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Small-cap mutual funds: Should you pick funds with high index overlap? What one-year returns show

Small-cap mutual funds with higher benchmark overlap did not necessarily deliver better returns. Value Research data shows one-year returns ranging from -0.1% to 29.1% across 10 schemes, highlighting why investors should look beyond portfolio overlap when choosing funds.

20 Oct 2026 11:43 pm
Bought a 50 lakh LIC policy on 4.81 lakh income? Why ITAT rejected the womans claim and upheld the tax addition

A woman who declared 4.81 lakh income invested 50 lakh in an LIC policy, claiming the money came from her late husbands HUF. ITAT rejected her explanation for lack of evidence and upheld the 50 lakh addition as unexplained investment.

20 Oct 2026 10:59 pm
CBDT notifies Form 173A for government securities: New tax exemption rules for eligible foreign investors

CBDT has notified Form 173A for eligible foreign institutional investors and the Bank for International Settlements claiming tax exemption on government securities. The form requires disclosures on holdings, interest income and capital gains.

20 Oct 2026 10:08 pm
Indian equities vs gold vs US stocks: Which asset class delivered the highest returns in 2026 so far?

Indian equities fell 6.81% in 2026 so far through September, while US stocks gained 12.75% and gold rose 11.56%, according to Edelweiss Mutual Fund research. Short-term bonds returned 3.57%, while silver and Chinese equities posted losses.

20 Oct 2026 8:47 pm
One family brand, two heirs: how can you avoid trademark disputes?

A family trademark is not a separate legal category under Indias trade mark law. For business owners planning succession, the key is to clarify ownership and usage rights before disputes arise.

20 Oct 2026 7:37 pm
Emergency fund: Earn 1 lakh a month? Heres how much you should save for 6, 9 or 12 months, experts explain

An emergency fund should cover six, nine or 12 months of essential expenses, depending on job security, family responsibilities and income stability. Home loan EMIs, insurance premiums and school fees should be factored into the savings target.

20 Oct 2026 7:32 pm
Land dispute lasted 23 years and ended in a 1.5 crore payout. Why did ITAT classify it as capital gains?

A 1.5 crore payout after a decades-long land dispute was held taxable as capital gains, not income from other sources, by Ahmedabad ITAT. The ruling clarifies the tax treatment of assigned property rights, but does not make the receipt tax-free.

20 Oct 2026 6:22 pm
Form 141 TDS filing: What changes for property buyers, tenants and taxpayers under the new Income Tax Act

Form 141 replaces four TDS forms for property purchases, rent, contractor payments and crypto transfers from 1 April 2026. Heres what property buyers, tenants and other taxpayers need to know about the new filing process and key compliance changes.

20 Oct 2026 5:12 pm
DA hike 2026: Will government employees get a festive salary boost after Dussehra? October 21 holds the key

Will central government employees get a DA hike after Dussehra? The Centre's 21 October Cabinet meeting has raised hopes of a 3% increase, taking dearness allowance from 60% to 63%. Here is what employees and pensioners need to know.

20 Oct 2026 4:11 pm
LIC Certificate of Existence: What is it, why is it needed and how can pensioners submit it in 5 simple steps?

LIC Certificate of Existence: Find out what this life certificate is, why it matters for annuity payments, how eligible LIC annuitants can submit it in five steps, what details it contains and how to check the next due date.

20 Oct 2026 3:12 pm
Financial assistance: Maharashtra farmers to receive 5,000 Diwali bonus as relief measure amid droughtAll we know

Amid drought situation in Maharashtra, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that the state government will provide advance financial assistance of 5,000 directly to affected farmers by Diwali. 

20 Oct 2026 3:06 pm
Flying home for Diwali? Why flight ticket prices are soaring and what exactly you are paying for | Explained

Higher fuel costs have increased airlines' operational expenses and are eventually being passed on to consumers.

