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Indias top five banks by market capitalisation delivered sharply different returns over the past year. While HDFC Bank fell 26%, SBI gained 26%, with Axis Bank rising 20%. The story looks different when viewed through mutual fund portfolios.

Mutual fund expense ratios can vary sharply even within the same category. Active funds generally show wider cost spreads than passive funds. Investors should compare costs across peers and assess whether higher expenses are justified by performance.

A comfortable lifestyle may obscure financial issues. These 10 signs indicate that you're poor, no matter how much you earn.

A stocks low valuation may look attractive, but it can sometimes signal deeper problems in the business. Here are eight ways a seemingly cheap stock can remain cheap and what investors should examine before assuming it is undervalued.

Quant Mutual Fund has changed its sector positioning by increasing its allocation to IT services in August 2026. The fund house remains positive on select sectors and expects stock-specific opportunities to drive returns as large-cap markets consolidate.

The ITAT delivered a significant ruling in the case of a Mumbai taxpayer who, in 2017, purchased a flat jointly with his wife in Chembur. The actual consideration paid for the property was 60 lakh, while its stamp-duty value was 94.8 lakh, creating a gap of around 34.8 lakh.

For Indian freelancers, the invoice value of an overseas client payment may not be the amount that reaches their bank account. FX conversion margins, platform fees and SWIFT costs can reduce the final INR payout. Here is how freelancers can calculate the actual amount they received.

One mistake investors may make is assuming that the option with greater equity exposure is necessarily the best choice, particularly when they are young.

PFRDA has proposed changes to the Point of Presence framework that could expand NPS access through more types of entities and a dedicated digital route. The proposals also strengthen oversight of NPS Mitras, subscriber-data confidentiality and PoP accountability for fraud or negligence. 

Retirees facing delayed pension payments under contributory schemes may approach consumer courts, following an important NCDRC ruling that recognised pension contributors as consumers and treated unjustified delays as deficiency in service.

A seven-year house goal can justify high equity exposure initially, but the portfolio should gradually move towards safer assets as the purchase nears. Experts explain which mutual fund categories may suit the goal, why diversification matters and how to protect the corpus from market volatility.

Banks in multiple cities, including Ahmedabad and Chennai, will be closed on September 4 for Janmashtami. Holiday observance varies by city, so customers should verify bank schedules against the RBI list before visiting. 

Record US borrowing, weaker Treasury demand and rising fiscal pressures could eventually force policymakers to tolerate inflation and negative real ratesconditions that favour gold.

Deductibles and co-pays can significantly change how much you pay from your pocket despite having health insurance. Heres how the two work, when each can cost more, and the policy clauses you should check before buying.

Term insurance is reaching students as young as 18, offering lower premiums and early insurability. But without income, dependants or debt, does buying life cover before a career begins make sense?

R. Sivakumar, chief investment officer of Axis Mutual Fund, sees an opportunity in manufacturing, especially exports, and especially in mid- and small-caps.

PPF or SIP: Key differences in risk, returns, taxation, liquidity and investment horizon are explained to help you decide whether one or both fit your longterm financial goals.

Central government employee bodies have demanded annual increments of 5%-7% under the 8th Pay Commission, against the current 3% rate. An illustrative calculation shows that a Level 8 employee could earn nearly 29 lakh more in cumulative basic pay over 10 years at a 7% increment.

India's crypto asset regulations focus on strict compliance related to taxation and AML rather than a market regulator. The US Senate's CLARITY Act is poised to clarify legal structures for digital assets, with potential global implications affecting how countries like India may approach regulation.

Portfolio overlap occurs when multiple mutual funds hold the same stocks, sectors or similar investments, reducing the diversification investors may expect. Heres how investors can identify overlap using fund portfolios, common holdings, sector exposure and portfolio-overlap tools.

Income and credit score are not directly linked; creditworthiness depends on credit score vs income, credit utilisation impact, credit score for first-time borrowers, and building a good CIBIL score through disciplined repayment rather than salary alone.

Retirees consider the SCSS for its safety, regular income and government backing. But is there a ceiling on how much can be invested? Heres the limit under SCSS and the options available to retirees.

The US is moving towards a formal crypto market structure as India relies on taxation and AML guardrails. Experts said clearer global rules could reduce platform risks and shape Indias eventual framework.

A missed connection, a leg injury and delayed baggage exposed the exclusions that can turn a seemingly comprehensive travel policy into a costly disappointment.

The Pune ITAT deleted a 10.52 lakh unexplained investment addition after the tax department relied on WhatsApp chats recovered from a third partys mobile phone. The tribunal found that the electronic evidence lacked the required authentication to sustain the tax demand.

