Looking for best equity mutual funds to invest for 5 years? Check these 12 funds with over 20% gain
Top-performing equity mutual funds delivered over 20% five-year returns, led by infrastructure, midcap, and smallcap funds, with varying AUM, ratings, and expense ratios highlighting strong performance.
Don't let selling your house trigger a tax notice: Check these rules under Sections 54 and 54F
Many taxpayers who purchase or construct a residential house to claim exemption under Sections 54 or 54F are unaware that selling the house within the prescribed lock-in period can reverse the earlier tax benefit. This article explains how such a sale affects the computation of capital gains, highlights the different tax implications under the two provisions, and outlines the precautions taxpayers should take while filing their Income Tax Return (ITR) for Assessment Year (AY) 2026-27
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap among 5 flexicap funds with highest cash holding in June. Details here
Fund managers typically maintain cash to meet redemption requests and deploy capital when attractive investment opportunities arise.
Husband refused to take home wife after 4 years in hospital; high court orders him to care for her
Husband refused to take wife back home after she suffered an accident making her wheelchair bound; Hospital files case; HC orders him to take care and orders police to escort her. Know what the high court said.
Hold US stocks under LRS? Heres why you may not be able to gift them to NRI children
Indian residents cannot gift US shares purchased through the LRS route to their NRI children. The liberalised remittance scheme requires sale proceeds to be repatriated within 180 days. US stocks held under LRS may face US estate tax upon the investor's death. Indian residents can reduce this exposure by investing through non-US domiciled vehicles. Lifetime gifting and succession planning can also mitigate these tax complications.
AU Small Finance Bank has raised interest rates on FCNR(B) and NRE fixed deposits. These new rates are effective from July 27, 2026, for specific tenures. The government's decision to bear hedging costs on FCNR deposits influenced this change. AU SFB also offers zero forex margin and bank charges on remittances. These benefits provide NRIs with a comprehensive banking solution for wealth growth.
The government has notified the EPS pension 2026 scheme, superseding older plans. Existing pension fund benefits are protected under the new scheme. A special drive is underway to dispose of pending labor cases expeditiously. The new scheme maintains the pension calculation formula and contribution rates. Membership eligibility is defined for those joining after June 29, 2026.
Stopping SIP contributions permanently can significantly delay wealth creation goals as investors lose the benefit of regular investments and long-term compounding. ET Wealth analysis shows how discontinuing a Rs 20,000 monthly SIP can delay a Rs 1 crore corpus target by several years.
EPF interest at 8.25% credited yet? Check your PF balance in these 3 easy ways
Bank of India Small Cap Fund among 21 equity MFs delivering over 20% SIP XIRR in one year
Around 21 equity mutual funds delivered over 20% XIRR on SIP investments over the past year, an ETMutualFunds analysis found. Small-cap funds dominated the list, with the top seven all belonging to the category and five generating over 30% XIRR. Bank of India Small Cap Fund topped the rankings with a 39.08% XIRR, turning a Rs 10,000 monthly SIP into around Rs 1.43 lakh.
TVS Motor raises stake in TVS Credit to 85.15% with 711-crore share purchase
With this, the shareholding of TVS Motor in TVS Credit will increase from 80.76 per cent to 85.15 per cent
ET Wealth Reader's Query: I am 43, a homemaker, with mutual fund investments of Rs 35 lakh and stock investments of Rs 50 lakh, mostly invested from my husbands income. During FY2025 26, I received dividend income of Rs 98,000, on which TDS of Rs 4,000 was deducted. I have no short-term or long-term capital gains during the year. In earlier years, I filed ITR-1 and reported annual income of Rs 2-3 lakh from private tuition. Is it appropriate to continue reporting Rs 2-3 lakh as income from private tuition? If so, which ITR form should I file?
MF Tracker: Can Motilal Oswal Midcap Fund retain its edge after topping the 5-year return chart?
