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Metro to small town: Pros, cons and costs
Many are trading metro life for tier 2 cities, seeking better quality of life, cleaner environments, and reduced stress. While income may fall, lower expenses and proximity to family are significant draws. However, career growth, job opportunities, and infrastructure quality remain crucial considerations for this evolving relocation trend.
Benami trap: Family deals under scanner
Where family arrangements are involved, they must comply with legal conditions, including joint ownership where required. Informal arrangements, especially involving unrelated persons, carry significant risk. The consequences are serious. It is no longer just about losing a legal claim. It can mean complete confiscation of the asset.
EGRs vs ETFs: Which gold format works best?
An EGR is a digital certificate backed by actual physical gold stored in a Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi)-regulated vault. The receipt is held in your demat account, like a share or ETF. You can buy EGRs in denominations of either 0.1 gram (i.e. 100 mg), 1 g, 10 g, 100 g and 1 kg.
MF-PMS: Are higher advisory fees worth it?
PMS-style mutual fund advisory can fetch you a curated selection of funds with allocation and execution embedded. This convenience faces a test of capabilities and the burden of costs.
Smart beta funds: Too much passive noise?
While there is a growing tribe of passionate passive-only believers (a perfectly legitimate approach), its best to take a middle path and build a portfolio that has allocation to both passive and active components.
Cheap stocks can still be value traps
Different sectors use different valuation metrics because business models vary. Investors therefore need to understand not just valuation multiples, but the logic behind them. P/E multiple, PEG ratio, P/S ratio, price-to-book value, EV/Ebitda are some commonly used relative valuation metrics.
Japan, Brazil in top global equity markets in 2026
Welcome to TrendMap, your visual guide to investment performance. This edition tracks 10 years of global equity returns. Currency fluctuations impact the returns on foreign investments. To capture the real value from an Indian investors standpoint, these returns are adjusted to reflect their equivalent in Indian rupees. Key takeaway: diversification helps navigate market cycles.
First fuel price hike in 4 yrs: More increases ahead?
India is the worlds third-largest oil importer, heavily dependent on global markets and energy flowing out of the Persian Gulf. In a crisis, the government typically prioritises the protection of its 1.4 billion, price-sensitive consumers and containing inflation, but last Fridays increase suggests it is beginning to restore a balance as fiscal and market pressures grow.
Yield curves decoded: How they help investors
Yield curves are usually of three typesnormal, flat and inverted depending on the varying slopes of the curves. A yield curve can be used as a predictor for future interest rate movements of debt instruments, and can subsequently help in taking investing decisions based on their existing investments.
Prudential buys 75% stake in Bharti Life Insurance for 3,500 crore
The transaction will be funded from existing resources, says Prudential
Proceeds of MFLs 4K cr IPO to be used for biz growth: CEO
7 mutual funds reduce exposure to 18 midcap names in April. Check details
Delhi govt to provide up to 10 crore collateral-free loans to women startups, SHGs
The government will also provide platforms in malls and large shopping complexes across the city to help indigenous products made by women self-help groups (SHGs) reach a wider market
NFOs this week: 4 SIFs and 1 passive fund to open for subscription
iSIF Equity Long-Short Fund and iSIF Active Asset Allocator Long-Short Fund will open for subscription on May 19 and close on June 2. The minimum investment amount for both funds is Rs 10 lakh.
Muthoot FinCorp post 73,448.82 crore AUM in FY26
The companys standalone performance was strong, with AUM at 56,185.10 crore, PAT at 1,640.21 crore, and revenue at 8,364.28 crore as of March 2026
Equity mutual funds rally up to 28% last week, international funds lead; check top 9 with 20%+ gain
Margins may stay under pressure in FY27 as banks brace for West Asia risks, ECL transition: Report
For SBIN, AXIS Bank and Indian Bank, the sequential decline in Yield on Advances was steeper than peers
Gold prices surged by Rs 766 per gram this week, with 24k gold climbing nearly Rs 800 before retreating from record highs. This volatility follows Prime Minister Modi's appeal to reduce gold purchases and the government's increase in customs duty on precious metals, impacting both consumer demand and jewelry stocks.
