29 C 
MPC keeps repo rate unchanged at 5.25%, retains neutral stance amid uncertainty
RBI pares its FY27 retail inflation projection to 5%; marginally ups real GDP projection to 6.7%
No proposal to close concessional swap facility for FCNR(B) deposits before deadline: RBI
Central bank expects healthy inflows into FCNR (B) deposits going forward
RBI targeting polymer currency notes launch in early FY28: Guv Malhotra
Malhotra says polymer currency notes have lasted for over 30 years in some jurisdictions and will come in handy, especially for the lower denomination notes which have high velocity
A Nagpur woman who lost Rs 6.93 lakh in a FedEx parcel scam won a consumer court case against ICICI Bank. The commission ordered the bank to refund the remaining amount with 9% interest and pay Rs 35,000 as compensation. Here's how she won the case.
8th Pay Commission latest news: Employee groups are urging the 8th Pay Commission to raise annual increments significantly. They suggest increasing the rate from three percent to at least five percent. Some organizations propose an increment of six percent annually for employees. Other federations are advocating for a seven percent annual increment rate. This change could substantially boost gross salaries for central government staff.
While there has been no official word from the government on this yet, it is learnt that the Centre could allow a levy of 0.25% to 0.4% as merchant discount rate (MDR) charges on UPI payments above Rs 2000. So, does this mean that the proposal will directly impact you? First understand what MDR is.
Is UPI becoming chargeable? Heres what you need to know
A Bill tabled in the Lok Sabha has led to speculation around MDR on UPI. Expert opinion suggests charges on UPI may not be on the cards
NFO Alert: Edelweiss Mutual Fund launches India's first REIT-based Index Fund
Edelweiss Mutual Fund has launched Indias first REIT-based index fund tracking the Nifty REITs & Realty TRI. The NFO closes on August 19, offering diversified exposure to listed REITs and real estate companies through a low-cost passive investment strategy.
Sovereign Gold Bond investor alert: Check August 2026 SGB premature redemption calendar and schedule
For those invested in Sovereign Gold Bonds, early redemption for select tranches is possible from August 2026. This opportunity arises five years post-issue. Investors should ensure they submit their redemption applications within the stipulated timelines, as the redemption value will reflect gold prices from the previous three working days. Missing the submission period could mean a denial of the premature redemption option.
Invesco India Smallcap among top 9 smallcap funds with highest risk-adjusted returns. Check details
Smallcap mutual funds with Sharpe ratios above 0.70 have delivered strong risk-adjusted returns over the past three years. Bandhan Small Cap Fund topped the list, followed by ITI, Invesco India, and others, according to MF Screener.
PPF rules for NRIs: Can non-resident Indians open PPF account in India?
A Public Provident Fund (PPF) is a long-term, small savings scheme offered by the government of India. The PPF offers an attractive interest rate and tax benefits under the Old Tax Regime. The PPF interest rate is 7.1% for this quarter. Interest earned is tax-free under the Income Tax Act 2025.
PGIM India Mutual Fund temporarily suspends SIPs and STPs in 3 international funds
PGIM India Mutual Fund is implementing a temporary suspension of systematic investment plans (SIPs) and systematic transfer plans (STPs) for three of its international funds. This action will commence after the cut-off time on August 7, 2026. The fund house has attributed this suspension to adherence to the overseas investment limits set by regulatory authorities. However, current redemptions and withdrawal options will remain unaffected.
Looking to start an SIP in August? Here are mutual fund picks for aggressive investors
On Wednesday, August 5, 2026, gold prices surged, catching the attention of both buyers and investors alike. Tanishq and Malabar Gold & Diamonds, two prominent names in the jewellery industry, announced increased rates across their collections. According to the Indian Bullion and Jewellers Association, both gold and silver witnessed considerable gains, indicating a remarkable shift in the market for precious metals.
Retirement calculator: How a large age gap between your children could derail your retirement plans
REITs are not fixed income: Radhika Gupta explains why they belong in the equity bucket
REITs are often mistaken for fixed-income products, but Radhika Gupta, MD & CEO of Edelweiss Mutual Fund, explains why they belong to the equity asset class. She highlights that REITs have lower volatility than equities but remain equity investments due to their risk-return profile. Gupta also explains why investors should view REITs as a diversification tool, not a debt substitute.
The Supreme Court has proposed new measures to address widespread non-compliance with mandatory motor insurance laws. Automatic e-challans and a potential 'no insurance, no fuel' system are being considered. The court also extended mandatory third-party insurance periods for new vehicles. Citizens will soon be able to verify vehicle insurance status through a pilot project.
