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LIC Q4 net up 23% on higher premium income, declares 1:1 bonus
Insurance behemoth to pay pre-bonus dividend of 10 per share
Reserve Bank rate hikes to start in June: Standard Chartered
Rising global yields and rate hikes from other Asian central banks could also lead to higher policy rates, StanCharts India economists Anubhuti Sahay and Saurav Anand said in a note
Are you ready for your retirement? 76% Indians are not ready; check other details of survey
A survey by 1 Finance Magazine reveals a significant gap in retirement preparedness among Indians aged 40-60. Nearly 76% lack detailed plans, yet 61.4% feel confident about retiring comfortably. Most rely on fixed deposits and mutual funds, with a median retirement corpus of Rs 28 lakh against a target of Rs 1 crore, highlighting a substantial shortfall.
Low-risk investors can earn a fixed monthly income of Rs 9,250 from a Rs 15 lakh deposit in a joint Post Office Monthly Income Scheme (POMIS) account. This government-backed scheme offers an annual interest rate of 7.4% for a 5-year tenure. While interest is taxable as per income slab, no TDS is deducted by the post office.
Alpha AMC targets 1,000-cr corpus for VentureX SME Fund
The fund crossed total commitments of 223 crore as of April 30, 2026
New labour codes from the Central Government introduce a mandatory 2% annual salary increment for regular contractual workers. This rule applies to employees of contractors working for central government establishments like railways and banks. The provision is mandatory, even if companies do not wish to offer increments. This rule does not extend to employees directly on a company's payroll.
PFRDA sets up panel to look at induction of more asset classes for better returns
The total number of subscribers under NPS at the end of FY26 stood at 2.17 crore, with a total corpus of 15.95 lakh crore
From Rs 50,000 salary to Rs 5 crore retirement corpus: How long it may take to build wealth
Building a Rs 5 crore retirement corpus on a Rs 50,000 salary is achievable with disciplined investing, time and strategy. Investing 30% of your salary monthly via SIP may take 31 years, but a 7% annual step-up can cut it to 2526 years. Experts say higher savings, better returns and periodic reviews accelerate wealth creation, while asset allocation and risk appetite play a crucial role in long-term success.
UIDAI extends free Aadhaar update deadline till June 14, 2027: Check how to update documents online
India's retirement planning is evolving with rising private sector NPS participation and evolving annuity products. While government contributions still dominate, private sector growth is steady. In an interview with Sriram Iyer, MD & CEO of HDFC Pension, he spoke about the growing role of NPS in retirement planning, NPS performance and more.
Top 5 India-focused offshore equity funds and ETFs with highest 1-year returns. Check details
India-focused offshore funds and ETFs underperformed the MSCI India USD Index over one year, though Aryabhata India Fund emerged as the top performer with the smallest decline among peers.
4 SIFs and mutual fund NFOs open for subscription now. Check details
SEBI sends show-cause notices to Capital Group entities in front-running case
Probe tied to 2025 front-running case involving Ketan Parekh and Rohit Salgaocar
Indian mutual fund assets under management have surged. Equity funds saw a significant rise in assets and investor numbers. Flexicap funds led net sales, attracting substantial inflows. SIP flows doubled in under three years, reaching new highs. The industry's AUM grew substantially over the past decade, indicating strong investor confidence and growing participation in mutual funds.
Gold prices saw an uptick on May 21, 2026, influenced by US-Iran tensions, inflation concerns, and increased rate-hike expectations. Major jewelry brands reported higher rates for 24k, 22k, 20k, 18k, and 14k gold.
SBI bank holidays May 2026: SBI branches may be closed for up to six days from May 23, 2026, due to a weekend, a proposed two-day staff strike, and the Bakrid holiday.
If the lender bank decides to deploy any technology-based mechanism for restricting or disabling the functionalities of a mobile device of a borrower, it shall ensure adopting a graduated approach rather than disabling the device, ab initio; it cant disable essential services like internet access, incoming calls, emergency SOS, and receipt of emergency Government or public-safety notifications.
Solfin raises 280 crore, turns profitable in first year of operations
The fresh capital will be directed towards AI-driven credit underwriting, portfolio monitoring, geographic expansion into underpenetrated states and new green-financing products
These 5 smallcap mutual funds deliver over 20% annualised return in 3 years. Check toppers
The ET Alpha Summit gathers top market minds to decode global risks, AI disruption, and investment opportunities, offering investors a clear roadmap for smarter, future-ready wealth decisions.