PFC-REC merger plan moves ahead, to seek Presidential approval
Once approved, RECs assets and liabilities will be transferred to PFC, with REC eventually being dissolved
IDBI Bank to raise up to 10,000 crore via long-term rupee bonds in FY27
Move comes in the wake of banks deposit growth continuing to lag credit growth
8th Pay Commission meeting on May 1819 in Telangana: Top demands, pay hike talks & key updates
Gold and silver prices saw a dip on Saturday, May 16, 2026. This followed a volatile week where rates fluctuated sharply. Factors like rising US inflation and anticipated interest rate hikes influenced the market. Local factors also played a role, including government duty increases. Consumers can check rates at major jewellers like Tanishq and Malabar Gold & Diamonds.
RIL, HDFC Bank among 18 stocks from which these 7 mutual funds reduce their exposure in April
Seven top mutual funds trimmed exposure to 18 major stocks in April, signalling a strategic shift in market positioning.
10 equity mutual funds cross Rs 60,000 crore AUM; top 3 manage over Rs 1 lakh crore each
Around 10 equity mutual funds managed over Rs 60,000 crore in assets by April 2026, led by Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund, while HDFC Mutual Fund dominated with three entries.
Rs 2.46 lakh yearly income from SCSS: How senior citizens can earn regular interest income
The Senior Citizens Savings Scheme (SCSS) offers a high 8.2% interest rate for the April-June 2026 quarter, with a five-year tenure extendable by three years. Deposits up to Rs 30 lakh are permitted, and while interest is taxable, a deduction of up to Rs 50,000 is available under Section 80TTB.
Quant Mid Cap Fund exits Lenskart Solutions and 2 other stocks, adds SAIL in April
Quant Mid Cap Fund exited Lenskart Solutions, NMDC and SBI Cards in April, while adding Steel Authority of India to its portfolio, the funds monthly disclosure showed. The fund also increased exposure to Reliance Industries and maintained holdings in several key stocks, as sector allocations shifted toward healthcare and metals.
JioBlackRock Mutual Fund: HDFC Bank, ITC, and MCX among top 10 stock holdings in April
JioBlackRock MFs April portfolio reveals top allocations to banking, telecom, and large-cap leaders like HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, RIL, ITC, Infosys, and MCX.
PGIM India Mutual Fund reopens subscriptions in its 3 international funds for second time in CY26
PGIM India Mutual Fund has reopened subscriptions for three international funds, including the Global Equity Opportunities Fund of Fund, effective May 18. This follows a temporary restriction imposed on March 10 to avoid breaching overseas investment limits. Investors can now invest up to Rs 2 lakh daily per scheme.
212% return on SGB premature redemption date: Gold bond turns Rs 1 lakh investment into Rs 3.12 lakh
The Reserve Bank of India has announced the premature redemption price for Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB) 2020-21 Series-VIII, allowing investors to redeem from May 18, 2026. A Rs 1 lakh investment in this SGB, issued at Rs 5,127 per gram, has grown to approximately Rs 3.12 lakh, yielding a 212.30% return.
England's new Renters Right Act offers tenants a 12-month eviction shield at tenancy start. Landlords cannot evict for personal use or sale during this period. New rules expand grounds for landlord possession, including tenant fault like rent arrears or antisocial behavior. Strict notice periods and court processes apply. This aims for tenant security and landlord flexibility.
Saturday bank holiday: Are banks open or closed today on May 16, 2026?
Banks in only one state will be closed today. For all other states, banks will operate as a regular working day, as they are typically closed only on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month.
RBL Bank gets regulatory, govt approvals for investment by Emirates NBD
Emirates NBD will subscribe to up to 959,045,636 fully paid equity shares of RBL Bank at 280 per share through a preferential issue, representing approximately 60 per cent of RBL Banks post-issue paid-up share capital.
SBI cuts bulk term deposits rates in four tenors by 25 bps
Experts said the move can help in improving the net interest margin without affecting the flow
The Latest Home Loan Interest Rates: May 15, 2026
The Latest Home Loan Interest Rates: May 15, 2026
The Latest Fixed Deposit Interest Rates: May 15, 2026
The Latest Fixed Deposit Interest Rates: May 15, 2026
Senior citizens seeking higher returns on their retirement savings can explore 3-year Fixed Deposit options. Small finance banks like Jana and Utkarsh lead with 8% interest, while private banks such as Bandhan and YES Bank offer up to 7.75%. Public sector banks, including Bank of India and Standard Chartered, provide 7%.
