32 C 
Motilal Oswal 5 buy picks: Initiates coverage on Pine Labs, upgrades one & names 3 more to buy now
Bitcoin retreats from eight-month high after dizzying 13% rally
Bitcoin pulled back to about $85,500 after a surge of 13% in four days, supported by broader risk-asset gains, ETF inflows, bullish options positioning, and corporate buying. Analysts debate whether momentum reflects renewed conviction or short covering. Despite improved sentiment, elevated oil prices, Treasury yields, and competition from AI investments remain significant headwinds.
8th Pay Commission news: The 8th Pay Commissions report submission and implementation timeline will determine employees arrears. For Level 68 employees, potential arrears depend on the fitment factor and implementation delay. A Level 8 employee may receive nearly Rs 18 lakh for a 24-month delay under a 2.57 fitment factor. However, these are estimates based on basic-pay increases, and actual arrears will depend on the notified recommendations.
RBI issuesDirections on minimum capital requirements for market risk under Basel III for banks
As per the Directions, abank hasthe option to exclude certain structural foreign currency investments from the calculation of Net Open Position(NOP), on both standalone and consolidated basis
Demand for five-day week for banks 'continues to be examined, says FinMin
Bank unions have given call for 3-day strike between September 28 and 30
Retiring at 50, 58 or 60: How much EPS pension do you lose by retiring early?
EPS pension calculator: Employees Pension Scheme members can retire early from age fifty. Deferred retirement allows for increased pension amounts after age fifty-eight. An employee with twenty-five years of service and a pensionable salary of twenty-five thousand rupees receives a pension. Early retirement at age fifty reduces the monthly pension significantly. Deferring retirement by two years increases the monthly pension amount.
Earlier in October 2025, 13 types of partial withdrawal provisions were merged into one unified and simplified framework. Prior to the simplification of norms, an EPF member was allowed to withdraw only the employee contribution and interest ranging from 50-100%.
HDFC Securities says 98% of digital transactions insulated from UPI MDR
The brokers UPI transaction share is below 2%, much lower than wider broking industrys reliance on UPI
Equity mutual fund participation is broadening across India, particularly among women and investors in B30 locations. Womens equity allocation rose from 40% in 2020 to 65% in 2025, while B30 equity AUM reached 65.9% in July 2026. Despite market corrections, equity AUM, folios and inflows continued growing, indicating wider investor participation.
Large $127 billion foreign currency deposit mobilisation a 'shot in the arm' for Indian banks: S&P
S&P said the amount is equivalent to about 4.5% of the banking system's deposit base as of March 31, 2026
The PFRDA has unveiled comprehensive operational guidelines for the NPS Swasthya health cover. These guidelines specify minimum contributions, premium costs, and rules for partial withdrawals. NPS Swasthya supports family floater policies for subscribers, their spouses, and children.
ICICI Bank and Eternal among top 5 largecap stocks sold by mutual funds in August. Check details
Largecap stocks saw heavy mutual fund selling in August, with ICICI Bank, Infosys, Eternal, Tech Mahindra and PFC among the top five stocks by net outflows, according to Dolat Capital.
Edelweiss Financial Services to raise up to 300 cr via NCDs
The issue has 10 series of NCDs carrying fixed coupons and having a tenure of 24 months, 36 months, 60 months, and 120 months with annual, monthly and cumulative interest options
Missed ITR deadline and TDS refund is due? Know how to claim your refund before its too late
Missed the ITR filing deadline? Don't panic! You might still claim your TDS refund. Learn about filing belated returns, potential fees, interest, and the crucial condonation process if even that window has passed. Understand the implications for carry-forward losses and deductions. Avoid common mistakes to ensure your refund is processed smoothly.
Today, gold prices saw a minor drop among leading Indian jewellery retailers. Lets have a look at the latest 22k gold rates at Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Joyalukkas, Kalyan Jewellers and Tanishq in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Trivandrum and Bengaluru. Also see the updated indicative rates of 24k, 22k, 20k, 18k and 14k gold and 999-purity silver at the IBJA today.
EPS pension calculator: Can your monthly pension reach 12,500 after the 25,000 wage ceiling hike?
Petroleum dealers voice concern over MDR, E20 and rising operating costs
The introduction of E20 petrol has also created fresh operational challenges for dealers; dealers report concerns relating to storage, handling, equipment compatibility and material durability
Bitcoin ETFs swing positive as token holds jump above $81,000
The change in sentiment came at the end of a bruising week for digital assets that saw the failure of a landmark US crypto bill and the US Federal Reserves first interest-rate increase in more than three years.
