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Debt investing: 7 bond strategies you should know
Cutting through money jargon, one topic at a time. This week, Sanket Dhanorkar explains fixed income investing strategies and which ones suit which investors.
M-caps: Microcaps lead, large caps struggle in 2026
Welcome to TrendMap, your guide to the performance of different investment segments. No single segment always leads. In this edition, we present a 10-year equity performance tracker, ranking annual returns across market-cap segments. Investors risk appetite has turned more selective in 2026 so far. By Sameer Bhardwaj.
Lifestyle inflation: Earning more, saving less
Find out how lifestyle creep undermines wealth creation and how to enjoy a better standard of living without sacrificing your financial goals.
Retirement planning: Why India needs its own model
The Indian institutional framework poses unexpected risks. Not only is insurance costly for seniors, its not available as a standardised social welfare benefit. Unexpected spikes in health cost can throw off a retirees spending patterns well out of balance. Reliance on children and privatisation of senior health care poses a serious risk.
Health insurance: Which insurers pay claims fastest?
According to data from ILM Research (previously known as Beshak Research), 15 of 31 non-life insurers paid out over 95% of their approved health claims (including cashless hospitalisation claims, where the insured does not have to pay out of pocket) within a month in financial year 2025-26, while the rest were slower.
Health insurance: How to cut out-of-pocket costs
This is a global problem. A World Health Organization report found that out-of-pocket expenses for medicines and other medical products push up to 12% of households in European countries into poverty or deepen their financial hardship.
More customers understand & trust non-life insurance
General, or non-life, insurance is expected to play a more integral role in financial planning over the next 25 years, shows an ICICI Lombard report.
Diwali travel: How to save on last-minute flights
Waiting until the last minute in the hope of a sale can be costly. Airlines use dynamic pricing, and cheaper fares may disappear as more seats sell. If your dates are fixed, compare fares as early as possible and book when the price is reasonable for your budget. Set fare alerts to track changes, but dont delay your booking expecting for a drop in prices.
NPS subscribers are now thinking long term
Axis Pension Fund intends to enhance its National Pension System offerings to provide better retirement savings options. The introduction of NPS Swasthya addresses the health insurance needs for older customers effectively. Despite tax benefits, low awareness continues to hinder corporate NPS uptake among employees. Further clarity on Tier-II NPS account taxation and extended tax deductions could encourage broader participation.
RBI rate hikes: How to protect your debt portfolio
Investors must position fixed income portfolio for further rate hikes. But this cycle may look different.
Did your balanced advantage fund buy the dip?
When markets fell, BAFs had an opportunity to increase equity exposure. Many did, while others were more cautious.
Secure banking system needs secure digital infrastructure, says PM Modi
Modi highlighted the significance of the RBIs Data Centre and Cybersecurity Training Institutein strengthening Indias digital financial infrastructure and advancing its technological self-reliance
Distribution reforms: IRDAI extends deadline for feedback till October 31
A consultation paper on the proposed distribution reforms was released by the IRDAI proposing significant changes in the current regulation including caps on commissionsand expenses of management
Indias outstanding private capex pipeline reached 99.7 lakh crore in September 2026, nearly 4.1 times its March 2014 level and 39% higher than a year ago, report says
Know Your Fund Manager | Paresh Jain, Fund Manager, Baroda BNP Paribas Mutual Fund
A Baroda BNP Paribas Mutual Fund manager shares his journey across the sell side and buy side, investment philosophy based on growth at a reasonable price, and focus on business quality, management integrity and valuations.
Equity mutual funds lose up to 9% in a week, international funds among biggest laggards
Equity mutual funds lost up to 9.06% last week, with international funds dominating the list of top losers. Six funds declined more than 6.50%, led by Mirae Asset NYSE FANG+ ETF FoF, followed by Nasdaq 100 and S&P 500-focused funds.
SEBI to come up with rules to prevent broker terminal misuse, says chairman Pandey
We are developing a framework to put in place safeguards to prevent misuse of trading terminals, Pandey said, addressing an event organised by ANMI here.
