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How sharp STT hike will impact your returns from arbitrage funds, SIFs
Arbitrage fund returns to take a 30-50 bps hit from Budget 2026's F&O tax hike, but post-tax advantage over debt funds intact; SIFs face milder 5-10 bps drag.
The rebound came despite proposals to raise transaction taxes on derivatives and the absence of fresh measures aimed at drawing foreign investment. The BSE Sensex rose 943.5 points, or 1.17%, to close at 81,666.46, while the Nifty 50 advanced 261 points, or 1.06%, to 25,088.4.
Power Grid shares surge 7% after PSU power company raises FY26 capex guidance to Rs 32,000 crore
Power Grid shares saw a sharp surge on Monday after the PSU raised its FY26 capex guidance to Rs 32,000 crore and increased capitalisation targets, signalling strong execution visibility. The company posted an 8% YoY rise in Q3 net profit to Rs 4,185 crore, with revenue up 10% and expenses moderating sequentially.
7 pains from Budget 2026 that will hit middle-class taxpayers hard, check how
Middle-class taxpayers face disappointment as Budget 2026 offers no income tax relief. Instead, several changes could increase costs. These include higher Securities Transaction Tax on derivatives, new taxes on secondary market Sovereign Gold Bonds, and changes to share buyback taxation. Disability pension relief is also withdrawn, and more.
India govt, RBI in talks with Alipay+ to integrate its instant payment systems, sources say
The move would help make payments easier for Indian tourists as they would be able to use India's Unified Payments Interface with merchants in foreign countries who have signed up with Alipay+
Sundaram Finance reports 16% in net profit in Q326
The company has declared 160 per cent interim dividend (16 per share)
Mirae Asset Mutual Fund partners with Cybrilla to simplify investing through ONDC Network
Mirae Asset Mutual Fund has integrated with the ONDC Network in partnership with Cybrilla to simplify mutual fund investing across India. The move aims to improve accessibility, reduce transaction friction and enable investors to transact through an open, platform agnostic digital ecosystem backed by Indias digital public infrastructure.
Gold prices have fallen significantly today, February 2, 2026, following the Budget 2026 presentation. Leading jewellers like Tanishq, Malabar Gold and Diamonds, and Joyalukkas have reported lower rates. The India Bullion and Jewellers Association also shows a sharp decline across all gold purities. New tax rules for Sovereign Gold Bonds are also in effect.
Govt in talks to raise FDI in state-run banks to 49%
India allows 74% foreign investment in private banks but limits shareholdings of any single foreign institution to 15% unless the Reserve Bank of India grants an exemption
When should investors exit a mutual fund? Key red flags to watch
With markets near record highs, experts urge investors to review mutual funds by portfolio role, goals and risk tolerance, not recent returns. Exit only on structural red flags like sustained underperformance, style drift or rising volatility that breaks discipline.
Explained: How will STT hike impact arbitrage and hybrid mutual fund returns?
The STT hike on futures and options is set to marginally reduce returns for arbitrage and hybrid mutual funds, as higher transaction costs increase rollover and churn expenses. AMCs estimate an annualised impact of 0.030.33% depending on derivatives exposure, with arbitrage-heavy schemes facing the biggest compression in yields.
Budget 2026 brings significant changes for taxpayers. ET Wealth Online's concerns have been addressed, impacting buyback taxation and NRI property sales. Penalties for minor ITR errors are being reduced, and the Black Money Act is being reformed. These updates aim to simplify tax processes and foster trust. The government is focusing on easing compliance for individuals and businesses.
Is extended August 31 ITR deadline applicable to all taxpayers or only select categories?
The Union Budget 2026 has proposed a staggered timeline for filing income tax return (ITR) to ease the rush during the peak filing season . Heres a clear look at who can file their ITR till August 31 and who must still meet the July 31 deadline.