A major disruption in banking services is anticipated as the United Forum of Bank Unions has announced a three-day strike at the end of September 2026. This action will halt operations in bank branches, resulting in an extended closure from September 26 to 30.
The BSE Sensex has experienced a notable drop, raising concerns among investors. Financial analysts recommend avoiding attempts to time the market and encourage maintaining systematic investment plans (SIPs). For those with a long-term outlook, gradually increasing equity allocations is advisable. Additionally, rebalancing portfolios during market corrections is an effective strategy for achieving target asset allocations. Flexi-cap and multi-cap funds may provide a level of stability for fresh investments.
SME IPOs returns in 2026: 21 became multibaggers, but investors also faced 50% losses: What to know
Bank holiday today: Are banks open or closed in your state today on September 21, 2026?
On September 21, 2026, banks in few states will be closed today in observance of the Janmotsav of Srimanta Sankardeva and the Samadhi of Sree Narayana Guru. Meanwhile, banking operations will continue as normal in other parts of India.
Have multiple mutual funds? Know how to check overlap
Cutting through money jargon, one topic at a time. This week Abhinav Kaulexplains what portfolio overlap is, why it quietly builds up in your mutual fund holdings.
MDR on UPI: Impact on mutual fund investors decoded
The introduction of a 0.02% merchant discount rate will impact specific mutual fund and broking transaction payments. One-time investments in mutual funds and broker wallet replenishments will be subject to this fee, while recurring mutual fund SIPs via UPI AutoPay will remain exempt. Discount brokers engaging in high-value trades will experience the greatest repercussions from these modifications, and their clients could ultimately face increased costs.
Going global? Check markets with the highest returns
Welcome to TrendMap, your quick 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 dominatesdiversification matters. By Sameer Bhardwaj.
UPI payments and benefits to household finances
The Anglo-Saxon economies of the US, United Kingdom and Australia show a reduction in household savings rates along with a growth in credit card usage, while European nations such as Germany, France and the Netherlands that encourage the use of debit cards over credit cardsreport a higher household savings rate.
Health insurance: Checking claim ratio isnt enough
The insurance advisory platform, Ditto Insurance, compares insurers on two key metrics: three-year average claim settlement ratio (by policy count) and number of complaints per 10,000 claims. Prospective buyers also need to take into account an insurers scale, track record, product portfolio and hospital network, among other factors.
Investing overseas? Watch your tech exposure
Many Indian investors mistakenly believe they diversify their portfolios by adding foreign countries. However, numerous global indices often revolve around similar technology narratives, particularly in semiconductors. To achieve real diversification, investors must grasp the fundamental earnings drivers. Exploring Europe and Japan can unveil distinct economic pathways, offering a refreshing contrast. A thorough assessment of concentration risks and market dynamics is vital when engaging in international investments.
Got rich going all-in? Wealth needs a new plan
People generally get rich because of concentration, relentless pursuit of one thing, and the confidence to go all-in when most others would hesitate. On the other hand, managing a large pool of existing wealth requires something diametrically opposite diversification, instead of concentration.
Ultravolt enters: Will cable margins take a hit?
UltraTech Cement's breakthrough venture, Ultravolt, is set to disrupt India's wires and cables sector, heightening concerns for existing giants like Polycab India and KEI Industries, who are already seeing their stock values dip. With ambitions to secure a top-two market position within five years through bold tactics, Ultravolt's entry will primarily affect the residential market. Yet, the long-term outlook for the industry remains positive due to ongoing structural demand.
Gold loans are no longer just for emergencies
Manish Jain, Country Managing Director, Experian India, discusses the growing demand for gold loans, the lower risk of over-leveraging with enhanced regulation, and the future relevance of credit scores, in a conversation with Riju Mehta.
Indias chip push draws $12 billion investment
India is witnessing a surge in investment commitments under its ambitious semiconductor policy, with both global and domestic players pledging billions. Major firms such as Applied Materials and Lam Research are gearing up for noteworthy investments, while Micron Technology is set to initiate local testing and assembly of millions of chips. Meanwhile, Tata Group is enhancing its semiconductor supply chain through innovative partnerships.
2 yrs, no new high: What should equity investors do?
Indian stock markets have languished with nearly two years of stagnant returns since late 2024. This lengthy phase of sideways trading serves as a necessary time correction rather than merely a decline in prices. Historical trends indicate that similar corrections have often extended much longer and deeper. Investors should exercise patience, persist with their SIP strategies, and recognize that moderating valuations and recovering earnings may herald promising future opportunities.