Will EPS-95 pensioners get 7,500 monthly pension from May 2026? Check EPFOs statement
LIC shares tick up ahead of Q4FY26 results; analyst urges caution
The stocks total market capitalisation stands at 5,11,692 crore
Taiwan-focused mutual funds soar 200% in a year. Experts warn against FOMO investing
Mutual fund investors are exploring international and thematic schemes, with some delivering up to 200% returns. Technology and semiconductor funds, especially those with Taiwan exposure, have seen significant gains. Experts suggest starting global diversification with broader US funds. While past performance is strong, future returns may vary.
Physical gold vs gold ETF vs EGR: Which gold investment option are Indians choosing most?
Stay fit, pay less: Over 2 lakh Aditya Birla Health customers earned premium refunds in FY26
Nearly 2.03 lakh customers earned between 6-100% of their premiums back in FY26, accounting for nearly 11% of eligible customers, says Mayank Bathwal, CEO, Aditya Birla Health Insurance
Rupee shock may slow India: Kearney sees 1-1.5 percentage point West Asia hit on GDP
Despite West Asia crisis potential hit on Even as West Asia crisis could shave 11.5 percentage points off Indias GDP growth over the next 6-9 months, global consulting firm Kearney dismissed fears of rupee breaching the 100-per-dollar mark and slide to 130140. Speaking to businessline during Kearneys 100 Years of Impact celebrations, the firms top global leadership said Indias next growth cycle driven by investments in green energy, electronics manufacturing, data centres and infrastructurewill provide a powerful buffer against geopolitical shocks, commodity inflation and supply-chain disruptions.
Bengaluru property owners face a new hurdle. The city's e-Khata portal does not allow new Khata creation for revenue land acquired through partition deeds. This blocks genuine owners from official property records. Experts suggest adding a fresh Khata creation option and improving document uploads. This reform aims to include all property owners in the formal system.
RBI revives aggressive pre-market intervention to arrest rupees slide
RBIs pre-open intervention mirrored past episodes where it has acted aggressively to break a negative feedback loop of persistent depreciation and mounting pressure on the rupee
India bonds reverse gains as report RBI mulling rate hike outweighs external support
The benchmark 6.48% 2035 bond yield was at 7.1225%, as of 10:15 a.m. IST, rocketing back up from a low of 7.0194% hit earlier, and against its previous close of 7.0761%
A wife who stabbed and killed her husband during a sudden argument has been spared jail time. The Telangana High Court ruled the act was committed on the 'spur of the moment'. She will pay a Rs 500 fine instead of a four-year prison sentence. The court invoked an exception to murder charges, acknowledging the impulsive nature of the crime.
Large cap funds have lagged mid and small caps across various time horizons, showing muted or negative returns in shorter periods. Experts suggest increasing allocation to large caps for stability and better risk-reward due to attractive valuations, especially for first-time investors and through SIPs.
Best banking & PSU mutual funds to invest in May 2026
Banking & PSU debt funds offer a relatively safe investment option for a few years, investing primarily in government-backed entities. These schemes gained popularity after past debt market turmoil. While risks like private bank exposure and interest rate changes exist, they are considered minimal for short-term investors.
Q4 Results Today, May 21, 2026, Live Updates: Catch more updates here
Is loyalty killing your career? Should you switch jobs every 2-3 years or risk getting left behind?
Why wealthy people invest differently; 8 lessons every investor can apply
Sebi moots MF payment by 3rd parties in select cases
Sebi is proposing new rules for mutual fund investments. Third parties can now make payments in certain situations. Employers can invest on behalf of employees through salary deductions. Asset Management Companies can pay distributors in mutual fund units instead of cash. A framework for investors to donate to social causes is also suggested.
Long-term SIPs deliver consistent gains as market volatility eases over time
Investing in equity through Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) offers greater predictability and reduced risk over extended periods. A study reveals that longer tenures, ideally 10 years or more, allow investors to navigate market cycles and benefit from rupee cost averaging.