Motilal Oswal Midcap Fund leads five-year returns, raising questions about future performance. The fund delivered strong CAGR, outperforming its benchmark and category average. However, recent valuations suggest a lower scope for similar past returns. Experts advise diversified equity fund investments to mitigate concentration risk. Investors can consider SIPs for rupee cost averaging during market fluctuations.
Gold prices saw a decrease today across major Indian jewellery brands. Rates for 22K gold jewellery varied slightly between Tanishq and other leading jewellers. These rates were observed across major cities like Delhi and Mumbai. The India Bullion and Jewellers Association also provides indicative rates for various gold purities.
Lost track of old PF account? Govt reveals how new EPFO e-portal helps trace and transfer balance
The EPFO has launched a new digital platform to help members trace old accounts. Members can now securely access and transfer their accumulated PF balances online. This new portal simplifies the process of consolidating funds from inoperative EPF accounts.
EPF calculator: Can a 25,000 basic salary build a 1 crore retirement corpus?
RBI intervenes to bolster rupee, traders say
The rupee was up 0.3% on the day at 95.6425 per dollar, hovering around its strongest levels in two weeks
6 tax-saving tricks married couples in India are missing out on
HSBC uses leverage to win $5.5 billion in India Forex deposits
HSBC has offered leverage of as much as 19 times the deposit, compared with about nine times at Standard Chartered
Deeper financial markets are essential for Indias developed economy goal: RBI
Indias traditional bank-led financing model is insufficient to fund Viksit Bharats long-term growth ambitions, RBI Deputy Governor Rohit Jain said in Mumbai.
NFO flows hit a 5-year low in June quarter, SIPs stay robust
New fund offer collections by asset management companies fell significantly. Funds raised through new fund offers reached a five-year low in June. This sharp decline followed weak equity market sentiments in the preceding quarter. Although market sentiment improved, it did not revive new fund offer fundraising. Established fund houses and differentiated products may still attract investor interest.
HDFC Bank board issues warning letters, 1 lakh penalty to CEO, CFO in MSRDC deposit case
This decision, made on July 23, 2026, came after a special committee found their actions to be business overreach rather than outright wrongdoing
Canara Bank Q1 profit rises 2% as credit growth stays strong
The state-owned lenders net interest income rose 13.39 per cent to 10,215 crore, while total income climbed 4.26 per cent to 39,684 crore.
Alleged data leak claims surface online, where the hacker shared screenshots that supposedly reveal personal and corporate banking info, including loan details and customer records
Non-Resident Indians can now purchase US dollar-denominated term insurance plans in India. These plans are available through Policybazaar's partner insurers at GIFT City. Premiums and claim payouts will be processed in US dollars, addressing currency depreciation risks. This initiative allows global Indians to access internationally aligned financial products within India.
Homebuyer wins full Rs 18 lakh refund in Mumbai: While the developer issued an allotment letter dated August 16, 2010, it failed to provide possession to the buyer. In view of the delay, the homebuyer had approached Maharashtra RERA seeking relief. The authority had on April 24, 2025, ordered the relief of possession to the homebuyer. He again filed a review seeking refund of the amount.
Rising education costs necessitate early financial planning for parents. Disciplined investing and compounding can build a substantial education corpus. A bachelor's degree costing Rs 10 lakh today could exceed Rs 40 lakh annually in 18 years. Starting investments early significantly reduces monthly contribution requirements. Strategic shifts to debt investments mitigate market risks before college.
Customer data from Bank of Baroda leaked online
The leaked data includes customer details, identification documents, loan papers and internal audit records
ITR filing: Paytm users can now file Income Tax Returns directly through the app. This service is available starting at an affordable price of eleven rupees. The company partnered with ClearTax to offer a quicker online filing process.
Up to 25% returns in 10 years! These 5 equity mutual funds stood out for SIP investors
Five equity mutual funds have delivered annualised SIP returns of up to 24.4% over the past 10 years, according to ET Wealth. The list is dominated by small-cap and mid-cap funds, highlighting their strong long-term wealth creation potential despite higher market volatility.