US CLARITY Act may shape Indias future crypto regulations: Industry players
Executives from WazirX, Coinbase and BitDelta India said the bill could reduce regulatory uncertainty, boost institutional participation and accelerate global crypto adoption
Recent petrol price hikes across metropolitan cities and increased CNG costs in Delhi and Mumbai are impacting car owners. For those commuting 1,000 km monthly, the additional fuel expenses can range from a few hundred to a few thousand rupees. Despite the price adjustments, CNG cars continue to offer significant savings compared to petrol vehicles.
ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund: RIL, Infosys, HDFC Bank among top 10 stock holdings in April
ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund, Indias second-largest fund house with Rs 11.72 lakh crore AUM, reshuffled holdings across banks, autos, energy, and IT, with HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank topping exposure, while RIL, Infosys, Bharti Airtel, Sun Pharma, NTPC, and Maruti Suzuki saw selective buying and selling changes.
Bengaluru property owners can now convert their B-Khata to A-Khata through government-organized camps starting May 16th. Under the 'Bhoo Guarantee' scheme, this conversion requires paying only 2% of the guidance value, a significant reduction from the previous 5%. This initiative aims to formalize property records, enhance transparency, and provide legal security to lakhs of families.
Indias invisible workforce gets a new safety net: Key labour reforms for migrant employees decoded
India's inter-state migrant workers gain significant protections under new labour code rules notified on May 8, 2026. The Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Rules, 2026, bring millions of self-driven migrant workers into legal recognition. Key reforms include mandatory appointment letters, a digital database, portable ration cards, and tracked journey and displacement allowances.
RBI raises dealer targets, lifts bond trading activity
Each of the 21 primary dealers must trade at least 4 lakh crore ($41.8 billion) of bonds in the financial year starting April, up 48% from last years target, say people familiar with matter
Gold prices saw a dip on Friday, May 15, 2026. Rates fell across leading jewellery brands like Tanishq, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Kalyan Jewellers, and Joyalukkas. The India Bullion and Jewellers Association also reported lower gold and silver prices compared to the previous day. This decline follows a sharp rise in gold rates earlier in the week.
TN DA hike: Check how much Tamil Nadu government employees monthly salary may increase now
Tamil Nadu government employees and teachers will see their dearness allowance (DA) increase from 58% to 60% of basic pay, effective January 1, 2026. This 2% hike, also extended to pensioners and family pensioners, will result in an additional annual expenditure of approximately Rs 1,230 crore for the state.
5 mutual funds made a complete exit from 9 midcap stocks in April. Check details
Mutual funds exited nine midcap stocks in April. SBI Mutual Fund sold Uno Minda and Dabur India. Kotak Mutual Fund divested FSN E-Commerce. Nippon India Mutual Fund exited Havells India and Meesho. Quant Mutual Fund sold Dabur India, SBI Cards, and Lenskart Solutions. ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund sold Tube Investments and Tata Communications.
New labour code provisions are now effective across India from November 21, 2025. Employee benefits like faster full and final payments and annual leave encashment are already applicable. Companies must comply with these changes even without state government notifications. This update impacts salary calculations and statutory dues for employees nationwide.
Choosing a health insurance policy involves more than just premium cost. This comparison of leading Indian insurers highlights key features like room rent limits, restoration benefits, and claim settlement ratios. Understanding these details is crucial for policyholders to manage out-of-pocket expenses during medical emergencies.
Income tax return AY 26-27: The Income Tax Department has launched Excel utilities and online filing for ITR-1 and ITR-4 for the Assessment Year 2026-27. Taxpayers earning up to Rs 50 lakh, with specific income sources, can now prepare and file their returns.
World Bank chief economist Indermit Gill retiring in August, internal memo says
Gill played a transformational role in advancing transparency through data, Banga said, citing the economist's work to improve debt transparency, sustainability and restructuring for low- and middle-income countries
Individuals eligible for ITR-1 filing for AY 2026-27 must file by July 31, 2026. This form is for resident individuals with income up to 50 lakh from salary, one house property, and other simple sources. Avoid common errors like using Aadhaar enrolment IDs instead of verified Aadhaar numbers. Ensure accurate reporting of loans and bank accounts.
Flexi cap mutual funds attracted a record Rs 10,147 crore in April, despite moderating equity inflows and market volatility. Experts suggest this reflects investor trust in fund managers for flexible allocation across market caps, rather than caution. This category is also seen as a strong starting point for new investors.