RBI reworks draft loan recovery directions following industry feedback
The draft norms also bar lenders from disabling essential features such as internet access, incoming calls, emergency SOS services and public safety notifications
BHIM Payments Apps total transaction volumes increased by 301 per cent in FY26 compared to FY25
APY pension calculator: How to get Rs 1,000-Rs 5,000 monthly pension under Atal Pension Yojana
The Atal Pension Yojana provides a secure future with guaranteed monthly pensions. Indian citizens aged 18 to 40 can enroll. Contributions ensure a pension of Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000 from age 60. The scheme offers continued benefits to spouses and nominees in case of subscriber death. This government-backed initiative secures retirement for many.
Sebi proposes to permit third-party payment in mutual funds in certain scenarios
The current regulatory framework mandates that all payments for investments in mutual funds must originate directly from the investor's own bank account and be routed exclusively through RBI-authorised payment aggregators or Sebi-recognised clearing corporations.
Karnataka Grameena Bank gets PFRDA award for Atal Pension Yojana enrolment
KGB enrolled 2,49,185 APY accounts against the DFS/PFRDA target of 1,75,500 accounts, registering an achievement level of 142%, the highest among all banks in Karnataka
Indias treasury-bill yields surge on rate-hike expectation
Yield on the 364-day treasury bill rose 21 basis points to 5.9750% Wednesday, the most in nearly four years, according to data compiled by Bloomberg
PM Kisan 23rd instalment date 2026: When can farmers expect next Rs 2,000 payment?
Farmers eagerly await the 23rd PM Kisan installment, expected around June-July 2026. Beneficiaries receive Rs 2,000 thrice annually. Completing e-KYC is mandatory for receiving the Rs 2,000 payment, with options for OTP-based, biometric, or face authentication.
Can Sebis 50% overlap limit improve diversification in mutual fund schemes?
Sebis new mutual fund overlap rules aim to improve diversification by limiting duplicate stock holdings across schemes, encouraging investors and fund houses to reduce redundancy and maintain more efficient portfolios.
Railway technical supervisors have put forward significant demands to the 8th Pay Commission. Key proposals include a Rs 52,000 minimum salary and multiple fitment factors. They also seek higher House Rent Allowance rates and the inclusion of training periods for MACP calculations. The association aims for these suggestions to be part of the commission's recommendations.
ICICI Bank is set to implement revised charges on several debit cards, including a significant increase in Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) fees, effective June 21, 2026. Additionally, annual fees for various debit card variants will be adjusted, with some seeing an increase and one notable reduction.
Baroda BNP Paribas Mutual Fund removes subscription limit and resumes fresh SIP/STP in its Aqua FoF
Baroda BNP Paribas Mutual Fund has removed the Rs 5 lakh daily cap on lump sum investments and resumed fresh SIP/STP registrations in its Baroda BNP Paribas Aqua Fund of Fund from May 20. The move comes as overseas investment headroom improves, though subscriptions will remain subject to regulatory overseas investment limits.
NFO Update: Tata AIA Life Insurance launches dividend leaders index pension fund
Tata AIA Life Insurance has launched the Tata AIA Dividend Leaders Index Pension Fund to help investors build long-term retirement wealth through Indias leading dividend-paying companies. The NFO is open until May 27, with units priced at Rs 10. The passively managed fund tracks the BSE 500 Dividend Leaders 50 Index and invests in 50 consistent dividend-paying firms, combining market-linked growth with life insurance protection for disciplined retirement planning.
HDFC AMC reports cyber security threat
The company promptly activated the necessary protocols for containment and incident response, and has engaged a specialist firm to assess the potential impact
PFCs 26,000-crore, 30-year loan to NPCIL sets stage for long-term nuclear financing
Nuclear projects present a distinctive financing challenge with high capital outlay
1 crore home today or 6 crore corpus after 20 years - how to decide between buying & renting?
Gold prices saw an upward trend today, May 20, 2026, at major jewellery retailers like Tanishq, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Joyalukkas, and Kalyan Jewellers. In contrast, rates at the India Bullion and Jewellers Association experienced a decline. Consumers can check the latest rates for 22k gold and silver across different brands and IBJA.
Twelve equity mutual funds delivered over 10% returns in the past year, led by TRUSTMF Small Cap Fund with 19.24%. Midcap schemes from ICICI Prudential, HSBC and Mirae Asset also featured among the top performers. Overall, 284 schemes were analysed, with returns ranging from 11.51% to 9.86%.