Indian taxpayers can claim capital gains tax exemptions by reinvesting sale proceeds. Section 54 and 54F allow exemptions for residential property sales and other assets. Specific timelines and conditions must be met for claiming these tax benefits. Unutilised amounts must be deposited in the Capital Gains Account Scheme. Reporting these exemptions is crucial in the Income Tax Return schedules.
High Courts are questioning GST notice validity when only uploaded online. Punjab and Haryana High Court ruled portal uploads are not valid service. Other High Courts also quashed notices due to improper tab placement. Taxpayers must now regularly check the GST portal for any notices. The Supreme Court may soon provide a definitive ruling on this matter.
Missed the smallcap recovery? Here's what's fuelling the 2026 surge and what to do now
Smallcap stocks have emerged as the best-performing asset class in 2026 so far, rebounding sharply after a correction in late 2025 and early 2026. ET Wealth examines the factors driving the rally and compares the performance of other major asset classes, including gold, silver, debt, midcaps and largecaps.
Rs 17.41 lakh penalty imposed due to error in ITR filed by junior staff in CA firm; Here's how affidavit from the CA firm's owner helps taxpayer get relief from penalty in ITAT Mumbai. Know how taxpayer won case in ITAT Mumbai
Canara Bank Q1 net profit rises marginally to 4,856 cr; eyes $1.3 billion via FCNR deposits
The bank's asset quality showed improvement as gross non-performing assets (NPAs) declined to 1.5% of gross advances at the end of the June quarter, from 2.69% a year ago.
ITR filing deadline: The July 31 income tax return deadline approaches with many taxpayers yet to file. Experts are divided on whether the government will extend the filing deadline. Some believe the portal is functioning smoothly and an extension is unlikely. Others suggest a short extension might be granted if glitches persist. Taxpayers are advised to file their returns before the July 31 deadline.
The Employees Provident Fund offers retirement security and employer contributions. Mutual funds are voluntary investments with market-linked returns and potential capital gains tax. EPF provides additional benefits like pension and life insurance coverage. Mutual fund beneficiaries receive only the investment value upon death.
SBI ERD sees much higher FCNR(B) inflows; rupee moves 360 degrees from shock absorber to not
SBIs ERD expects $80-$85 billion to flow into the country, including OFCB and ECB, up from an earlier estimate of $55-65 billion
Edelweiss Mutual Fund's upcoming REIT-oriented index fund has sparked investor interest as India's first such passive offering. Explaining why the scheme excludes InvITs, MD & CEO Radhika Gupta said current SEBI regulations do not allow passive funds to combine equity-classified REITs with hybrid-classified InvITs.
Axis Finance unveils Drishti Business Rules Engine for retail and MSME lending
The platform leverages automated underwriting, analytics and real-time data integration to enhance operational efficiency, risk management and customer experience
Gold rate today: Gold prices saw an increase on Monday, July 27, 2026, across major cities. The India Bullion and Jewellers Association provided indicative rates for various gold purities. Consumers should check current rates before purchasing gold jewellery.
Nippon India Mutual Fund surpasses 4 crore investor folios, marks historic milestone
Nippon Life India Asset Management has become the first mutual fund house in India to cross 4 crore investor folios. Reaching 40.2 million folios as of June 30, 2026, the AMC holds a dominant 39% share of the country's unique investor base, driven by deep retail penetration beyond metros.
Pharma mutual funds are leading returns in CY2026, driven by strong earnings, defensive demand, and US export growth. Despite recent outperformance, experts advise against heavy sectoral bets, recommending a 5% to 10% satellite allocation via SIPs while navigating potential long-term US tariff developments.