20 Oct 2026 2:55 pm
Rationale or aspirational? What drives car buying? Why Gen Z is moving towards higher-value purchases, big EMI and loans

Indias auto loans are growing as vehicle prices rise and consumers seek higher-value models. From H1FY19 to H1FY26, average car loans increased 49% to 8.2 lakh, as younger buyers enter the wider mobility credit market.

20 Oct 2026 2:41 pm
Home loan of 30 lakh, 50 lakh or 1 crore: Higher EMI or longer tenureHere's what works better. Calculation explained

After the RBI raised repo rate by 25 bps to 5.50%, several banks hiked lending benchmarks, making home loans more expensive. Borrowers can raise EMIs or extend repayment periods, we illustrate how both compare for 30 lakh, 50 lakh, 80 lakh or 1 crore home loans

20 Oct 2026 2:13 pm
Top 5 money lessons, financial learnings from international bestseller The Latte Factor by David Bach-John David Mann

The Latte Factor argues that building wealth may depend less on earning more than on changing spending habits. The book recommends saving first, automating contributions, tracking small expenses, and linking savings to meaningful goals. 

20 Oct 2026 1:56 pm
Snowy Alps, lakeside Airbnbs and road trips: an 8-day Swiss holiday for 1.5 lakh per person

A family of five from Noida spent 7.84 lakh on a winter holiday in Switzerland. Affordable flights, countryside Airbnbs, a rental car and home-cooked meals helped keep costs in check.

20 Oct 2026 1:52 pm
You earn up to 25,000? EPFO urges employees to enrol in EPF through employers to secure social security benefits

EPFO has urged employees earning up to 25,000 a month to check their eligibility for Employees Provident Fund enrolment through employers. Know the potential EPF savings, pension and life insurance benefits, revised wage ceiling and steps workers should take.

20 Oct 2026 1:48 pm
A marriage made in heaven: how the humble QR code met the small merchant

UPI transformed merchant payments from a cash-and-change routine into a low-cost digital habit. As India reconsiders MDR, the challenge is to fund future innovation and cyber resilience without undermining adoption.

20 Oct 2026 12:41 pm
Changed jobs? What happens to your Corporate NPS account, accumulated corpus and future contributions? Details explained

Changing jobs doesnt mean closing your NPS account. Your PRAN stays with you, your corpus remains invested, and contributions can continue through your new employers Corporate NPS or, if there isnt one, under the All Citizen Model.

20 Oct 2026 12:33 pm
SBI cyber fraud: Kerala HC orders 3.73 lakh refund. Can you get a refund after sharing an OTP?

Kerala High Court directed SBI to refund 3.73 lakh to a retired college principal who lost money after sharing an OTP with a fraudster posing as a bank official. Here is how the scam worked, five lessons every bank customer should take from the case, and what the RBIs zero-liability rule says.

20 Oct 2026 10:47 am
EPFO shares stepwise guide on PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana: How salaried workers can unlock full 15,000 incentive

Under PM-VBRY, eligible first-time EPFO-registered employees earning up to 1 lakh monthly may receive incentives of up to 15,000. The first installment is paid after six months of service; here's how to avail the second installment 

20 Oct 2026 10:43 am
Dussehra 2026: 5 money rules to control spending and avoid debt

Dussehra 2026: Dussehra sales tempting you? Follow these 5 personal finance rules to enjoy the festival without overspending or taking on debt.

20 Oct 2026 9:04 am
8th pay commission Mumbai official visit: Work conditions, to operations What's on agenda for railway dept meetings?

The 8th CPC is likely to 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.

20 Oct 2026 8:40 am
Kerala DA hike: Which employees and pensioners are eligible for increased dearness allowance and who is not? Explained

Kerala government announced a 2% hike in DA and DR for employees and pensioners, bringing it to 37% of basic pay, effective from January. Here's a look at which employees and pensioners are eligible for an increase in the dearness allowance and who is not

20 Oct 2026 7:41 am
8th Pay Commission: What is gratuity, and how is it calculated based on last drawn salary? Expert explains

8th Pay Commission consultations continue. Know how gratuity is calculated, the 25 lakh cap, union demands and what retiring central government employees can expect.