Best aggressive hybrid mutual funds to invest in May 2026
Hybrid mutual funds, particularly aggressive hybrid schemes, are recommended for their resilience in volatile markets. These funds balance equity and debt, offering wealth creation potential with reduced risk. Experts suggest these schemes for conservative equity investors seeking long-term financial goals, highlighting their mixed portfolio and tax advantages.
Muthoot Finance posts 105% rise in PAT at 3,086 crore in Q4
PAT for whole FY26 at 10,134 crore, against 5,201 crore in FY25, an increase of 95%
UP RERA new advisory: 6 key checks homebuyers should do before purchasing property
The Uttar Pradesh Real Estate Regulatory Authority (UPRERA) has issued a crucial advisory for homebuyers, detailing six essential checks before purchasing property. These include verifying land titles, sanctioned maps, inventory details, project bank accounts, quarterly progress reports, and builder complaint history to ensure transparency and prevent fraud.
The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority has revised rules for National Pension System annuity surrenders. Subscribers facing critical illness or holding older annuity contracts with specific surrender clauses can now seek surrender.
RBI schedules underwriting auction for 32,000 crore government securities on May 15
RBI says underwriting auction to follow a multiple price-based method
Actor Ranbir Kapoor has purchased 2,134 sq. ft. of land in Ayodhya for Rs 3.31 crore. The plot is part of a 75-acre development by The House of Abhinandan Lodha, featuring luxury amenities and a vegetarian hotel by The Leela. Kapoor stated his belief that Ayodhya chose him, seeing the land as a legacy for his family.
Rising import duty and PM Narendra Modis appeal to delay purchases have pushed jewellery brands like Kalyan Jewellers and Malabar Gold & Diamonds to promote gold recycling schemes. These schemes let customers exchange old jewellery for new items, with value based on purity and market prices. Companies use advanced XRF machines for accurate testing. Experts say even small-scale recycling can significantly cut Indias gold imports.
Taxpayers can anticipate significant improvements in the TDS system and faster resolution of tax disputes. The Central Board of Direct Taxes' Central Action Plan for 2026-2027 outlines a roadmap for a more taxpayer-centric and technology-driven tax administration. This plan aims to streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and improve overall taxpayer services, leading to a more predictable and responsive tax governance framework.
AlphaGrep Mutual Fund files draft papers with Sebi for its first multi-asset allocation fund
AlphaGrep Mutual Fund has filed draft documents with SEBI for its first scheme, the Multi Asset Allocation Fund. The open-ended fund will invest across equity, debt, commodities and derivatives, aiming to generate long-term capital appreciation through a diversified, rules-based portfolio.
Defence civilian employees are seeking equal pay scales, promotions, and benefits as Railway employees. They also want risk and hardship allowances matching those of uniformed personnel. The All India Defence Employees' Federation has presented these demands to the 8th Pay Commission. Other key issues include minimum pay, pension, and medical benefits.
Central government employees can now choose to include either their parents or parents-in-law as dependents for CGHS medical benefits. This one-time option, once exercised, cannot be reversed by male employees. The clarification applies to both CGHS and Central Services (Medical Attendance) Rules, 1944.
IRFC Q4 profit flat at 1,684 cr, total income up 9%
IRFCs total income rises to 7,329 crore in Q4 FY26
Mirae Asset Mutual Fund announces launch of hybrid long-short fund under Platinum SIF
Mirae Asset Mutual Fund has launched the Platinum Hybrid Long-Short Fund under its Platinum SIF platform. The interval investment strategy will invest across equity, debt and derivative instruments, aiming to deliver risk-adjusted returns through arbitrage, collar strategies and high-quality debt exposure across market cycles.
Gold prices saw a slight increase on May 14, 2026, with major brands like Tanishq and Malabar Gold & Diamonds reporting higher rates. Silver also climbed to a two-month high, driven by industrial demand. Analysts suggest gold remains range-bound, while silver targets further gains amid geopolitical and economic factors.
Six equity mutual funds received inflows of over Rs 7,000 crore each in April, led by Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund and Nippon India Small Cap Fund. Strong investor participation boosted assets under management across flexi-cap, mid-cap, hybrid and small-cap categories during the month.
SEBI proposes changes to municipal bond framework
In a consultation paper, the regulator suggested permitting two or more municipalities to raise money collectively through a pooled finance vehicle or SPV.