8th Pay Commission: The 8th Pay Commission will hold meetings in Jaipur. These discussions involve central government employees and their representative bodies. Similar meetings have been scheduled for New Delhi, Chandigarh, Chennai, and Puducherry. Stakeholders must submit requests for appointments through a specific online portal.
Savings account interest rate: Unity Small Finance Bank has recently announced a new interest rate of 7% on savings accounts, with even higher returns for amounts surpassing five lakh rupees. In addition, senior citizens can benefit from an attractive 8.50% interest on a special 501-day fixed deposit. Other small finance banks are also rolling out competitive rates. These changes took effect on August 1, 2026.
RBI MPC policy: The Reserve Bank of India plans to simplify loan interest rate rules for all regulated entities. This initiative aims to harmonize guidelines and address operational aspects of current lending rate benchmarks. The proposed changes will standardize market practices concerning interest charging and benchmark reset dates. These measures intend to improve transparency and strengthen monetary policy transmission across the system.
Consumption story remains resilient despite challenges in specific sectors
Aditya Birla Sun Life AMCs Balasubramanian and Krishnan on oil, currency, consumption, earnings and SIPs
Wife got tax notice as she claimed Section 54F tax exemption by purchasing her husbands own Mumbai property for Rs 7.5 crore; ITAT Mumbai rules that a property transaction between spouses does not become sham merely because they are related. Know how she won the case in ITAT Mumbai.
RBI MPC repo rate: The Reserve Bank of India maintained its repo rate at 5.25 percent today. Inflation is nearing the upper tolerance band, which could prompt future rate hikes. Banks monitor deposit-credit ratios and government security yields for rate decisions. High interest rates on small savings schemes also influence bank deposit offerings. Lenders may adjust fixed deposit rates soon based on these economic indicators.
Edelweiss Mutual Fund has launched India's first REITs-oriented index fund. This new fund offers investors a unique 60:40 mix of REITs and realty stocks. It aims to provide diversified exposure to India's growing real estate market. Experts suggest it can be a satellite allocation for long-term investors. The fund seeks to balance income stability with capital growth potential.
RBI MPC seen maintaining status quo on rates as easing inflation, strong growth support pause
Analysts are anticipating the central bank to retain its 'neutral' policy stance amid easing inflation, resilient economic growth and comfortable external sector indicators
Best large cap mutual funds to invest in August 2026
According to the Sebi mandate, the large cap mutual funds are mandated to invest in top 100 companies by market capitalisation. Large companies fare better in a volatile market as these companies may be market leaders and resilient to downturns. That is why if you are looking for a relatively safer mutual fund category, you should consider investing in large cap funds.
Q1 Results Today, 5th August 2026 Live Updates:
RBI MPC Meeting Live Updates: Will the RBI keep repo rate unchanged?
The repo rate has been unchanged in the last 3 RBI Monetary Policy meets and the neutral stance has been maintained since June 2025 in the past 7 RBI MPC meets
AI is creating new ways to earn money online in 2026: Here's how to cash in
Homebuyers lose stilt parking case: Maharashtra court explains why builder's allotment was invalid
Housing society prevented homebuyers from using their stilt parking spaces given by builder as it was given after registration of society; Maharashtra Co-Op appellate court in RWA's favour and says builders allot common stilt parking after society is registered
Building an emergency fund? Here's when a sweep-in FD beats a liquid fund & when it doesn't
Sweep-in fixed deposits and liquid funds offer better returns than savings accounts. Sweep-in FDs provide immediate access for money needed within a week. Liquid funds become more attractive for holding periods around three months. Combining both options balances liquidity, returns, and flexibility effectively. Taxation differs, with FD interest taxed as it accrues and fund gains taxed upon redemption.
Baroda BNP MF names Madhu Nair as new CEO
Madhu Nair has been appointed the new chief executive officer of Baroda BNP Paribas Mutual Fund. He will succeed Sanjay Grover, who served as interim CEO since August 2025. Nair brings extensive experience from various sales and distribution roles in the mutual fund industry. Baroda BNP Paribas Mutual Fund is a joint venture between Bank of Baroda and BNP Paribas.
Experts advise caution as CAS fuels arbitrage fund NAV volatility
Arbitrage fund net asset values saw a significant daily surge after the NSE introduced a closing auction session. Fund managers noted these movements were valuation effects and likely temporary. The new system introduces execution and hedging challenges for arbitrage strategies. Investors are advised against short-term trading and encouraged to extend holding periods. The market is expected to stabilize as participants adjust to the new mechanism.