20 Oct 2026 7:29 am
AT-1 bonds back in news after Yes Bank case: Why banks issue them, how investors earn returns | Don'ts to avoid losses

The Supreme Court upheld the Bombay High Courts decision to quash Yes Banks 2020 write-off of 8,415 crore in AT-1 bonds. Here's all you need to know about AT-1 bonds. 

19 Oct 2026 11:59 pm
1 Finance gets in-principle SEBI approval for MF Lite: Will investors get more choice in index funds and ETFs?

1 Finance has received in-principle SEBI approval for an MF Lite licence and plans to launch passive mutual funds in Q4 FY27. SEBIs framework eases regulatory requirements for eligible passive fund houses, potentially encouraging competition and expanding investor choice in index funds and ETFs.

19 Oct 2026 11:27 pm
Home loan borrowers: Pay higher EMI every month or extend your loan tenure? How to choose after a rate hike

A rise in home loan rates forces borrowers to choose between higher EMIs and longer repayment tenures. A 50 lakh loan example shows how a 25-basis-point increase affects monthly payments and total interest, and what borrowers should consider before deciding.

19 Oct 2026 10:36 pm
Gold and silver investments: Should you buy physical gold, ETFs or mutual funds? Liquidity, costs and risks compared

Investors can choose from physical gold and silver, digital gold, ETFs, mutual funds, Sovereign Gold Bonds and Electronic Gold Receipts. Each option differs in costs, liquidity, regulation, taxation and storage needs, making it important to compare the risks before investing.

19 Oct 2026 9:28 pm
Bitcoin investor faces 88.55 lakh tax addition despite 3.34 lakh loss; how an ITAT ruling helped the investor

A Bitcoin investor who reported a 3.34 lakh loss faced an 88.55 lakh tax addition over the source of funds. ITAT quashed the reassessment after the tax officer ignored his reply and failed to provide the minimum response time required by law.

19 Oct 2026 8:37 pm
Google Review scam: Over 20 people reportedly lose 1 crore in a month; 5 warning signs to watch out for

More than 20 people in Visakhapatnam reportedly lost 1 crore in a month to a Google Review job scam. Fraudsters used small initial payouts to build trust before demanding larger deposits, leaving victims unable to withdraw their money.

19 Oct 2026 7:28 pm
8th Pay Commission fitment factor: Higher basic pay or more allowanceswhat is better for govt employees?

Fitment factor demands range from 3.2 to 4 or higher as central government employees await a revised salary structure.

19 Oct 2026 7:15 pm
PFRDA launches NPS Central: How simplified pension portal works, who can use, how to log in | Top features explained

PFRDA has launched NPS Central, a digital platform where subscribers can enrol, manage accounts, review investments and make contributions. Details here.

19 Oct 2026 7:13 pm
Home loan prepayment vs SIP: Which is a better option and saves you more money? Here's the maths

With home loan EMIs spread over a 20-25-year tenure, even small payments in the initial years can significantly reduce overall interest outgoings over time.

19 Oct 2026 6:56 pm
NRI tax return: can you correct a wrongly claimed capital gains exemption in your ITR?

An NRI living in the UAE mistakenly claimed treaty relief on gains from Indian shares and mutual funds. While the revised-return deadline has passed, an updated return may offer a way to correct the error.

19 Oct 2026 6:26 pm
PM-VBRY: Financial literacy course must for new EPFO members to get 15,000 incentiveeligibility, how to claim it

First-time workers must complete six and 12 months of continuous service to receive two instalments under the government scheme.

19 Oct 2026 6:02 pm
10 crore cover at 70? Insurance reform must start with the buyer

Insurance regulation must go beyond capping commissions to enforce product suitability, hold distributors accountable for mis-selling and prioritize policyholder outcomes over sales incentives.