Bitcoin ETFs end inflow streak as Fed rate concerns mount
Amid fluctuating investor sentiment over Fed rate hikes and legislative uncertainties, Bitcoin ETFs face significant withdrawals, highlighting the fragility of recent crypto gains
Buy, hold, or sell? Motilal Oswal on 8 top picks after Q1 results
Indian investors now have no options for new international mutual fund SIPs. The Baroda BNP Paribas Aqua Fund of Fund suspended new investments on July 23. This action follows SEBI's overseas investment limits for mutual funds. Investors are exploring alternatives like LRS and GIFT City for global exposure. Global ETFs also offer a way to gain international diversification.
Q1 Results Today, 27th July 2026 Live Updates: Follow businessline for more Q1FY27 updates
UltraTech Cement plans its biggest rupee debt funding, bankers say
The company plans to raise 5,000 crore ($517.80 million) through bonds maturing in 2.5, 3.5, and 5 years
8th Pay Commission news: The 8th Pay Commission will hold stakeholder meetings in Chennai on September 7 and 8. Discussions in Puducherry are scheduled for September 9, with appointments closing August 18. Central government employee associations in Delhi met on August 7 and 10. The commission is gathering suggestions on pay, pension, and work conditions. Its final report is due in November 2025 after extensive consultations.
SEBI's MF-only PMS push broadens retail access to wealth products
Sebi proposes a new Mutual Fund-only Portfolio Management Services category. This new category will invest exclusively in direct plans of mutual funds. The regulator is lowering entry thresholds and permitting global diversification for investors. This move aims to increase transparency and promote a fee-based wealth management model. Affluent retail investors may gain access to products previously for high networth individuals.
PMJAY, APY to PMJJBY: Govt schemes for the poor
If you are confused by personal finance terms, jargon and calculations, heres a series to simplify and deconstruct these for you. In the 112th part of this series, Riju Mehta lists some of the popular government schemes for the lower income groups.
RBI flags war risk: Will it change repo rate in Aug?
The RBI is widely expected to keep interest rates unchanged at its 5 August policy meeting, making it one of the few central banks in the region that has not changed policy in response to the Middle East conflict. Governor Sanjay Malhotra has indicated that the policy rate is likely to remain at 5.25%, unless price pressures become broader.
Is your portfolio serving you or the wealth manager?
Being rich does not automatically make you a better investor. It just means that you get sold to differently. And it makes you more vulnerable and a better target! The system is often designed to sell what brings the most commission, not what suits the client. And often, higher commissions are used to sell the comparatively worst and unsuitable products.
How pursuit of wealth is affecting mental well-being
According to a recent study by ManipalCigna Health Insurance, while only 1% describe their overall health as poor, as many as 82% claim they are stressed. 82% Indians have high stress, with 13% describing it as unmanageable and 69% describing stress as manageable. Moreover, 1 in 3 doesnt want to buy a health plan.
Start investing early, retire with confidence
Not many investors know whether they have invested in the right funds and if their fund portfolio is on track. The Portfolio Doctor assesses the health of the fund portfolio, examines the schemes and their suitability with regard to the goals and, if required, recommends corrective measures. The advice given is based on the performance of the funds, the risk profile of the investor as well as his financial goals.
SIP breaks can delay your financial goals
Financial mistakes are often measured by lost rupees, not lost time. Compounding benefits are significantly impacted by delays and interruptions in investments. Pausing systematic investment plans can push financial goals further into the future. Withdrawals from investments also reduce capital available for compounding over time. Increasing SIP contributions can help investors recover lost time and build wealth.
Sebi's Rs 25 lakh PMS plan: What it means
India's securities regulator is proposing major changes to portfolio management services. A new category will lower the minimum investment to Rs. 25 lakh. This move aims to make professional management accessible to more investors. The proposals also allow for wider investment in foreign and unlisted securities. These changes could reshape the investment landscape for many individuals.
Tenant or landlord? Know your legal rights
A recent Supreme Court ruling bolsters landlord positions in eviction disputes across India. This decision clarifies ownership proof requirements in eviction suits, aiding property owners. The Model Tenancy Act, 2021, aims to balance tenant and landlord rights effectively. Clear rent agreements are crucial for minimising disputes and ensuring transparency. Both tenants and landlords must understand their rights and responsibilities under current laws.