IDFC First Bank Q2 profit jumps nearly three-fold to 1,045 cr
IDFC First Banks total income rises to 14,218 crore in Q2 FY27 from 11,828 crore in same period a year ago
Kotak Mahindra Bank, IDFC First PAT rise; Marginal dip in NIM on FCNR (B) inflows
Meanwhile AU Small Finance Bank registered a 53 per cent rise in profit to 858 crore as net interest income
IDFC First Banks Q2FY27 net profit zooms 197% to 1,045 crore
Net interest income (interest income less interest expended) was up 21 per cent y-o-y to Rs 6,184 crore (Rs 5,113 crore in Q2FY26)
AU Small Finance Bank Q2 profit jumps 53% to 858 cr
AU Small Finance Banks total income rises to 6,382 crore in Q2 FY27 from 5,224 crore in the same period a year ago
Kotak Bank Q2 profit rises 29%, beats estimates
Kotak Mahindra Bank posts a stand-alone net profit of 4,211 crore ($443.5 million) for the three months ended September
Investor confidence in small and mid-cap stocks is strong, with rising valuations when compared to large caps. Last month, small and mid-cap funds garnered Rs 16,873 crore, accounting for 44% of the total equity fund inflows. Despite a drop in equity fund assets, overall inflows have seen a 31% uptick, indicating healthy market dynamics.
Gold- Silver rate today (October 24, 2026): Gold prices saw a decline on October 24, 2026, providing a welcome opportunity for jewelry shoppers. Major jewelers like Tanishq and Malabar Gold & Diamonds have released their prices across different cities.
Are gilt funds a good bet amid rising interest rates? What investors should know
Gilt funds are back in focus among investors with interest rates rising and bond yields across the world moving up sharply, as reported by ETBureau.
Five equity mutual funds have offered over 18% annualised return on SIP investments in 10 years, as reported by ETWealth. (As of October 14, 2026)
Invesco India Mid Cap among 5 midcap funds that delivered upto 21% CAGR in 3 years. Do you own any?
Five mid cap mutual funds have offered upto 21% return in the last three years. Here is a detailed breakup, as reported by ETWealth. (As of October 14, 2026)
Where should conservative investors invest Rs 10 lakh in a volatile market? Experts weigh in
With uncertainty clouding equity markets, investors looking to deploy a lumpsum face the challenge of allocating their money across asset classes. Four wealth management experts recommend a mix of equities, debt and gold, with the allocation depending on an investor
Explained: What are rolling returns in mutual funds and how do you calculate them?
Rolling returns serve as a valuable tool for investors to assess mutual fund performance by averaging annualized returns over several timeframes. Unlike trailing returns that might reflect a distorted perspective, rolling returns utilize daily NAV data to provide a holistic view. By applying a CAGR formula, investors can evaluate consistency and adaptability of funds across diverse market conditions, making informed decisions easier and more precise.
Q2 Results Today, 24th October 2026: Follow the latest announcements and developments on the September quarter earnings, key companies in focus today include Kotak Mahindra Bank, AU Small Finance Bank, IDFC First Bank, JK Cement, Netweb Technologies, Castrol India, Kajaria Ceramics and Bharat Coking Coal
DA hike announcement: Do central government employees need to wait till next cabinet meeting?
DA hike news: As of now, the central government has not disclosed the dearness allowance hike for July 2026, leaving employees in suspense. Hopes were raised during recent cabinet discussions, yet no announcement was made. The next potential reveal is scheduled for October 28, 2026. Workers are eagerly awaiting this increase, which will directly affect their salaries and ongoing allowances, with arrears also considered for the July-December 2026 timeframe.
In instances where an individual passes away without leaving a Will, it may be essential for legal heirs to execute a release deed to streamline property division. This deed enables co-owners to relinquish their interests officially in favor of another heir, mitigating future inheritance disputes. Even registered Wills may occasionally require this document, particularly if the registrar mandates it, necessitating legal advice to navigate the challenges.
