Livemint
Elections 2026Business / Livemint
Gold and silver have fallen sharply from their record highs in 2026, with gold down about 30% and silver by 54%. However, historical cycles show the current declines are not the deepest, and the time correction is still pending.
The EPF Scheme, 2026 introduces clearer guidelines on provident fund contributions, capping mandatory payments at 1,800 monthly. While employees benefit from increased take-home pay and flexibility, they may risk a smaller retirement fund if they don't opt for additional voluntary contributions.
A balanced hybrid strategy aims to keep the equity-debt allocation closer to a 50:50 mix, providing more stability and limiting downside risk.
PIB Fact Check suggests that users should verify the URL, ensure the site uses HTTPS, look for the padlock icon, avoid websites with excessive pop-ups or clickbait, check the contact and about pages, and avoid offers that appear too good to be true.
Senior citizen FD rates in July 2026 offer returns of up to 8.50%, with small finance banks leading the market. Compare fixed deposit interest rates, tenures and bank-wise offers across 13 lenders to find suitable options for predictable returns.
A tax credit mismatch occurs when the tax credit claimed in your ITR does not match the records available with the Income Tax Department. It can delay refunds, lead to tax notices, or result in additional tax demands.
Atal Beemit Vyakti Kalyan Yojana (ABVKY) under ESIC has been extended until 30 June 2027, allowing eligible ESI-insured employees to continue receiving temporary unemployment allowance during job loss and financial hardship.
A 30 lakh annual salary doesn't mean your entire income is taxed at 30%. After the 75,000 standard deduction under the new regime, slab-wise taxation, and a 4% health and education cess, the total tax liability comes to 475,800, resulting in an effective tax rate of just 15.86%.
Smart investing apps promise convenience, but they demand scrutiny. From transparency in fees to clarity in advice, investors must research carefully, verify SEBI registrations and treat apps as tools, not decisionmakers, to avoid costly mistakes.
Gold and silver prices today, 6 July: Check the latest 24K, 22K gold and 999 silver retail rates across Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and other major Indian cities, along with MCX market updates.
Small-cap funds offer potential for long-term growth but involve significant risks, including volatility and liquidity challenges. Investors should adopt a gradual entry strategy, focus on fund consistency and manager experience, and be aware of unique risks before allocating to these funds.
An EPF account can continue earning interest for up to 3 years after retirement at age 58. Knowing the right time to withdraw your EPF savings helps maximise returns before the account becomes inoperative.
8th Pay Commission begins stakeholder consultations in Odisha. The Commission will gather feedback on salaries, allowances and pensions before tabling its recommendations to the Centre by mid-2027.
Discouraging investors from blindly chasing returns, Buffett reiterated his view that the stock markets are like a church (long term investments) with a casino (quick, short-term bets) attached and many investors are taking too much risk.
A study by DBS Bank India explored how female earners in the country engage with digital payments, banking, credit and investment platforms and found that over half of the rural women earners now use UPI.
EPF withdrawals are tax-free after five years of service. Before that, TDS applies for amounts over 50,000. Partial withdrawals are allowed with conditions, and claims can be made online or offline.
Bank holidays next week: UPI and bank apps allow 24/7 transactions. Banks will be closed on Sundays and second Saturdays, with online services available during holidays. Customers must verify local branch holiday schedules.
Delhi's new electronic vehicles policy provides 1 lakh scrapping incentive for four-wheeler owners who switch to EVs from petrol and diesel vehicles. We explain how the incentives work and steps to apply
Based on 10-year returns, Nippon India Small Cap Fund emerged as the best-performing diversified equity scheme, delivering a CAGR of 21.81% over the past decade. The rankings also highlight that Quant Mutual Fund had three schemes among the top five performers.
Among ETFs tracking the Nifty PSU Bank Index, Nippon India ETF Nifty PSU Bank BeES is the biggest fund with assets under management (AUM) of 4,078 crore. It is followed by Kotak Nifty PSU Bank ETF, while DSP Nifty PSU Bank ETF is the third biggest fund in the category.
Own Damage cover protects vehicles from storms and floods, but payouts shrink sharply without add-ons like zero depreciation. A Mumbai case shows how skipping the fine print can cost thousands in unexpected out-of-pocket repairs.
The top aggressive hybrid funds generated annualised SIP returns of up to 18.57% over the past decade. Here's how the category's best-performing schemes fared across three-, five- and 10-year investment horizons.
Today we explore some of the key pension revision demands made by groups and what these could mean for retirees if accepted.
Today we take a look at the top 5 DA related demands made by central govt employee representative groups, unions and stakeholders who collectively represent a large number of staff and pensioners, including defence and railway personnel.
