153%
LIC MFs Pocket SIP accounts hit 1.80 lakh
The fund house facilitates minimum daily and weekly SIP of 100 and 150, while monthly SIP can start from 200