Budget 2026: Take home salary calculator for CTC of Rs 10 lakh, 12 lakh, 15 lakh and 20 lakh
Budget 2026 brings no changes to tax slabs or deductions. However, new labor codes are set to be implemented. This will affect take-home salaries for individuals with Cost To Company packages ranging from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 20 lakh. The article details expected net salaries for different CTCs, considering existing tax laws.
Moving beyond rate-centric reforms, the government has focused on re-designing the compliance lifecycle spanning original filing, revision, updated return, and post-assessment corrections so that the tax compliance framework becomes more adaptive, less adversarial, and aligned with modern data flows.
In terms of tax proposals, specifically for individual and small taxpayers, rather than offering immediate tax rate reductions or slab restructuring, the Government has focused on structural simplification, procedural certainty, reduced litigation, and promoting trust-based compliance.
Bitcoins fall below $80,000 signals crisis of confidence
The selloff is being driven less by fear than by fading belief and vanishing buyers
Worried IDBI Bank staff seeks appointments with PM, FM
An online petition to President of India sought her intervention in larger national interest, Devidas Tuljapurkar, Convenor; and Ratnakar Wankhade and Vithal Koteswara Rao, Joint Convenors, told businessline
SGBs Tax Rules 2026: What has changed for Sovereign Gold Bonds after Union Budget 2026
The Union Budget 2026 has introduced a significant change in the taxation of Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs). The capital gains tax exemption at maturity has now been restricted.
Why your 40s decide your retirement: 10 money moves Indians must make now
Budget 2026 data reveals Indian households are shifting savings from cash and bank deposits towards shares, mutual funds, and pension plans. While real estate remains the primary wealth-building goal, rising household debt indicates increased leverage rather than immediate financial stress, even as net savings shrink.
Capital gains tax: Heres how Budget 2026 taxes shares, gold and mutual funds in FY27
Budget 2026 not headline-grabbing but fiscally prudent and growth-oriented
The Union Budget 2026-27 delivers fiscal prudence without sacrificing growth, keeping deficit consolidation on track while sustaining strong capex. Markets reacted cautiously to the STT hike, but measures on buybacks, PIS liberalisation, bond market development and support for sunrise sectors signal a steady, reform-oriented roadmap focused on long-term competitiveness.
Budget 2026 introduces a New Income Tax Act effective April 1, 2026, with staggered ITR filing deadlines and reduced TCS on overseas tour packages. A new Foreign Asset Disclosure Scheme offers regularization options for small taxpayers, while immunity from prosecution is extended for certain foreign non-immovable asset disclosures.
NRI professionals visiting India to get 5-year tax exemption on overseas income: Budget 2026
Union Budget 2026 introduces a significant tax benefit for overseas professionals visiting India. Non-residents will receive a five-year exemption on income earned outside India. This applies to those visiting under government-notified schemes. The tax-exempt status begins from their first visit for service rendering. This move aims to attract global talent by offering clear tax certainty.
Invested in overseas property? Know the tax rules after Budget 2026 will impact you
All foreign assets must be disclosed in Indian tax returns in the prescribed manner. Non-disclosure of foreign assets can trigger implications under the Black Money Act, 2015, including substantial fines and prosecution. Rental income, whether earned in India or overseas, is taxable in India for tax residents.
HRA vs housing loan; which one saves you more income tax after Budget 2026?
Let us understand which out of HRA and home loan can save you more tax after Budget 2026. House Rent Allowance (HRA) is a tax break which salaried taxpayers usually receive, and its one of the few exemptions without a maximum limit.
11 equity mutual funds turn Rs 10,000 monthly SIP to over Rs 1.50 crore in 20 years. Do you own any?
Around 11 equity mutual funds have transformed a Rs 10,000 monthly SIP into over Rs 1.50 crore in the last two decades. ICICI Prudential Value Fund led the pack, growing a Rs 10,000 SIP to Rs 1.83 crore. Many mid-cap and small-cap funds also delivered substantial returns.