7 mutual funds make complete exit from 18 smallcap stocks in April. Check details
SEBI proposes easing derivatives compliance norms for exchanges, clearing corporations
Regulator seeks to simplify rules, remove duplication and cut compliance burden across exchange-traded derivatives segment
India considers reducing taxes on bond investments by foreigners
The Reserve Bank of India recommended the move, which is being seriously considered by the Finance Ministry
NPS gets new investment option: Pension body allows NPS funds to invest in these rupee bonds
The PFRDA has updated NPS investment guidelines, effective May 13, 2026, to include rupee-denominated bonds issued by the New Development Bank (NDB). This expands investment options for both government and private sector NPS funds, previously limited to bonds from IBRD, IFC, and ADB. Other conditions like credit rating and maturity remain unchanged.
The Latest Home Loan Interest Rates: May 08, 2026
The Latest Home Loan Interest Rates: May 08, 2026
The Latest Fixed Deposit Interest Rates: May 08, 2026
The Latest Fixed Deposit Interest Rates: May 08, 2026
Lighthouse Canton launches $130 million credit fund targeting structured investments
The fund has a six-year tenure and average deal maturity of three years and aims to deliver attractive risk-adjusted returns through structured credit investments in mid-to-large companies
Helios Flexi Cap Fund, backed by Samir Arora, boosted its holdings in Tata Motors, Eternal, and Paytm during April. The fund also increased its stake in eight other companies, including Hero MotoCorp and Bharat Electronics. Conversely, exposure was reduced in HDFC Bank, Reliance Industries, and Ather Energy. Titan Company and Axis Bank were added as new investments.
India PE-VC investments fall 17% in 2025 as investors turn selective: Bain-IVCA report
Despite the moderation in investment value, deal volumes increased around 10 per cent to nearly 1,700 transactions, indicating sustained investor interest in India
The combination of SIP and SWP can help you get a Rs 1.05 lakh monthly income for 20 years. While planning for it, experts advise disciplined investing, realistic return expectations, diversification, and sustainable withdrawal rates. The also suggest avoiding common mistakes like stopping SIPs early or withdrawing excessively.
A Mumbai tenant successfully challenged a Rs 1.1 crore tax notice. He surrendered tenancy for a new flat in a redeveloped building. The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal ruled in his favour. The tribunal stated that the surrender of tenancy rights, the taxable event, had not occurred in the year under assessment.
The escalating cost of foreign education, often underestimated by Indian parents, necessitates early financial planning. Beyond tuition, accommodation, insurance, and currency fluctuations significantly increase expenses. Experts advise long-term investing through SIPs, considering education inflation and currency depreciation, to fund overseas studies effectively.
Pharma, NBFCs see fresh mutual fund buying in April
Indian fund managers focused on defensive stocks in April. Pharmaceuticals saw increased investment due to opportunities like the semaglutide patent expiry. NBFCs and asset management companies also received attention. PNB Housing Finance was added as funds shifted towards retail lending. This strategy reflects concerns over oil prices and West Asian geopolitical tensions.
Sebi plans broader use for intraday borrowing by MFs
The Securities and Exchange Board of India, Sebi, is proposing changes to how mutual funds use intraday borrowing. Currently limited to redemption payouts, Sebi wants to allow these borrowings as a cash management tool. This aims to improve fund management flexibility and returns by addressing timing mismatches in fund outflows and receivables.
HDFC Mutual Fund withdraws NFO of Gold-Silver FoF
HDFC Mutual Fund has withdrawn its proposed Gold-Silver Passive Fund of Fund NFO, citing concerns over rising precious metal imports and their impact on India's trade balance. This decision follows Prime Minister Modi's appeal to curb gold and silver purchases and a significant increase in import duties, aiming to conserve foreign exchange reserves amidst global economic uncertainty.
US Senate confirms Kevin Warsh as Federal Reserve chair amid inflation concerns
Warsh succeeds Jerome Powell and is expected to lead critical policy discussions as inflation remains above target and markets increasingly rule out near-term rate cuts
Shriram General Insurance Q4 net profit jumps 28% to 167 crore
Lower claim ratio major driver for profit jump, says MD & CEO
Banks credit offtake and deposit accretion picks up in 2nd fortnight of April
Credit growth of all scheduled banks jumped by 2,95,164 crore during the period
Raise Financial Services acquires GreenLife Insurance Broking
Raise Financial Services says it plans to invest $15 million in GreenLife