For equity, hybrid, and most debt funds, the cut-off timing is 3:00 PM, while liquid and overnight funds follow different timelines, with a 1:30 PM purchase cut-off and a 3:00 PM redemption cut-off (extended to 7:00 PM for applications received through online mode).
ITR rules for AY 2026-27 make taxpayers with foreign assets, overseas retirement accounts or foreign income ineligible for ITR-1 in many cases. Here's who may need to file ITR-2 instead, the reporting requirements, and what returning NRIs should know before filing their income tax return.
The Delhi ITAT has ruled that a genuine income tax refund cannot be denied merely because an ITR was e-verified late, if the delay has already been condoned by the Central Processing Centre (CPC). Here's what taxpayers should know.
Axis Mutual Fund has announced the launch of its Axis Nifty50 Equal Weight Index Fund, an open-ended passive scheme that tracks the Nifty50 Equal Weight TRI. The NFO is open for subscription from 3 July to 17 July, 2026.
Taxpayers can legally take assistance for ITR filing through the Income Tax Department's e-filing portal from three types of professionals or entities. These include Chartered Accountants, e-Return Intermediaries, and Authorized Representatives, each with distinct roles and responsibilities.
AI is transforming industries, but concerns grow over inflated valuations of AI stocks. Big Tech's investments in AI signal a shift, yet the risk of a market correction could impact Indian investors, especially if foreign institutional investors withdraw funds.
Income is not the only factor that determines whether an ITR must be filed. Several other conditions, including high-value transactions, bank deposits, business turnover, professional receipts and foreign assets, can also require ITR filing.
Most international mutual funds remain closed after overseas investment limits were exhausted. Here's which schemes are still open and how they've performed over the past year.
Gold and silver prices rose in India last week amid positive global cues. Check retail rates of 24K, 22K gold, 18K, 999 silver in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and other cities.
Gas prices surged, prompting questions about investing in EV stocks like Tesla. However, valuations may not align with sales. Experts advise focusing on long-term EV adoption trends and diversifying investments rather than reacting to short-term fuel price spikes.
More than 30.9 lakh inactive EPF accounts held 9,330 crore as of March 31, 2026, according to official data. The figures come even as the Centre rolls out the new EPF Scheme, 2026 to simplify provident fund rules and improve digital services.
Germany offers a good combination of affordable education (low or no tuition fees at many top-ranked public universities), scholarships, high-skilled job opportunities after course completion, and a path to residency.
Gold loans in India are booming as rising gold prices drive bigger borrowings. Average ticket size jumped 39% YoY to 1.96 lakh in FY26, doubling in three years. The portfolio has surged nationwide, reflecting stronger demand and deeper financial inclusion.
Dhirendra Kumar reflects on a compelling conversation with a friend about the future of space mining and manufacturing, suggesting potential shifts in industry that could change life on Earth. For once, he's not telling you to ignore the news.
Tesla and SpaceX have both seen significant declines, impacting Elon Musk's net worth and triggering investor panic. CEO Viram Shah discusses if this is profit-booking or a deeper market re-rating, advising Indian retail investors to assess their positions and remain cautious amid volatility.
Attention parents! Want to start a public provident fund account for your child? Here's how much wealth consistent PPF investment of 5,000 per month will build for their future over the longer term.
Under the new EPF Scheme, 2026, introduced by the Centre, both employee and employer must contribute 1,800 monthly. This change may increase take-home salaries for higher earners but could decrease long-term retirement funds.
Life Insurance Corporation: For policyholders who choose either annual, bi-yearly, quarterly or monthly basis, here's how you can pay your LIC premium online through app. We also take a look at the top FAQs answered.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is aiding women hosts in North America to earn from tourism by renting their homes. Many see it as a vital income source amid rising financial pressures, allowing them to cover expenses and invest in personal ventures.
Income-tax returns: Here's how to access and submit your ITR-1 form using the official e-filing portal
Grant Sabatier, author of Financial Freedom, asserts achieving FIRE is increasingly feasible, despite current challenges like inflation and housing costs. For those wanting to retire early, we explore the opportunities
Investors often err by trying to time stock purchases. Stock SIPs allow regular investments in stocks, similar to mutual funds. While they can yield significant returns, they can also backfire.
Experts underscore that there is a world of difference between rebalancing your portfolio and churning it. The former is good, the latter not.
Investing should be calm and research-based, not influenced by social media hype. Experts urge investors to validate sources, consider risks, and focus on data. Maintaining discipline and sticking to personal goals is crucial for long-term success in wealth creation.
A 15 lakh fixed deposit can deliver a steady annual income with the right interest rate. See how a 15 lakh FD can generate around 1 lakh yearly, compare current bank FD rates, and understand the impact of taxes before investing.
8th pay commission: The panel will visit various railway departments in Mumbai to gain firsthand experience of employees' working conditions. On the agenda is observation of daily operations, duties and job risks.

40 C