Saturday bank holiday today: Are banks open or closed today on October 24, 2026?
Banks across India are closed today, October 24, 2026, marking the fourth Saturday of the month. Its advisable for customers to reschedule their banking activities for the following business day to ensure everything runs smoothly.
An Indian taxpayer from Bangalore faced a setback when his foreign tax credit was denied due to late submission of Form 67. However, the ITAT clarified that such delays shouldn't negate the entitlement to foreign tax credits. This pivotal decision, which takes into consideration recent legal interpretations on procedural mistakes, will now be forwarded to the Assessing Officer to reassess the claim.
In the UK, employees receiving per diem must be mindful of reporting amounts that exceed HMRC limits, as these payments are taxable income under UK law. Those who face expenses while at temporary jobs can benefit from tax relief, subject to defined limits. It's crucial to report accurately to prevent issues with tax authorities, with obligations varying by residential status and relevant treaties.
FD rate up to 8.5% for senior citizens investing for five years; know the list of banks
Senior citizens in India have exciting options for fixed deposits, with top banks enticing them with appealing interest rates. Leading the pack, Suryoday Small Finance Bank boasts a remarkable 8.5% for five-year deposits. It's important for savers to be aware of TDS regulations that apply on annual interest exceeding Rs 1 lakh, so filing Form 121 can prevent this.
IDBI Bank employees service conditions will remain unchanged after sale, says DIPAM secretary
DIPAM secretary Arunish Chawla said the share purchase agreement protects existing employees against changes to their disadvantage following the proposed sale
RBI tweaks operational risk capital framework for banks
The central bank also clarifies that operational risk losses used for calculating the Internal Loss Multiplier (ILM) will be considered net of recoveries.
RBI tightens operational risk capital norms for banks from April 2027
The RBI has revised operational risk capital norms for banks, covering income classification, derivative valuations and historical loss data, with the new rules effective April 1, 2027
NBFCs lose ground despite stronger profitability, better asset quality: RBI Study
Report also highlights continued dependence of NBFCs on external borrowing
Currency in circulation growth hits five-year high, says RBI report
Currency in circulation rose 13.5% YoY to 43.46 trillion in October, while reserve money grew 10.3%, supported by FCNR(B) inflows and RBI liquidity measures
Outward remittances under LRS rise 3.6% to $2.74 billion in August 2026
Outward remittances under the RBI's Liberalised Remittance Scheme rose 3.6% YoY to $2.74 billion in August, driven by overseas investments, while education spending fell
RBI updates leverage ratio framework for banks
Leverage ratiois defined as a banks capital measure (numerator)divided by its total exposure measure (denominator), expressed as a percentage.
Bajaj General Insurance names Deepak Reddy CEO designate
Reddy to take over as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer from April 1, 2027; Tapan Singhel to continue until March 31
SBI Capital flags RBIs inconsistency in liquidity management
Ecowrap questions 2.5 lakh crore VRR auctions amid efforts to absorb liquidity and signal tight money regime
23 days after new RBI forex rules, individual service exporters still await clarity, banks lack SOPs
With no written clarification from the central bank, AD banks have adopted conflicting interpretations, and most are yet to release the mandated SOPs.