19 Oct 2026 5:26 pm
Aggressive hybrid funds: Only 2 delivered over 8% returns in 1 year as 22 funds lost money. How did your fund perform?

Only 2 of 29 aggressive hybrid funds with reported one-year returns delivered over 8%, while 22 posted losses. Even large schemes such as SBI and ICICI Prudential Aggressive Hybrid Fund ended in the red, highlighting the risks of equity-heavy hybrid investments.

19 Oct 2026 5:10 pm
Credit card refund vs chargeback: Key differences, when to request refund and when to dispute a transaction - Explained

Credit card refund vs chargeback explained: Understand the key differences, when to request a merchant refund, how to dispute a credit card transaction, what evidence to keep and how to report unauthorised payments.

19 Oct 2026 4:10 pm
EPF, EPS and EDLI: How employees earning up to 25,000 can check their eligibility and enrolment status

The EPFO wage ceiling has risen from 15,000 to 25,000 a month, potentially extending provident fund, pension and insurance benefits to more employees. Check who qualifies under the revised rules, how enrolment works and what the change means for your salary deductions and retirement savings.

19 Oct 2026 4:08 pm
Does your free mobile game empty your wallet? How in-app micro-fees and subscriptions secretly drain your bank account

Mobile games can encourage frequent spending through paid shortcuts, limited-time items and subscriptions. Individually modest payments may add up to thousands of rupees each month.

19 Oct 2026 3:28 pm
Are you spending a fortune on your pet? How fancy grooming and speciality diets may cost you more than a child's tuition

Premium food, grooming and medical care are making pets a major household expense in urban India. Monthly costs range from 4,000 for some small breeds to 20,000 for giant breeds. 

19 Oct 2026 2:35 pm
Borrowed money against FD? Failed to repay loan? How can lender recover dues, and what happens to your fixed deposit?

Defaulting on a loan against your FD can cost you the deposit itself. Know how lenders recover dues and when you may still owe a shortfall.

19 Oct 2026 2:34 pm
Just bought a new car? Explained how 5 money mistakes may push up ownership costs and strain your monthly vehicle budget

Stretching your budget, ignoring insurance renewals, skipping servicing: 5 money mistakes new car owners should avoid to keep ownership costs in check.

19 Oct 2026 1:39 pm
Insurance distribution reforms: will lower commissions benefit policyholders?

Irdais proposed commission caps and expense rules could reshape insurance distribution. Brokers warn of job losses and weaker service, but will lower costs translate into better outcomes for policyholders?

19 Oct 2026 12:20 pm
Loan NOC: Is it issued after every EMI or only after full repayment? Know the rules

A loan No Objection Certificate (NOC) is generally issued after full repayment, not after every EMI. Understand when banks issue a loan closure certificate, why it matters for secured loans and what to do if your NOC is delayed.

19 Oct 2026 11:37 am
How you can gift stocks, mutual funds this festive season

Gifting financial assets such as stocks and mutual funds during the festival season provides long-term value, with distinct transfer steps and tax implications depending on demat status and recipient relationships. 

19 Oct 2026 11:30 am
Property boom: Will real estate prices rise in 2027? CA cites stock market, gold trends, US green card as big reasons

The CA said the domestic property market is bracing for a massive surge in demand that could peak soon and predicted that real estate prices are about to blow up in India in 2027 

19 Oct 2026 11:10 am
Gold, silver prices today, 19 October: Check retail rates of 24K, 22K gold, 999 silver in Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata

Gold and silver prices today, 19 October: 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.

19 Oct 2026 9:32 am
What is a boss scam? 5 ways to protect yourself from CEO fraud

A Chennai firm allegedly lost 1.90 crore after a WhatsApp message posing as its managing director, leading to a Delhi arrest. Heres how the boss scam works, the warning signs of CEO impersonation fraud, and five steps to verify payment requests and report cyber fraud on helpline 1930.

19 Oct 2026 8:56 am