Budget 2026 has eliminated the deduction for interest expenses incurred on loans taken to invest in listed equity shares or mutual funds. This change, effective from April 1, 2026, means dividend and mutual fund income will be fully taxed without any interest offset, leading to a higher tax outgo for investors.
Machine brewed coffee in office canteen or cafe may get costlier after Budget 2026
The Budget has withdrawn existing duty concessions on imported coffee roasting, brewing and vending machines. Industry executives said the change in customs duty comes amid pressure from currency movements.
SBI Life Share Price Live Updates: SBI Life experiences a decline in returns
SBI Share Price Live Updates: SBI's One-Month Return
Divis Labs Share Price Live Updates: Divis Labs Trading Update
Tata Consumer Share Price Live Updates: Tata Consumer's stock rises amid market fluctuations
Titan Company Share Price Live Updates: Titan Company sees negative returns in the last month
Hindalco Share Price Live Updates: Hindalco's Recent Market Performance
Cipla Share Price Live Updates: Cipla's returns take a hit
HDFC Bank Share Price Live Updates: HDFC Bank reports a significant drop in monthly returns
Bajaj Auto Share Price Live Updates: ICICI Securities Sets New Target for Bajaj Auto
A taxpayer has won a significant victory in the Bombay High Court. The court allowed the set-off of short-term capital loss against long-term capital gains. The tax department's addition of Rs 5.43 crore as unexplained cash credit and undisclosed long-term capital gains was deleted. The High Court emphasized consistency, noting similar relief granted to the taxpayer's father and brother.
The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal Mumbai has ruled in favour of a taxpayer. The tribunal stated that the tax department must provide TDS credit shown in Form 26AS. This decision came after a taxpayer missed claiming Rs 73 lakh TDS due to seller's non-disclosure. The tribunal highlighted the department's statutory and constitutional duty to grant credit, even with procedural errors.
What is the fee for filing revised ITR by March 31 as announced in Budget 2026?
New rules allow taxpayers to file revised income tax returns until March 31 for a fee. This extension, effective from April 1, 2026, benefits individuals with international tax obligations. A fee of Rs 5,000 or Rs 1,000 applies based on taxable income. This change provides more time to correct errors in filed returns, addressing a long-standing taxpayer demand.
Union Budget 2026 introduces a new Income Tax Act from April 1, 2026, with simplified rules. Key changes include reduced TCS rates on overseas tour packages and LRS remittances for education/medical. The deadline for revised ITR filing is extended, and PAN-based TDS for NRI property sales is implemented. Share buybacks will now be taxed as capital gains for all shareholders.
Budget-26: Gov spending no longer main growth driver
In the years that the government was exiting one business after another, the Budget was a huge event. There was money to be made punting on which these sectors would be and which business would make the most of it. Tax rates were so high that hiding ones income from the taxman was the biggest concern. We are well past the days of such drama.
What are government securities & how do they work?
If you are confused by personal finance terms, jargon and calculations, heres a series to simplify and deconstruct these for you. In the 88th part of this series, Riju Mehta explains how these debt instruments function.
Intrinsic value: Are you paying too much for stocks?
Understanding a stock's true worth beyond its market price is crucial for investors. Valuation helps identify undervalued opportunities, manage risk with a margin of safety, and allocate capital effectively. While short-term prices fluctuate, long-term trends show convergence with intrinsic value. Both absolute and relative valuation methods offer insights, but require careful analysis.
Dont get trapped by mis-sold insurance
Financial year-end targets fuel aggressive sales tactics in insurance. Customers are being sold policies they do not need, often through cold calls or bank relationships. This mis-selling is a growing concern, with many victims unaware of their rights or how to seek redressal. Regulators face challenges in curbing this pervasive practice.
Hidden risks of high-yield bonds
Defaults at GripInvest and other bond platforms expose how curated and secured labels are masking credit risks in high-yield bonds and loan pools being marketed to retail investors.