Last-minute ITR filing checklist for July 31
Taxpayers must file income tax returns by the July 31 deadline to avoid penalties. Accuracy is paramount, and mismatches in the Annual Information Statement require careful reconciliation. Foreign asset disclosures and F&O reporting errors can lead to significant tax complications. Understanding deemed residency rules is crucial for Non-Resident Indians filing their returns. Late filing incurs fees and restricts tax regime options and loss carry-forwards.
Credit card rewards: Spend smart, earn more
Banks increasingly reward engagement rather than ownership. Issuers want your premium card to become your preferred spending instrument, as it determines whether they earn interchange income, interest or merchant partnerships. Thats one reason why targeted offers, bonus reward campaigns and accelerated earning opportunities exist throughout the year.
Gold, silver reset: What should investors do now?
Gold and silver prices have significantly declined after reaching peaks earlier this year. This correction follows a period of strong gains driven by geopolitical risks and momentum. Experts suggest the current pullback is a normalisation after excesses and not a long-term trend reversal. Long-term fundamentals for gold and silver remain intact, supported by central bank buying and consumer demand.
Looking for better SIP returns? This mutual fund category has outperformed
Systematic investment plans build wealth, but returns differ across mutual fund types. Sectoral funds, particularly pharma and healthcare, showed superior recent performance. Diversified funds like flexi caps offered moderate and stable long-term returns. An analysis covered 546 equity mutual funds and their market cycle performance. This data highlights varied outcomes based on fund category selection.
We are committed to ensuring financial stability
We will do whatever is required first to maintain price stability and then to see to what extent we can support growth, says RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra
Inflation remains RBIs foremost priority: Governor Sanjay Malhotra
Measures led to $32 billion inflows, largely through FCNR(B), says RBI Governor
The entire EPF auto refund process is expected to get ready by August end
IT dept issues detailed crypto reporting norms, tightening tax oversight without changing levy
Move follows Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finances call for a statutory and regulatory framework for VDAs
PNB profit to cross 20,000-cr mark in FY27: MD Chandra
PNB MD Ashok Chandra says the lender will build on its 5,000 crore-plus quarterly profit run while expanding retail, MSME and agri lending.
Mutual fund NFOs: 5 new funds will open for subscription this week. Check dates and key details
Five new mutual fund NFOs, primarily passive in nature, will open for subscription this week. The lineup includes four ETFs and one fund of funds across midcap, banking and dividend themes. Invesco, SBI, DSP and Edelweiss are launching these schemes, with minimum investment starting at Rs 5,000.
Small cap mutual funds have delivered strong three-year returns, led by Bandhan Small Cap Fund at over 27%. Other funds such as ITI, Invesco India and Bank of India Small Cap also posted healthy gains. Investors with a three-year horizon may consider these funds based on performance, AUM and expense ratios.
Old father evicts youngest son from his ancestral village home as son tortured and humiliated him, wins case on this ground in Orissa High Court. The Orissa High Court said that the primary object of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, is to give social justice to parents and senior citizens.
AU Small Finance Banks Q1FY27 net profit up 37% at 796 cr
Net interest margin (NIM) rose to 5.9 per cent in Q1FY27 from 5.4 per cent in the year ago quarter
IDFC FIRST Banks Q1FY27 net profit soars 132% to 1,075 cr
In the reporting quarter, the Bank recorded a 21 per cent growth in net interest income at Rs 5,972 crore (Rs 4,933 crore in the year ago period)
An Employees Provident Fund subscriber could accumulate over Rs 1.12 crore in 30 years. This significant corpus is projected with a Rs 25,000 monthly salary and an 8.25% interest rate. The total contributions amount to Rs 33.26 lakh, while interest earned reaches Rs 78.49 lakh. Compounding interest plays a crucial role in this substantial wealth accumulation over time.