NFO Alert: The Wealth Company Mutual Fund launches large & midcap fund
The Wealth Company Mutual Fund, backed by Pantomath Group, has launched its 10th fund, The Wealth Company Large & Mid Cap Fund. This open-ended equity scheme, open from May 21 to June 4, aims for long-term capital appreciation by investing in both established large-cap companies and growth-oriented mid-caps, employing a unique research framework.
Can Rs 5 lakh lump sum and Rs 10,000 step up SIP create Rs 2 crore corpus in 20 years?
Combining a Rs 5 lakh lump sum with a Rs 10,000 monthly step-up SIP can help achieve a Rs 2 crore retirement corpus in 20 years. Experts advise consistent investing, even during market downturns, and increasing SIP amounts with income growth to combat inflation and maximize returns.
AI will destroy some jobs and create new ones, says HSBC CEO
The comments come a day after another financial industry giant, Standard Chartered, said that 7,000 jobs could go as it steps up its efforts to deploy AI
The Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is set to launch a WhatsApp service for PF updates, allowing members to interact with the organization by sending a 'Hello' message.
Looking to invest via SIP for 5 years? Here are the top 10 mutual funds to consider
Top-performing mutual funds delivered strong five-year SIP returns, led by gold, infrastructure, manufacturing, healthcare, and smallcap categories, though investors should prioritize risk appetite, goals, and investment horizon over past performance alone.
Withdraw EPF through UPI soon as government completes testing
Employees Provident Fund Organisation subscribers will soon withdraw their provident fund corpus directly through Unified Payment Interface. The government has completed testing of this new facility.
Retiring soon? Check new NPS pension income options, RIS benefits and key withdrawal rules
RBI intervenes as Rupee drops to record low
Global investors have pulled out a record $23 billion from the nations stocks this year
A 53-year-old investor aims for a Rs 5 crore retirement corpus in seven years without a pension. Experts suggest increasing monthly SIPs to Rs 1.2 lakh with annual 24% step-ups and shifting to an 80:20 equity-debt allocation. A bucket-based SWP strategy is recommended for post-retirement income, potentially generating Rs 1.67-2.5 lakh monthly.
Inflation who? 10 things that got cheaper in India over the last 10 years
SBI to recruit 7,150 apprentices across India; applications open till June 8
Graduates aged 2028 can apply online till June 8, 2026. Selected candidates will receive a 15,000 monthly stipend.
A man successfully saved his two shops from demolition by the municipality. The shops were slated for removal to widen a road. The Andhra Pradesh High Court intervened, halting the demolition. The court ruled that the municipality must follow natural justice principles. This includes providing a hearing and considering the owner's registered sale deed before any action is taken.
UAE private companies must pay salaries on 1st of every month from June 1, 2026 or face legal action
UAE private companies must now pay employee salaries on the first of each month, effective June 1, 2026, as mandated by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. Failure to comply will result in penalties, including potential blacklisting and travel bans, with no grace period allowed for late payments.
Many policyholders believe health insurance claims require a 24-hour hospital stay. However, modern policies cover numerous treatments completed within 24 hours, known as day care procedures. These include surgeries like cataract removal and treatments such as chemotherapy. Policyholders must verify their policy details, including covered procedures and exclusions, to ensure eligibility for these claims.
Inside Mutual Fund Portfolios: The role of cash holdings
Fund managers hold cash in equity schemes for various reasons, including market overvaluation, difficulty finding quality stocks, and to meet daily redemption requests. While cash offers a downside buffer, high levels can lead to underperformance if markets rally, potentially causing investor outflows.
Karnataka Banks Q4 net profit at 408.19, seeing a growth of 61.74%
The NPAs of the bank declined by 30 basis points from 3.08% in Q4 2024-25 to 2.78% in Q4 2025-26, and the net NPA of the bank declined by 33 basis points from 1.31% to 0.98%
RBI seeks more granular risk, capital disclosures from banks
Banks will also have to provide narrative explanations for major changes in these parameters from one reporting period to another, including the factors driving such movements and the management response to evolving risks
Why This Mid-Cap Fund Could Bounce Back Stronger
Senior citizens in Gurugram and Faridabad now have enhanced security for their bank accounts. HDFC Bank has introduced a double OTP system. This initiative ensures money transfers only occur after verification from both the account holder and a trusted contact. This voluntary facility aims to protect individuals over 60 from cybercrimes and financial losses.