Traders forum in Keralam to boycott UPI transactions on Oct 15
With profit margins remaining limited amid intense competition, the additional fee on every transaction would increase operating costs and worsen the crisis faced by the sector
Property insurance rates up as insurers cut discounts after Gujarat floods
Premium rates are hardening by nearly 25-30 per cent, mainly through a reduction in discounts, according to Bajaj General Insurance
Mutual fund NFOs: 2 new funds will open for subscription this week. Check dates and key details
Two new passive funds will open for subscription this week, including Zerodha Nifty Next 100 ETF and Motilal Oswal Nifty REITs & Realty Index Fund. The funds will have minimum investment amounts of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500, respectively.
International funds lead weekly returns; frontrunner delivers over 30%. Check top 5 performers
Equity mutual funds delivered mixed returns last week, with international funds dominating the top performers. Mirae Asset S&P 500 Top 50 ETF FoF led with a 32.47% return, while DSP World Mining Overseas Equity Omni FoF was among the biggest decliners.
More than 150 companies have fixed record dates for dividends and stock splits between September 21 and September 25. IRCTC, BEML, Hindustan Copper, Cochin Shipyard and others feature among the stocks with corporate actions scheduled this week.
Seven equity mutual funds multiplied investors money by more than 12 times over 20 years, led by Nippon India Growth Mid Cap Fund at 21.2 times, according to a Wealth Conversations Report by FundsIndia
10 midcap stocks post highest quarterly profit in 10 quarters
Ten NSE midcap stocks recorded their highest quarterly net profits in the June 2026 quarter, with each surpassing its previous peak over the past 10 quarters, according to StockEdges profitability scan.
Higher EPS pension: Ruling party MP urges PM Modi to ensure uniform, time-bound implementation
BJP Rajya Sabha MP Ajeet Madhavrao Gopchade has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene in pending higher EPS pension issues. He highlighted procedural hurdles under Para 26(6), continuing litigation, pending Parliamentary Assurance No. 271/72, financial sustainability concerns and differing pension treatment among trust employees. He sought uniform implementation, faster disposal of eligible claims and a comprehensive review of EPS-1995.
Income Tax Rules 2026 amended: CBDT revises Form 169, Form 171; extends these deadlines
The Central Board of Direct Taxes has rolled out significant amendments to income tax regulations for 2026, particularly affecting electronic communication and tax recovery processes. The deadlines for registering valuers and income tax professionals have been pushed back, allowing applicants until March 31, 2027, to finalize their registrations.
In a game-changing move for FASTag users, the newly launched 'OneTag' portability feature enables individuals to transition their issuer bank without losing their current physical tag. This innovative service mandates a fresh Know Your Customer verification to initiate the portability. Subsequent to the successful switch, the initial bank will deactivate the old wallet and refund any remaining balance.
Homebuyer caught between builder and housing society dispute over parking space and open area; Maharashtra Court protects buyers parking rights. Read the article to know how.
Gland Pharma and CAMS among 5 smallcap stocks sold by mutual funds in August
Gland Pharma, LIC Housing Finance, Gujarat Energy, CAMS and Amber Enterprises India saw the highest mutual fund selling among smallcap stocks in August, according to Dolat Capital.
JioBlackRock Mutual Fund files draft document with Sebi for income plus arbitrage omni FoF
JioBlackRock Mutual Fund has filed draft documents with Sebi for an income plus arbitrage omni FoF, which will invest in debt-oriented and arbitrage funds. The open-ended scheme will offer regular and direct plans with growth options, a Rs 500 minimum investment and a benchmark combining debt and arbitrage indices.
Gold rate today: Here are the latest 22k gold jewellery rates from Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Joyalukkas, Kalyan Jewellers and Tanishq in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Trivandrum and Bengaluru. Also see the latest 24k, 22k, 20k, 18k and 14k gold prices and the 999-purity silver rate from the Indian Bullion & Jewellers Association (IBJA) today.
IIFL Finance and GMDC among top 5 smallcap stocks that saw highest mutual fund selling in August
Five smallcap stocks, including Himadri Speciality, GMDC and IIFL Finance, saw the highest net selling by mutual funds in August, according to Motilal Oswal Financial Services.
Up to 7.50% interest rate on 555-day FD: Check highest rates for general and senior citizens
FD interest rates: Many banks are currently promoting compelling interest rates for 555-day fixed deposits. While general depositors can enjoy rates of up to 7.25%, senior citizens benefit even more, with rates peaking at 7.50% for the same duration. Notably, City Union Bank and Karnataka Bank offer competitive options. It's advisable for depositors to check the latest rates before making any decisions on fixed deposits.