RBI MPC Meeting Highlights: RBI cuts repo rate by 25 bps to 5.25%, maintains neutral stance
RBI MPC 2025, RBI Monetary Policy Meeting Outcomes, RBI MPC Meeting December 2025 News & Highlights: Here are the major live updates related to the latest bi-monthly RBI Monetary Policy Committee meeting.
ESAF Small Finance Bank eyes 1 lakh cr total biz of by 2030
Bank chief outlines universal bank plans
IRDAI tells insurers to mobilise resources for speedy settlement of Assam flood claims
The insurers have been advised to communicate the nomination of a Senior Executive to the Chief Secretary immediately
Ionic Wealth rolls out AI tool for personalised investment portfolio analysis
The feature syncs an investors data from Mutual Fund Central with Ionics internal market, macroeconomic, and asset class knowledge
UGRO Capitals GROx platform disburses 1,853 crore in Q1FY27, crosses 3.4 lakh active customers
GROx AUM reached 3,003 crore on June 30, 2026, a 32% increase from 2,280 crore in March 2026 and nearly four times higher than five quarters ago
Aditya Birla Health Insurance hopeful of increasing market shares in both retail and group segments
The company is planning to have tie-ups with more digital platforms to reach out to more young customers, Aditya Birla Health Insurance CEO Mayank Bathwal said
10 lakh investment plan: Find the right equity, hybrid and debt allocation for your financial goals
For non-resident Indians, foreign currency non-resident bank fixed deposits remain a favored investment choice. With an uptick in interest rates for tenures ranging from three to five years, Punjab National Bank currently leads with an attractive 6.50% rate on select five-year deposits. Meanwhile, HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank also showcase appealing rates for extended FCNR(B) deposits.
67% higher EPS pension? How Rs 25,000 EPF wage ceiling could increase your monthly payout
EPF wage ceiling: The Employees Provident Fund wage ceiling may increase to Rs 25,000. This change will bring more employees under the EPF and EPS schemes. Employees' in-hand salaries might decrease while their retirement corpus grows. The Employees Pension Scheme pension will likely increase significantly for eligible members. This revision aims to enhance retirement benefits for a larger workforce.
Noida property prices went up by 125% to Rs 10,780 per square feet, Bangalore by 90% to Rs 9,450 per square feet from 2019 to 2026; Know Delhi, Gurgaon, Hyderabad prices. Check the trend.
Senior citizen allotted inconvenient parking spot by builder in 2011 leading her to park car in open space; Housing society levied penalty on her for parking in open space; Maharashtra Co-Op Appellate court gives her relief and orders society to give her a convenient spot
TRUSTMF Small Cap Fund among 7 mutual funds to deliver over 20% return in 1 year
Just seven equity mutual funds delivered returns above 20% over the past year, led by TRUSTMF Small Cap Fund at 28.16%. Most top performers were smallcap funds, alongside focused, value, and midcap categories.
How resident Indians can invest in US stocks, ETFs and global mutual funds via GIFT City | Explained
NFO Alert: Jio-BlackRock enters India's ETF market with Nifty50 fund
JioBlackRock Mutual Fund has launched its first exchange-traded fund, the JioBlackRock Nifty 50 ETF, marking its entry into India's fast-growing ETF market. The NFO is open until August 11. The passive fund will track the Nifty50 Index, offering investors exposure to India's 50 largest listed companies through a single investment and broad participation in the country's equity market.
Gold prices experienced a slight dip across major brands today. Tanishq and other leading jewelers reported lower rates for 22k gold. Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Kalyan Jewellers, and Joyalukkas also followed this trend.Consumers can compare rates from various brands for potential purchases.
The Expenditure Department has granted approval to increase the EPF wage ceiling to Rs 25,000, aiming to expand mandatory provident fund and pension plans to more employees.
RBI seen holding rates as inflation risk stay in focus
The committee is also likely to retain a neutral stance, with inflation remaining within the RBIs 2%-6% tolerance band and Malhotra signalling policymakers would act only if price pressures become more broad-based
MCX, Radico Khaitan among 4 common stocks held by 5 top-performing smallcap funds
The five top-performing small-cap funds over the past year shared four common stocks in their portfolios as of June 2026, according to ACE MF data.
EPFO e-Office app services to remain unavailable on this date due to system upgrade
Attention users: The Employees Provident Fund Organisation e-Office application will not be accessible on August 5 for essential system upgrades initiated by the NIC e-Office team. This means certain functionalities will experience constraints. Additionally, EPFO services through the UMANG app will also face downtime due to system migrations. Expect mild delays in processing claims and services during this period.