Minimum EPS-95 pension increased to Rs 7,500? EPFO says this
A letter circulating on social media falsely claims the minimum Employees Pension Scheme 95 pension has increased to Rs 7,500 monthly. The Employees Provident Fund Organisation has officially stated this notification is fake. The current minimum pension provided by the government stands at Rs 1,000 per month for eligible subscribers.
Is government planning to issue gold bonds to temples in exchange for gold reserves? Check here
The Indian government has officially denied circulating rumors about plans to issue gold bonds to temples or to monetize temple gold holdings. These claims, which emerged after a call to postpone gold purchases and an import duty hike, are completely false and misleading. The Finance Ministry clarified that no such proposals have been approved.
Raymond Realty among top 7 unique stocks with over Rs 1 crore market value. Check details
RBI set to pay government record dividend to cushion war shock
The central bank may transfer nearly 3 trillion rupees to the government this week
Ebix Technologies aims 20% growth across insurTech, financial services business
These include solutions across broker connectivity, policy administration, electronic placement systems, compliance infrastructure, and digital insurance exchanges, it added
Looking for best flexi cap mutual funds to invest in May? Here are top 7 to consider
How your old forgotten UPI IDs may become a security risk and how to protect yourself
Deleting UPI apps doesn't deactivate associated IDs, leaving financial and privacy risks. Old, forgotten UPI IDs linked to recycled mobile numbers can be exploited by fraudsters. Users must proactively unlink accounts, cancel mandates, and deactivate IDs to ensure digital financial hygiene.
8th Pay Commission pension update: 5 key pension issues discussed in NC-JCM meeting
Central government employees' pension demands were discussed at the NC-JCM meeting. Cabinet Secretary TV Somanathan assured that pension increment every five years and family pension reduction issues will go to the 8th Pay Commission. Physically disabled dependents will have income certificate requirements examined. Old Pension Scheme for certain employees recruited before December 22, 2003, is being considered.
Gold and silver prices saw an increase today, May 19, 2026. Major jewellery brands like Tanishq, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Kalyan Jewellers, and Joyalukkas reported higher rates for 22k gold.
Women are significantly boosting India's mutual fund landscape, managing Rs 11.3 lakh crore in assets and contributing Rs 3 lakh crore in new investments during FY26. Their participation grew 13%, outpacing men's 11% growth. This surge highlights a shift towards disciplined, goal-oriented investing, with a rising number of women embracing diversified and long-term wealth creation strategies.
Standard Chartered plans 7,000 job cuts by 2030 amid AI-driven restructuring
Back-office centres in Chennai, Bengaluru, Kuala Lumpur and Warsaw are likely to be affected
Building a mutual fund portfolio needs careful planning. Experts highlight that too many funds lead to overlap and high risk, especially in smallcap and midcap categories. Investors are advised to consolidate holdings, increase largecap exposure, and reduce thematic investments. A balanced approach with fewer, well-chosen funds ensures better management and stability.
3 Days off every week? Heres what new labour code rules say about 4-day workweek
Is tax-exempt income in India also exempt in the US for NRI?
ET Wealth Reader's Query: If an income is tax-exempt in India, is it also exempt in the US for an NRI? For instance, interest on NRE accounts, FCNR deposits, and PPF is tax-free in Indiadoes it need to be reported in the US, and will it be taxed there, including PPF maturity proceeds?
HSBC Midcap Fund delivered exceptional returns, transforming a Rs 10,000 monthly investment into Rs 2.33 crore over two decades. The fund also showed strong three-year trailing returns, ranking second in its category. Experts highlight the fund manager's strategy of focused stock selection in quality mid-sized companies across growth sectors. This approach has consistently benefited from India's economic expansion.
250% return on SGB premature redemption date: Gold bond turns Rs 1 lakh investment into Rs 3.5 lakh
The Reserve Bank of India has announced the premature redemption price for Sovereign Gold Bond SGB 2020-21 Series-II, fixed at Rs 15,904 per unit. Investors can redeem this tranche from May 19, 2026, after the fifth year. This offers an absolute simple return of over 250% on the initial investment.