FM urges the regulators and stakeholders concerned to expedite the process of refund of unclaimed assets
CSB Bank PAT up 14% on NII growth and lower provisions
The banks advances grew 22.1 per cent to 42,383 crore in Q2FY27 as against 34712 crore in the same quarter last fiscal
Shriram Finance Q2 profit jumps 59% to 3,684 crore on auto demand growth
Shriram Finance reported a 59 per cent rise in Q2FY27 net profit to 3,684 crore, aided by stronger automobile demand, while total income increased 16 per cent year-on-year
Remittances towards overseas equity and debt more than double YoY in August: RBI data
Outward remittances by Indians under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) reached $2738.58 million in August 2026, a 3.6 per cent growth YoY and 6 per cent up from July
IndusInd Bank PAT at 1,176 crore as provisions dip and other incomes increase
The bank faired better in terms of other income which includes treasury incomes
Data centres, steel, nuclear power top private investment pipeline
An analysis of nearly 6,850 projects announced between April 2024 and September 2026 shows data centres attracting Rs 19.14 trillion, followed by steel and nuclear power
RBI's net dollar purchases hit record $43.26 billion in August: Bulletin
The RBI's net dollar purchases more than doubled to $43.26 billion in August, while its outstanding net short position in the forward market climbed to a record $200.06 billion
Mahindra Finance flags festive slowdown as tractor lending trails other vehicles, drought risks loom
Mahindra Finance says tractor demand weakened more than other vehicle categories during early Navratri business. Despite stronger passenger vehicle financing and record asset quality in the September quarter, drought conditions across 282 districts and approaching farm repayments pose risks to second-half growth.
The Latest Home Loan Interest Rates: Oct 23, 2026
The Latest Home Loan Interest Rates: Oct 23, 2026
Paying only the minimum credit card bill? Here's what it may cost you
You can avoid late fees by paying the minimum amount, but interest on old and new purchases can make a temporary cash crunch expensive.
SBI Funds Management net down 6% on rise in expenses
Average AUM rises 10% to 13.14 lakh crore; equity assets up 11% y-o-y
ICICI Bank, Indian Bank increase FD interest rates
ICICI Bank and Indian Bank have raised fixed deposit interest rates for select tenures effective October 23, 2026. Indian Bank also adjusted its rates, increasing FD rates on their special 555-day and 777-day FDs.
India's forex reserves decline $5 billion to $721 billion: RBI data
India's forex reserves dropped by USD 5.011 billion to USD 721.016 billion during the week ended October 16, the Reserve Bank of India said on Friday. In the previous reporting week, the kitty declined by USD 8.578 billion to USD 726.027 billion. The reserves touched an all-time high of USD 785.706 billion for the week ended September 4, driven by heavy greenback inflow as part of a special concessional swap for deposits from the diaspora through which banks raised a record nearly USD 133 billion but have been on a declining trend ever since. Experts attribute the sharp decline in the kitty to deployment of FCNR(B) resources and currency defence put up by the RBI through dollar sales. For the week ended October 16, foreign currency assets, a major component of reserves, decreased by USD 5.758 billion to USD 591.847 billion, according to the data released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Expressed in dollar terms, the foreign currency assets include effects of appreciation or ..
India's general insurance industry to see modest growth in FY27 amid pricing pressures: Report
Strong retail health demand and motor OD gains offset by crop and fire declines; pricing pressures persist in motor segment
SBI Card posts higher quarterly profit on improving asset quality
The company has steadily tightened credit underwriting over the last few quarters to tackle asset quality stress and higher delinquencies in credit cards
EPS-95: Private sector employees wins case for higher pension as Bombay HC rules higher pension can be given even if PF trust rules capped the contributions at statutory wage ceiling limit
From diversifying beyond equities and exploring real estate investments to planning early retirement, navigating legal complexities and understanding the wealth potential of artificial intelligence, Day 2 of ET Wealth Expo 2026 will examine how investors can multiply wealth, achieve financial freedom and make informed financial decisions.
Data leak incident: SBI says customer balances completely safe
A detailed assessment is currently underway and appropriate remedial and preventive measures are being implemented as required, the bank said
Purple Finance plans entry into affordable housing finance segment
The non-banking lender will explore expansion options as its combined assets under management reach 853 crore following a recent acquisition
Sister wins share in joint family property
Why IDBI Bank employees called for 2-day strike
Will EPF wage ceiling hike go in vain for your EPS?
AC, TV damaged during shifting: Lady wins Rs 3L
HDFC Bank shares hover 52-week low ahead of CEO handover on Monday
Despite the recent setbacks, HDFC Bank stocks near-term focus now shifts as the new chief executive, Anup Bagchi succeeds Sashidhar Jagdishan on Monday, October 27
The Reserve Bank of India has finalized the redemption price for future Sovereign Gold Bonds, allowing investors to redeem them early after a five-year period. This price is based on recent average gold closing prices.