Weve realigned our equity strategy; SBI PF Head
SBI Pension Funds is launching the Swasthya Pension Scheme to build medical expenditure funds. Pranay Dwivedi highlights its flexibility and tax benefits. He also addresses the fund's equity performance, noting a strategic shift towards growth. Dwivedi emphasizes safety and consistency for subscribers. The NPS aims to increase adoption through digital channels and improved clarity.
How the new health-linked NPS account works
The National Pension System is piloting NPS Swasthya, a scheme to cover medical expenses. Subscribers can contribute to a dedicated account, with partial withdrawals available for medical needs. This initiative aims to provide a financial buffer for healthcare costs, complementing existing health insurance.
Privacy tokens: What delisting means for investors
India's crypto exchanges are delisting privacy tokens like Zcash and Dash following new AML/CFT rules. This forces investors to rebalance portfolios or face automatic liquidation into stablecoins. The move aims for safer markets and higher compliance, impacting taxation and investor exit strategies.
Where smart beta works and where does it fail?
Data shows that smart beta strategies have been highly volatile and cyclical in the short-to-medium term. These strategies have delivered higher returns and outperformed in a bull market but have also underperformed and incurred severe negative drawdowns in a bear market.
Why switching your home loan now pays off
The full benefit of RBIs 125 basis points rate cut last year is yet to flow evenly to non-bank borrowers or those with older benchmark-linked loans. Changing lenders or part prepayment may ease their woes.
Union Budget 2026: Several hits, few misses in budget for Gulf NRI businesses
Indian businesses in the UAE and Gulf region largely welcomed the Union Budget 2026-27, commending initiatives like India Semiconductor Mission 2.0 and the SME Growth Fund. While some praised the focus on manufacturing and digital transformation, others called for greater emphasis on welfare schemes. The budget signals India's commitment to becoming a stable, policy-forward digital economy.
Not reporting crypto transaction will lead to daily penalty of 200
The proposed amendment seeks to rationalise the penal consequences under these provisions
Viksit Bharat banking reforms: Committee to suggest consolidation, regulations
The committee will examine reforms, consolidation, regulatory changes, and ownership patterns to strengthen banks and NBFCs for the next growth phase
Budget proposes penalties for crypto reporting lapses from April 2026
While compliance and surveillance have tightened, true growth requires economic rationalization to keep Web3 innovation and talent within India
The move to incentivise issuance of municipal bonds of higher value by large cities comes in the wake of Reserve Bank of Indias own effort to breathe new life into these bonds
The Finance Bill 2026 introduces retrospective amendments to the Income-tax Act, 1961, addressing key court rulings. These changes clarify time limits for transfer pricing assessments, validate the jurisdiction of Jurisdictional Assessing Officers for reassessment notices, and protect assessment orders from invalidity due to DIN quoting errors, effective from 2009 and 2021 respectively.
Higher government borrowing in FY27 may push up G-Sec yields
The Budget maintains a fiscal deficit target of 4.3% of GDP while increasing capital expenditure to 12.2 lakh crore.
Any mistake in the Income tax order will not nullify provided it contains DIN, says Budget 2026
Budget 2026 clarifies that assessment orders under the Income Tax Act will not be invalidated due to mistakes or omissions if a Document Identification Number (DIN) is lawfully generated and quoted.
Marginal relief offers a tax benefit for resident individuals in the new regime with income just over Rs 12 lakh. This provision ensures their tax payable doesn't exceed the income earned above the Rs 12 lakh threshold, effectively capping their tax liability. For instance, an income of Rs 12.10 lakh results in a tax of only Rs 10,000.
Income tax budget 2026 highlights: From tax relief to tax reforms - how individuals will be impacted
The Budget adopts a measured approach to personal taxation, prioritising structural improvements over immediate tax relief. Through legislative overhaul, procedural simplification and enforcement rationalisation, the Budget lays the groundwork for a more predictable and citizen-friendly tax framework for individuals.