SBI recruits 1,930 circle-based officers to strengthen banking operations
The bank currently has a workforce of more than 2,45,000 employees
WestBridge said to be considering stake sale in Star Health
WestBridge is reported to have spoken with financial advisers to evaluate a sale of its 40% stake in the insurance company
Old Bridge, ITI, Navi, Samco, and Bajaj Finserv Flexi Cap Funds held the highest mid and smallcap exposure in June 2026, reflecting aggressive positioning toward higher-risk, growth-oriented segments.
Up to 25% CAGR in 3 years! Invesco India Mid Cap, 4 others delivered stellar returns
HSBC Midcap, Invesco India Mid Cap, ICICI Prudential Midcap, WhiteOak Capital Mid Cap, and Edelweiss Mid Cap led midcap mutual fund returns over three years, delivering gains of up to 25.2%.
Supreme Court sets aside employee dismissal over bias allegations which he later on withdrew; Court says withdrawal of allegations doesn't erase apprehension, orders fresh probe. Know what happened with this employee and what the Supreme Court said about his dismissal.
Explained: Sebi simplifies mutual fund transmission process. Here's what it means for investors
SEBI and AMFI have streamlined mutual fund transmission rules, simplifying claim procedures for nominees, joint holders, and legal heirs through standardized documentation, reducing delays and easing access to investments after an investor's death.
Gold rate today: Gold prices showed a marginal increase at select Indian jewellery brands today. Tanishq maintained Friday's 22-carat gold rate per gram. Malabar Gold & Diamonds and Joyalukkas saw a slight rise in their 22-carat gold prices. Kalyan Jewellers had not yet updated its 22-carat gold rates. IBJA rates for various gold purities and silver were also provided.
Man files FIR against people allegedly asking for partnership in 5.5 acre ancestral land or Rs 1.5 crore; SC cancels FIR and rules criminal process cannot be used as a weapon of harassment and coercion in property title dispute civil cases. Know how he won the case in Supreme Court
Edelweiss Mutual Fund introduces India's first REITs-oriented index fund. This new fund offers investors easier access to the listed real estate sector. It will track the Nifty REITs & Realty Total Return Index effectively. The fund opens for subscription on August fifth, providing diversified exposure. Investors can benefit from potential tax efficiencies and long-term growth trends.
Highest FD rates: Senior citizens can secure higher returns on fixed deposits with select banks. Bandhan Bank, IndusInd Bank, and YES Bank offer 7.75% on three-year FDs. DCB Bank leads with an 8.00% interest rate for five-year fixed deposits. Public sector banks like Bank of India provide 7.45% on three-year FDs. State Bank of India offers 7.05% for five-year fixed deposits to senior citizens.
EPFO underpaid school employee's EPS; he files case and wins in consumer commission as commission ruled that the correct factor for his period of service was 0.94, but EPFO wrongly applied the 0.85 factor meant for 10 months of service. Know how this employee won the case against Employees' Provident Fund Organisation.
Many investors do not know the exact monthly SIP needed for their financial goals. Excel's PMT function helps calculate the required investment amount for future targets. Investors must first determine their target corpus and the desired time frame for accumulation. Accounting for inflation is crucial to adjust the financial goal's future value. This calculation ensures investors can effectively reach their desired corpus through systematic investments.
NRIs receiving gifts from resident Indians face varying tax implications. Gifts from specified relatives are fully exempt from Indian income tax. Non-relative gifts exceeding fifty thousand rupees become taxable income. FEMA rules also govern the transfer of money and assets. Proper documentation is essential for both taxable and exempt gifts.
Saturday bank holiday: Are banks open or closed today on July 25, 2026?
Banks across India will remain closed on Saturday? Reserve Bank of India guidelines mandate banks close on second and fourth Saturdays. Digital banking services will remain accessible for customers throughout the day. However, certain transactions will require a visit to a bank branch.

36 C