ET Wealth Reader's Query: I own a 2-BHK flat and my wife is a joint owner. We have two children, who are settled abroad. After my death, the housing society will transfer the flat to my wife, based on nomination and my will (unregistered). After the transfer, can she sell the flat without a no objection certificate (NOC) from our children? If she doesnt sell it, can she transfer it to our son via a gift deed without an NOC from our daughter?
Quant MF ups IT exposure as sector enters neglected territory; sees crude correction
Quant Mutual Fund has raised its exposure to IT services over the past two months, viewing the sector as increasingly neglected and offering attractive opportunities. Its predictive analytics model also expects crude oil prices to gradually decline over the coming months, which the fund house believes could support Indian equities.
Ashika Global Securities net up 15%, plans 1000 cr fund raise via QIP
Board also approved plans to raise 1,000 crore through a Qualified Institutions Placement, subject to shareholders and regulatory approval.
MF Tracker: Bandhan Small Cap Fund tops 3-year returns. Can the outperformance continue?
Bandhan Small Cap Fund leads three-year returns with 25.35 percent gains. Stock selection drove this outperformance, according to expert analysis. The fund has consistently beaten its category average over time. Investors should consider risk and long-term strategy for investment decisions. Current market conditions offer a good entry point for patient investors.
Bank Retirees body wants payment of ex-gratia to private sector bank pensioners
AKBRF alleged that private sector banks such as DLB, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Karnataka Bank, Karur Vysya Bank, RBL Bank and SIB have not implemented payment of ex-gratia to the pensioners
NPCI explains how scammers target your money; shares tips to protect your bank account, UPI
A life insurer denied a seventy lakh death claim after a policy lapsed. The policyholder had paid seven lakh as the first year premium. The consumer commission ordered the insurer to refund this initial premium payment. This decision prevented unjust enrichment by the insurance company. Policyholders must pay premiums on time to maintain active life cover.
Selling Indian investments triggers capital gains tax for NRIs, with rules varying by asset type. Property sales offer significant tax reduction opportunities through reinvestment and documentation. Agricultural land taxation depends on its location, with rural land generally exempt from tax. Listed shares and mutual funds have specific tax treatments and exemptions for long-term gains. Careful planning and seeking expert advice are crucial before selling any Indian asset.
Govt to offload 6.54% in LIC, likely to get over 31,000 crore
Based on the floor price, it is expected to generate over 31,000 crore for the government, marking the largest OFS proceeds to date
Private banks top FCNR (B) deposit drive led by ICICI, HSBC; SBI No. 1 PSB
The scheme aims to attract stable foreign currency inflows, strengthen Indias balance of payments, bolster forex reserves and support rupee stability
Sundaram Finance consolidated net profit up 34 per cent in Q1 FY27
Total disbursements grew by 22% to 8,947 crore
SBI Pension Funds crosses 6 lakh crore in AUM
Managing Director and CEO Pranay Ranjan Dwivedi attributed the growth to subscriber trust and a long-term investment discipline
Financial services landscape undergoing a fundamental shift: JFSL chief
KV Kamath says era of traditional moats being challenged
HDFC Bank launches new savings accounts for senior citizens, women: Check features and benefits
HDFC Bank introduced two new savings accounts for specific customer groups. The Special Senior Citizen Savings Account offers security and doorstep banking services. Women can avail the SavingsMax Account with lifestyle and health benefits.
ICICI Lombard unveils 25 product innovations on 25th anniversary
The announcements come as Indias largest private general insurer crosses 25 years of operations, having served over 500 million customers and settled more than 60 million claims
PhonePe Mutual Funds sees 5X growth in Daily SIP transactions driven by demand from smaller cities
PhonePe Mutual Funds onboarded over 500,000 unique investors into its Daily SIP product. Nearly seventy-seven percent of these customers came from tier-two and tier-three cities. Daily SIP transactions increased nearly five-fold between January and June 2026. Younger investors aged eighteen to twenty-nine formed fifty-eight percent of the investor base. This feature allows small, regular contributions, aligning with daily cash flows.
DBS hires ex-Standard Chartered banker to lead India wealth team
DBS Bank India announced that Chengappa has joined the firm as Managing Director and Head of Treasures Business and Wealth Management
Taxpayers who filed their income tax returns by the July 31 deadline are now awaiting refunds. The Income Tax Department processes refunds after successful e-verification of the filed returns.