Budget 2026: Now save TDS by submitting single form 15G/H for these securities
Investors can now submit Form 15G/H directly to depositories to avoid excess TDS on dividend, interest from securities, and mutual fund income. This simplification, effective April 1, 2027, aims to reduce compliance burdens for eligible individuals and HUFs. The new rule allows a single submission for securities held in dematerialized form.
The Budget 2026 hike in Securities Transaction Tax is expected to reduce arbitrage fund returns by about 0.5% next year, according to Capitalminds Deepak Shenoy. While retail investors may see limited impact, arbitrage funds and foreign portfolio investors could face higher costs in futures trading.
Union Budget 2026: How experts decode this for mutual fund investors
The Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, in her budget 2026 speech, announced to raise the STT on Futures to 0.05% from the present 0.02%. STT on options premium and exercise of options are both proposed to be raised to 0.15% from the present rate of 0.1% and 0.125%, respectively.
Senior Citizens and Budget 2026: How key proposals from Finance Minister can impact them
Budget 2026 introduces some reforms for senior citizens, including streamlined online customs declarations and duty exemptions on 17 cancer drugs and medicines for rare diseases. While no major new tax relief is announced, existing benefits like higher exemption limits and TDS thresholds remain. The Biopharma Shakti initiative aims to reduce long-term healthcare costs.
Budget 2026 has increased Securities Transaction Tax (STT) on futures and options trading to curb excessive retail speculation. Effective April 1, 2026, STT rates on options will rise by up to 50%, and on futures by 150%. This move, alongside SEBI's measures, aims to make high-frequency trading less viable for retail investors.
7 ways income tax filing will be impacted after Budget 2026
Budget 2026 introduces significant changes to income tax filing from April 1, 2026. Revised ITR forms will simplify compliance. The deadline for revised ITR filing moves to March 31. Share buybacks will be treated as capital gains for most shareholders. Updated returns for losses will be permitted. A new automated process for nil deduction certificates is coming.
Section 440 of the new Income Tax Act, 2025, is being amended to extend immunity from penalties and prosecution to cases involving income misreporting. This change, effective April 1, 2026, requires taxpayers to pay an additional income-tax of 100% or 120% in lieu of penalties, aiming to reduce litigation and compliance burdens.
Budget 2026 introduces penalties for crypto exchanges failing to accurately report transactions. A Rs. 200 per day penalty will be levied for non-furnishing statements, while Rs. 50,000 will be charged for inaccurate information or failure to correct it. These provisions aim to ensure compliance and deter non-reporting, taking effect from April 1, 2026.
14 personal finance highlights impacting middle-class taxpayers in FY26-27 from Budget 2026
Budget 2026 introduces significant relief for salaried and middle-class taxpayers, including a new simplified Income Tax Act and automated NIL deduction certificates. Key changes also encompass tax exemptions on motor accident claims, rationalized TCS rates, and an extended deadline for revised ITR filings, aiming to ease compliance and financial burdens.
Budget 2026 brings key changes for taxpayers. The income tax return correction window extends to March 31. TDS and TCS rules are simplified, easing compliance and cash flow. Litigation and penalties are softened with reduced pre-deposits. Corporate tax sees MAT reduction and STT increases. A foreign asset disclosure window offers a compliance route for small taxpayers.
Taxpayers can now assess the break-even points for the old and new tax regimes. The Union Budget 2026 has confirmed both systems will continue. This analysis helps individuals decide which tax structure offers greater savings based on available deductions. Understanding these points is crucial for optimizing tax liability for Assessment Year 2027-28.
Income tax slabs unchanged in Budget 2026; no extra relief for taxpayers
Union Budget 2026:Standard Deduction Raised to Rs 75,000, Basic Exemption Limit Remains the Same
Union Budget 2026: Has government made any changes to Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY)? Check here
Budget 2026 did not make any new Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) announcements, though the scheme had received Rs 54,500 crore for its urban component (PMAY-U) in the Union Budget 2024-25. PMAY-U 2.0 continues to provide central assistance for affordable housing in urban areas to eligible families, with specific criteria for participation and beneficiary eligibility.