Gold and silver prices today, 3 September: 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.

A Bengaluru taxpayer faced a 41.69 lakh unexplained cash deposit tax demand after failing to file an ITR and respond to tax notices. The ITAT Bangalore refused to condone his nearly four-year delay, leaving the assessment and penalty orders undisturbed.

The 8th Pay Commission is examining pension reforms, including civilian OROP, pension parity and notional fixation. The key question is whether the panel will only revise pensions or also address disparities across generations of retirees.

August 2026 saw a clear divergence across market-cap segments. Midcaps and smallcaps gained while largecaps declined. Midcaps also hit a new peak, while smallcaps came close. Over 10 years long period, midcaps delivered the highest returns.

CGHS rules have been relaxed for dependent sons and brothers with critical or terminal illnesses, allowing eligible beneficiaries to receive medical benefits for life.

Government employees and pensioners await the July 2026 Dearness Allowance revision and the 8th Pay Commission consultations. Meetings are ongoing to discuss pay and pension matters, with recommendations expected by mid-2027. 

Indias gold loan market has nearly quadrupled to 18.6 trillion in five years, overtaking personal loans. Yet, only around 8% of household gold is monetised through organised lenders. Find who is borrowing, which states are driving growth, and which lenders are gaining share. 

State Bank of India advises customers to use UPI Lite or alternative payment methods during maintenance.

Investment strategies should adapt as goals approach, particularly between three to five years. Moving away from high-risk equity is essential for protecting savings.

GIFT City offers Indian retail investors an alternative route to global equity exposure as overseas investment limits constrain domestic mutual funds. Heres how the route works, available fund options, LRS rules, SIP limitations, accessible markets, costs, and tax implications.

To reduce interest on loans, consider early principal reduction for guaranteed returns. Shortening loan tenure can lower overall interest even with higher EMIs. Focus on total repayment rather than just EMIs to better manage loan costs.

SIFs have a 10 lakh minimum investment requirement, but investors need not put the entire amount in one strategy. The threshold is calculated across SIF strategies of the same AMC at the PAN level. Heres how SIP, SWP, STP, exemptions and breaches work.

Indias festive season could drive a pickup in consumer spending, creating potential opportunities across sectors. Heres a look at sectors with very high sensitivity to festive demand, along with those that are less sensitive.

Apple's compensation plans for Tim Cook and John Ternus include fixed salaries and performance-based RSUs. Check out the detailed breakdown.

Punjab government challenges a Punjab and Haryana High Court order in the Supreme Court, disputing the 14-day deadline to clear 14,191 crore in pending DA and DR arrears for state employees and pensioners, citing constitutional payment procedures and disputing Central DA rate benchmarks.

Investors who entered equities near the 2024 market highs are facing a prolonged spell of weak returns. But a new study reveals that past market cycles offer important lessons on SIPs, lump sums and staying invested when markets turn volatile.

RBI Floating Rate Savings Bonds can be bought offline through authorised receiving offices, but consumers need to know the application process, documents, payment rules and branch requirements. 

Provident fund deposits are crucial for retirement security, yet errors in contributions often go unnoticed. Regular passbook checks ensure accuracy, allowing employees to confirm EPS contributions match salary deductions. 

Unrelated illnesses during pregnancy can create claim disputes. Experts note that when an excluded medical condition overlaps with another ailment, there is a high possibility that the related insurance claim could be rejected.

EPFO is urging eligible PF trusts to use a one-time amnesty scheme to retrospectively regularise their exemption status. The scheme offers relief from certain compliance requirements and past proceedings, with applications open until 28 December 2026.

Banks have lowered FCNR(B) deposit rates following the closure of the special swap window. Major banks like Axis, HDFC and ICICI revised their rates significantly from earlier highs.

Post Office Time Deposit holders can extend deposits after maturity, subject to specific deadlines. Here are the September 2026 TD interest rates, extension rules, applicable interest rate on renewal and what happens if the deadline is missed.

A trust can remain resident despite having a non-resident trustee if its control and management is partly exercised from India.

Equity-heavy portfolios can deliver strong long-term returns, but investors must be prepared for sharp drawdowns and long periods of weak performance. A diversified mix of equity, fixed income and gold can make the journey smoother.

ITAT Delhi has ruled that taxpayers cannot be denied TDS credit if their deductor fails to deposit the deducted tax with the government. Section 205 protects taxpayers from double taxation by placing the liability for recovery squarely on the defaulting deductor, not the compliant taxpayer.