CGHS new rule: Central government employees outside CGHS areas can now opt for CGHS
The central government has made it easier for employees to access CGHS facilities without geographical limitations. This new directive allows serving employees situated outside of CGHS coverage areas to participate in the scheme, provided they fulfill all other eligibility criteria and pay the necessary contributions.
Saturday bank holiday: Are HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, SBI open or closed today on September 19, 2026?
Several September holidays will cause regional bank branch closures. Many essential banking tasks still require a physical visit to the branch. Banks remain closed on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month, in addition to Sundays and designated regional or national holidays.
8 changes in income tax audit forms for AY 2026-2027; what taxpayers need to know
For the assessment year 2026-2027, the deadline for income tax audits is set for September 30, 2026. Businesses utilizing presumptive taxation schemes should be aware that they may still need to undergo income tax audits, depending on their turnover. Significant updates to Form 3CD's reporting requirements have been implemented for this assessment year, which include new clauses concerning presumptive taxation, MSME payments, settlement expenditures, and share buybacks.
Banks, RBI set to gain 5.5 lakh crore from FCNR(B) deposits
SBI Research report estimates that the enhanced FCNR(B) liquidity could support nearly 25 lakh crore of additional credit in the banking system
India has borne nearly $45 million in interest payments on Maldives T-bill facility: MEA
These bills were subscribed by SBI since 2019 and were extended six times, each for a year, till now.
The Latest Home Loan Interest Rates: Sep 18, 2026
The Latest Home Loan Interest Rates: Sep 18, 2026
The Latest Fixed Deposit Interest Rates: Sep 18, 2026
The Latest Fixed Deposit Interest Rates: Sep 18, 2026
Bank of Maharashtra raises $500 million in global debt
The debt instrument received an overwhelming response from international investors, with the order book reaching nearly three times the issue size, said BoM in a statement
8th Pay Commission latest news: 8 demands from nursing staff in Chandigarh meeting
The Nurses Welfare Association engaged with the 8th Pay Commission officials to present crucial demands. They aim for an increase in starting salaries and better compensation for night shifts. Furthermore, the association is pushing for expanded insurance benefits and additional hardship allowances. A significant ask is the reinstatement of the Old Pension Scheme for nurses, alongside a request for Chandigarh city's category elevation.
ICICI Bank has successfully migrated its website and net banking services to the new .bank.in domain. Customers are advised to modify their bookmarks to ensure they access the official banking site. Please note that iMobile app services will be temporarily down for several hours on September 19, 2026. Rest assured, customer IDs and passwords will remain unchanged, and a newly introduced CAPTCHA feature aims to bolster net banking security.
MDR charges on 5 key services: Railway tickets, mobile bills, fuel and more
Select UPI merchant transactions will incur a Merchant Discount Rate. However, transactions under two thousand rupees will remain free for small traders. A fixed fee of five rupees will limit the MDR for certain sectors, applying to merchants rather than consumers. Importantly, most UPI payments will still be without charge for users.
IDFC FIRST Bank removes forex markup across all credit cards
Customers current IDFC FIRST Bank credit card now comes with zero forex markup, with no conditions attached, bank says
Tax Audit Report deadline: Who needs to upload it by September 30, 2026
The deadline for uploading tax audit reports is set for September 30, 2026, specifically targeting certain taxpayers. Chartered accountants will manage the upload of the tax audit report on the e-filing portal, after which taxpayers need to accept and e-verify the tax audit report.
The recent announcement to elevate the EPF wage ceiling represents a significant advantage for employees. By contributing more each month, individuals can amass a larger retirement fund over their careers.
Is Will registration mandatory? No, but two witnesses are required by law
Registration of Will is optional but at least two attesting witness in Will is mandatory; Know what the law says. This article explains it all.
SBI Mutual Fund: SBI, RIL, HDFC Bank among top 10 stock holdings in August
SBI Mutual Fund, Indias largest asset manager by AUM, managed Rs 13.42 lakh crore as of August 2026.
PPFAS and SBI MF among 6 mutual funds with over Rs 10,000 crore cash in August
KFin Technologies, Hindustan Copper among 5 smallcaps that saw highest MF buying in August
These five small-cap stocks witnessed the highest net buying by mutual funds in August. Here is the detailed breakup, according to a report by Motilal Oswal Financial Services.