India-US bond yield gap tops 250 bps as G-Sec yield hits 7.48%; FPI inflows uncertain
Indian sovereign bond yields have climbed amid monetary policy concerns and oil price risks, while investors assess currency and hedging costs
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap, SBI Flexi Cap among top 7 flexicap MFs to invest in October 2026
Among the seven recommended flexi cap mutual funds, Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund and SBI Flexi Cap Fund stand out for their commendable track records. Evaluated on parameters like returns, consistency, and asset size, these funds have consistently outperformed over the past five years. Investors with a medium risk appetite looking to invest for a period of five to seven years should consider flexi cap funds for potential wealth accumulation.
Gratuity calculator: How much will you get on 50,000 last drawn salary after 10 years?
The Parag Parikh ELSS Tax Saver Fund has struggled to meet its benchmark over the past one, two, and three years. Yet, it retains a five-star rating from research platforms like PrimeInvestor. Investors are advised to consider the fund's long-term performance and portfolio strategy, alongside monitoring its investment protocols and risk controls. The three-year lock-in period for ELSS investments also plays a crucial role in decision-making.
Gold Silver Price October 23, 2026: Gold prices continued to decline on October 23, 2026, with notable reductions at major jewellers. Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Joyalukkas, and Kalyan Jewellers lowered their 22k gold rates significantly.
88% of homes listed for sale in India are ready to move in, Delhi leads
Of 7.53 lakh residential properties advertised for sale nationally, 6.63 lakh are classified as ready to move in, according to an analysis of 99acres listings collected on October 10, 2026.
Best conservative hybrid mutual funds to invest in October 2026
For investors who prefer a cautious approach, financial experts often endorse conservative hybrid mutual funds as a solid way to diversify portfolios. These funds typically allocate the bulk of their investments to debt instruments while holding a smaller share in equities. While such funds lower exposure to stock market volatility, investors must remain vigilant and understand the inherent risks involved, especially when selecting from recommended top-performing funds.
Bank of Baroda has initiated a festive campaign providing various retail and MSME loan options for customers. The campaign includes home loan interest rates starting from 7.40% with waived processing fees for eligible borrowers.
Ola Electric shares dip 5% after Goldman Sachs downgrades stock to Sell. Heres why
Ola Electric shares fell sharply on Friday after Goldman Sachs downgraded the stock to Sell from Neutral and cut its target price to Rs 23, implying a 28% downside. The brokerage lowered its FY27-FY29 revenue estimates by up to 10%, citing prolonged operating losses and challenges in sustaining market share.
Delivery can cost 1.5 lakh to 3 lakh: What maternity insurance in India covers and what it doesnt
HDFC Life Share Price Live Updates: HDFC Life's Current Price and Change
L&T Share Price Live Updates: L&T's Recent Trading Activity
Inherited gold jewellery: Keep it, sell it or exchange it? 5 things to check first
Fintech M&A outlook improves, but investors remain selective on valuations
A D.A. Davidson report highlights diverging fintech valuations, renewed dealmaking interest and investors growing focus on sustainable competitive advantages
Q2 Results Today, 23rd October 2026 Live Updates: Follow the latest announcements and developments on the company's September quarter earning on Adani Power, JSW Steel, Tata Motors, Shriram Fin, Torrent Pharma, CG Power, BPCL, Dr Reddys Laband others
Asian Paints Share Price Live Updates: Asian Paints Current Market Status
Tech Mahindra Share Price Live Updates: Tech Mahindra's Current Price Analysis
After retiring from the State Bank of India, Chhaju found himself facing a tax exemption cap of Rs 3 lakh on his leave encashment totaling Rs 9.53 lakh. Determined to secure his rightful benefits, he appealed to the ITAT Jaipur, which sided with him and extended full tax exemption. The tribunal admired prior cases that upheld similar claims from fellow retirees, proving advantageous for Chhaju.