HDFC Bank launches two new variants of savings accounts for senior citizens and women
The bank offers features like FD-like higher returns on surplus savings with an Auto Sweep facility, personal accidental death cover on debit cards up to 3.19 crore, and complimentary benefits
Surrender and withdrawals as a share of total benefits paid by life insurers rise to 39%
Surrender and withdrawal benefits paid by life insurers have increased significantly. These benefits now exceed maturity benefits paid by the life insurance sector. Policy surrenders are influenced by various factors, including product suitability and affordability. The insurance regulator monitors these trends and takes necessary supervisory measures. IRDAI has established a framework to safeguard policyholders' interests and ensure fair surrender benefits.
Fed's Williams expects inflation to ease, says Fed will act if it doesn't
Williams reiterated the current stance of interest rate policy is well positioned to bring inflation back to target
NFO Alert: Franklin Templeton announces launch of short term fund
Franklin Templeton India has launched its new open-ended short term debt fund. The Franklin India Short Term Fund will open for subscription on August 5. This new fund aims to invest in high-quality debt instruments and government securities. It will maintain a portfolio Macaulay duration between one and three years. The fund seeks to provide investors with income potential and prudent risk management.
These 8 equity mutual funds lost over 10% return in July. Do you own any in your portfolio?
Eight international equity mutual funds posted double-digit losses in July, led by Nippon India Taiwan Equity Fund. Experts attribute the decline to a correction in global technology and AI stocks.
State Bank of India, HSBC and ICICI lead India's overseas deposit drive, data shows
ICICI Bank leads private-sector peers with about $3.7 billion in deposits under the scheme. HDFC Bank and Axis Bank, the countrys largest and third-largest private lenders respectively, raise about $1.5 billion each
Using pick-up and drop for car service? Know who pays if an accident happens
Service centres cannot evade responsibility for accidents during vehicle pick-up and drop-off. A signed waiver does not absolve them of negligence or deficient service. Insurance companies may still cover claims, then recover costs from the negligent party. Dealers face direct liability, while manufacturers' responsibility is less automatic. Damage within service centre premises shifts significant legal burden to the centre.
Should investors redeem equity mutual funds after strong returns? Here's when rebalancing matters
Portfolio reviews every six to 12 months are generally sufficient for long-term investors, according to Prableen Bajpai of FinFix Research and Analytics. She advises rebalancing only when asset allocation deviates meaningfully, financial goals approach, or major life events warrant a review.
MPC's 3-day meeting begins amid expectations of status quo on interest rates
As global uncertainties and inflation risks persist, most experts expect the six-member Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to adopt a cautious approach despite resilient domestic economic growth
The Bankers Books Evidence Bill, 2026, which seeks to repeal the 1891 Act, provides for a technology-neutral legal framework for bankers books
This international mutual fund resumes subscription. Should you invest or wait?
Baroda BNP Paribas Aqua Fund of Fund is once again open to fresh subscriptions after a brief pause. Following regulatory nods, the fund aims to efficiently handle overseas investment limits. Investors should avoid market timing; instead, utilizing SIPs or STPs for cost averaging is encouraged. For those seeking global exposure, consider alternatives like GIFT City products or global ETFs.
Gold price today: Gold prices remained steady on Monday, August 3, 2026, across major Indian jewelry brands. The India Bullion and Jewellers Association provided indicative rates for various gold purities. These rates may fluctuate based on location and taxes.
8th Pay Commission salary calculator: How Level 1 employees' basic pay could double in just 7 years
HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank have raised FCNR(B) deposit rates by twenty-five basis points. This increase applies to select US dollar FCNR(B) deposit tenures, effective August 2026. The government will bear hedging costs on three to five-year FCNR(B) deposits until September 2026.
Karnataka Bank launches KBL Finsurance platform
The project is powered by SprintMoney, a fintech company providing a comprehensive suite of white-labelled digital solutions to banks and financial institutions
Are housing societies allowed to impose user charges for facilities like gyms or swimming pools separately from maintenance? Know what the law says. The law says the Apartment Owners Association cannot impose arbitrary, retrospective or discriminatory charges that effectively deny equal access to common amenities.
New Reserve Bank of India rules will change bank deposit interest rate disclosures starting October 2026. Banks will gain flexibility in setting interest rates for bulk deposits of three crore rupees and above. These institutions must now publish bulk deposit rates on their websites daily by ten AM.
Hackers hit Bitcoins safest hiding place in ongoing attack
Roughly 1,367 of the tokens worth some $86 million had been drained from more than 4,500 wallet
India's bank credit growth remains robust at 18.6% in June 2026: Haitong Securities
The report said overall bank credit, estimated at around Rs 219 trillion, grew 18.6% year-on-year (YoY) in June 2026, while non-food credit expanded 18.3% YoY