Most anticipated change in Budget 2026 was change in Section 87A tax rebate. Currently Section 87A tax rebate depends on the chosen tax regime. The new income tax regime offers Section 87A tax rebate of up to Rs 60,000 which makes zero tax for income up to Rs 12 lakh. Similary under old tax regime offers 87A tax rebate up to Rs 5 lakh income. This rebate is exclusively for resident individuals, excluding HUFs, NRIs, companies, and super senior citizens. Certain capital gains and incomes taxed at special rates are ineligible for this rebate.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's Budget 2026 proposes a 50% reduction in import tariff rates for personal goods, from 20% to 10%. This change aims to rationalize customs duties, potentially saving consumers significant amounts on imported items. An example calculation shows a substantial decrease in total duties and taxes for an imported air conditioner.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's Budget 2026 maintained existing taxation rules for gold and silver investments, with no changes announced for capital gains. The budget confirmed that GST and capital gains tax structures for physical, digital, ETFs, and mutual funds remain as previously established.
Did NPS subscriber get tax deduction on additional 20% contribution (from 60% to 80%)?
NPS subscribers hoping for an 80% tax-free lump sum withdrawal will have to wait. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's Budget 2026 speech on February 1, 2026, did not announce an increase from the current 60% limit for non-government subscribers. This means 20% of the NPS corpus may still be taxable upon withdrawal.
Union Budget 2026: Share buybacks to be taxed as capital gains for all investors
Union Budget 2026: New tax rule changes how investors earn from buybacks.
Has government provided NPS tax benefit on self-contribution in new tax regime?
NPS subscribers hoping for more tax benefits from Budget 2026 were disappointed. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's speech on February 1, 2026, offered no new tax advantages. The new tax regime only allows tax benefits on employer contributions to NPS. Individual and self-contributions receive no tax relief under this regime.
Union Budget 2026 will allow Non-Resident Indians to invest in Indian equities via the Portfolio Investment Scheme, increasing individual limits to 10% and overall PROI limits to 24%. This move is expected to significantly impact equity markets, while AIFs and REITs are unlikely to be affected due to their existing tax advantages.
Has government increased EPF wage ceiling limit of Rs 15,000 in Budget 2026?
The Union Budget 2026 has maintained the Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) wage ceiling at Rs 15,000, a limit unchanged since 2014. Experts highlight that an increase would have significantly boosted retirement savings for employees, especially younger ones, through long-term compounding. While beneficial for workers, a higher ceiling could increase payroll costs for employers, particularly MSMEs.
Union Budget 2026: Has government made any changes to the Ayushman Bharat scheme? Check details here
All senior citizens aged 70 and above will receive continue to receive health coverage up to Rs 5 lakh annually. This benefit is available irrespective of income. Aadhaar is mandatory for enrollment. Eligible individuals can apply online or via the Ayushman App.
Budget 2026 maintains the PM Kisan beneficiary amount at Rs 6,000 annually. This financial aid is disbursed in three Rs 2,000 installments. Farmers can check their status online and complete mandatory eKYC. Several reasons can lead to rejection, including duplicate names and incomplete KYC. Certain categories like income tax payers are ineligible.
The Black Money Act, 2015, imposes penalties and prosecution for wilful non-disclosure of foreign income and assets. Amendments are proposed to sections 49 and 50 to exempt minor and inadvertent non-disclosures from prosecution, aligning them with the existing penalty framework.
UPI transactions hit record high of 28.33 lakh crore in January
On a month-on-month basis, the growth was 21% in value terms
Has Standard Deduction for FY 2026-27 for salaried employees changed in Budget 2026?
The Finance Minister maintained the standard deduction at Rs 75,000 for salaried individuals and pensioners under the new tax regime in Budget 2026. This deduction, available without proof, reduces taxable income, making individuals earning up to Rs 12.75 lakh tax-free due to the Section 87A rebate.