The Employees' Provident Fund wage ceiling has increased to Rs 25,000. This change will enable employees to receive higher retirement benefits and monthly pensions. Pension calculations now consider a higher pensionable salary and increased service years. Employees must contribute for five years at the new ceiling for maximum benefit. Eligibility for the Employees' Pension Scheme has also expanded for certain employees.
Capitalmind Flexi Cap Fund adds Divis Laboratories, Bajaj Auto and 3 other stocks in August
Capitalmind Flexi Cap Fund made five fresh additions and completely exited five stocks from its portfolio in August, while keeping its exposure unchanged in 27 stocks. The fund had 32 stocks across 17 sectors, with healthcare accounting for the largest allocation. Heres a look at the stocks added and exited, sector allocation and the funds performance since inception.
Today saw a marked increase in gold prices among top Indian jewellery brands, spurred by a significant drop in global oil prices that changed market dynamics.
Bank of Maharashtra's first-ever overseas bond issuance of $500 mn gets 3 times subscription
Issuance comprises five-year US dollar-denominated Senior Unsecured Notes, issued through Bank of Maharashtras IFSC banking unit under its $500 million medium-term note programme
FMCG distributors body says UPI transactions should remain zero-MDR for merchants
AICPDF says B2B supply chain settlements should be exempt from MDR, govt should address tax implications
EPFO WhatsApp channel: Get PF updates on your phone; heres how to join
Defence sector funds have delivered strong returns in 2026, averaging nineteen percent year-to-date. HDFC Defence Fund led this category with a notable twenty-four point five one percent gain. Experts cite increased defence spending and government policies supporting domestic manufacturing. Investors should review their existing allocation and avoid chasing recent sharp rallies. A five percent allocation cap is suggested for most investors in this sector.
Where Indias wealthiest minds exchange ideas: Introducing ET Wealth Expo 2026
The upcoming ET Wealth Expo 2026 in Mumbai promises to be a pivotal event, uniting key figures in India's financial arena. This expo will delve into strategies for wealth creation, preservation, and effective generational transitions. Attendees can expect enlightening discussions, masterclasses, and exhibitions that will enhance their financial planning knowledge, as well as valuable networking opportunities within the dynamic landscape of wealth management in India.
Property in NCR: 8 hotspots, prices and best buys across Gurugram, Noida, Greater Noida & Ghaziabad
Credit card rewards: Why your points may be losing value and how to fix it
While giving shares to your parents who reside in your home country might appear as a thoughtful gesture, it has substantial tax considerations for NRIs. Although the gift itself isnt taxable, comprehending the nuances of acquisition costs and the period theyve been held is vital.
RBI announces 2.25 lakh crore 3-day VRRR auction
The auction will be conducted on September 18, 2026, with funds set to reverse on September 21, 2026
Turtlemint expected to clock EBITDA breakeven this fiscal
Turtlemints operating leverage at inflection point
Finance professionals unite to launch new investment platform for Bharat
The firm aims to provide low-ticket products like Choti SIP and sachet health insurance for street vendors, gig workers, homemakers, and students
Cognizant goes live with Axis Banks AMS 2.0 application management services
The partnership will support application systems across banking, payments, treasury, finance, data platforms and other key business verticals
Is Punjab heading towards UPS-like pension scheme? Heres what its notification suggests
The Punjab government is taking a closer look at its pension scheme for state employees, with the goal of aligning benefits more closely to the Old Pension Scheme. This comprehensive review will assess both the administrative and financial aspects necessary for effective implementation while also drawing insights from successful practices in other states. A revised pension structure is set to be proposed following this in-depth analysis.
Zero MDR charge: 7 UPI transactions where you don't need to pay any fee
Starting from October 2026, a new Merchant Discount Rate framework will be introduced for specific UPI transactions. This framework is designed to categorize rates according to merchant industry types and transaction amounts. Fortunately, most daily UPI payments and small vendor transactions will still be exempt from these fees, allowing individuals to continue enjoying unlimited free UPI transactions without any limitations.
Two members challenged redevelopment plan citing 10% less area with potential Rs 25 to 30 lakh loss; loses case in Maharashtra Co-operative appellate court in a interim judgement. This article explains why.
Retiring soon? How much higher EPS pension will you get after the wage ceiling hike
The Employees Provident Fund wage ceiling has risen to Rs 25,000. This change will affect Employees Pension Scheme members' monthly pension amounts. Employees with longer service periods will see greater pension increases. Pension calculations depend on average salary and years of pensionable service. The new ceiling allows more employees to join the EPS scheme.
SEBI to examine brokers concerns over UPI merchant charges
Several brokers have raised concerns about costs on client fund transfers even when no trade takes place
