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Why are Indian investors increasingly choosing index funds over their 'cheaper cousin' ETFs?

Index funds are becoming increasingly popular among retail investors in the passive investing segment. Here's why Indian investors are choosing index funds over ETFs despite the latter being a cheaper option.

27 Aug 2026 11:14 pm
1.7 crore home loan, fall in income, educated wife yet 2 lakh monthly maintenance: Gurgaon court explains why

A wife sought 4 lakh per month as maintenance for herself and the children at the Gurgaon Family Court. She also asked for 7.5 lakh as litigation expenses. The husband claimed that his annual income had fallen to 36 lakh with other liabilities.

27 Aug 2026 10:59 pm
Are Zombie investments killing your wealth? Expert explains how to spot dead-weight stocks and MFs in your portfolio

Some stocks and mutual funds may remain in your portfolio despite prolonged underperformance. These zombie investments may no longer fit your strategy or goals. Here's how investors can spot warning signs and review whether such investments still deserve a place in their portfolio.

27 Aug 2026 10:23 pm
Gifting an SIP to your sister this Raksha Bandhan? Rules, tax traps and how to do it the right way

The simpler approach is to gift the money to your sister and allow her to invest it through an SIP from her own bank account.

27 Aug 2026 9:10 pm
EPF calculator: How a 30-year-old can build a retirement corpus of 4 crore with an annual interest rate of 8.25%

We used an EPF calculator to calculate how a 30-year-old can potentially accumulate over 4 crore for retirement by contributing 12% of a monthly salary of 80,000.

27 Aug 2026 8:53 pm
Passive funds: Kotak MF suggests where to put your money across market caps, commodities and sectors

Kotak Mutual Fund has highlighted passive investment opportunities amid market correction, spanning indices, commodities, sectors and themes. Heres what the fund house has suggested and how investors should approach this. 

27 Aug 2026 8:50 pm
Sovereign Gold Bonds for NRIs: Can they invest, hold existing SGBs and buy them from secondary market?

NRIs cannot make fresh investments in Sovereign Gold Bonds but can continue holding SGBs bought while they were residents. They can invest in physical gold, gold mutual funds, e-gold and Gold ETFs, subject to applicable rules.

27 Aug 2026 8:16 pm
Attention GST-registered taxpayers: Know right ITR form, turnover reconciliation and key checks for AY 2026-27

GST-registered taxpayers filing ITRs for AY 2026-27 need to choose the right form and ensure their turnover and income figures align with GST records. Heres what you need to know about ITR-3 vs ITR-4, turnover reconciliation, GST treatment, and common filing mistakes.

27 Aug 2026 7:52 pm
Using your EPF to pay off a home loan? Eligibility, online withdrawal process and trade-offs explained

For employees with a substantial home loan, tapping into a portion of their EPF corpus may appear to be a useful option. The money can be used to reduce the outstanding loan, cut the overall interest burden and potentially ease monthly financial pressure.

27 Aug 2026 7:10 pm
NPS asset classes explained: How can you allocate your retirement savings under active and auto choice?

NPS offers four asset classes and two investment options. While Active Choice lets you decide how your money is allocated, Auto Choice adjusts the allocation based on your age. Heres what you need to know about the available asset classes and allocation limits.

27 Aug 2026 6:22 pm
Have EPF through your job? Heres why investing in NPS too could help young investors build retirement wealth

Young salaried investors with EPF may still consider NPS to add market-linked growth and diversify their retirement savings. Experts say starting early can help, but investors should build an emergency fund before significantly increasing NPS contributions.

27 Aug 2026 5:22 pm
Is MTF a good product for customers? Zerodha's Nithin Kamath says it isn't suitable for most of them: Here's why

Zerodha founder Nithin Kamath has raised concerns over the rapid growth of its MTF business, which now stands at 9,000 crore. While the facility boosts buying power, Kamath says it may not suit most investors and could pose risks if markets fall sharply.

27 Aug 2026 5:14 pm
When borders blur: Inheritance challenges in NRI marriages

A single estate may be subject to different legal regimes, resulting in succession complexities.

27 Aug 2026 4:09 pm
Can a father's child maintenance liability be reduced if the mother is earning? SC clarifies

The Supreme Court ruled last week that a mother's income cannot solely justify reducing a father's financial obligation for child maintenance. Here's all you need to know about the case.

27 Aug 2026 2:32 pm
RBI's new framework to ease loan comparisons: How will transparency benefit borrowers?

The RBI proposed clearer rules for banks and NBFCs on loan spreads and APRs to enhance transparency in borrowing. The draft intends to establish a unified framework by 2027, allowing better comparison of loan costs, including a ceiling on APR for small loans. 

27 Aug 2026 2:31 pm
Private credit is growing. But is the return worth the risk?

Private credit is attracting investors with returns of up to 22%, but higher yields come with higher credit, liquidity, manager and valuation risks that investors must understand before committing.

27 Aug 2026 1:58 pm
Used LIC policy as collateral for a loan? Know what the lender can do if you fail to repay the outstanding dues

A recent NCDRC ruling explains what happens when an LIC policy is assigned to a bank as security for a loan. The commission held that LIC was not at fault for surrendering the policy on the banks instructions after the loan remained unpaid.

27 Aug 2026 1:39 pm
Death does not end income tax duties: What legal heirs must do about pending returns, notices and unpaid dues

A deceased person's income tax issues persist, requiring the filing of returns and the payment of taxes from their assets. Legal representatives must file returns until all taxes are settled, navigating disputes and uncertain heirship. 

27 Aug 2026 1:08 pm
Inherited property sale in India: Who pays tax on capital gains and how is it calculated? Details here

Inheritance of assets does not incur immediate tax but it changes when you sell it later. Here's all you need to know about capital gains tax rules, available tax relief options and other details.

27 Aug 2026 11:48 am
Buying property from an NRI? TAN is mandatory until September 30, 2026; Know TDS rules and what changes from October 1

From October 1, 2026, resident individuals and HUFs buying property from NRIs can use their PAN to deposit TDS instead of obtaining a TAN. Until September 30, buyers must follow the existing TAN-based process, while TDS remains applicable from the first rupee.

27 Aug 2026 11:42 am
VRS payout tax: Is severance pay taxable? Pune ITAT rules 65.21 lakh Pfizer retirement payout was not taxable

Pune ITAT has ruled that a 65.21 lakh payout received by a Pfizer employee under a voluntary retirement scheme was a capital receipt and not taxable. The tribunal said Section 56(2)(xi) did not apply because the employee had voluntarily resigned under the scheme, rather than being terminated.

27 Aug 2026 11:17 am
Can housing societies charge higher maintenance fee for bigger flats? Here's what recent court ruling said

The Maharashtra cooperative court ruled that housing societies cannot impose higher maintenance fees based solely on property size or type, siding with residents who argued for equal charges. Full details of the case here. 

27 Aug 2026 9:49 am
RBI wants lenders to show their cards. What will change for borrowers?

The RBI wants banks and NBFCs to follow clearer rules on loan spreads, rate revisions and APRs. The changes could make borrowing easier to compare, but may also push lenders to price risk upfront.

27 Aug 2026 9:35 am
Gold and silver price today, 27 Aug: Check retail rates of 24K, 22K gold and 999 silver in Delhi, Mumbai, other cities

On August 27, MCX gold prices rose in India as uncertainty in Middle East continued to support safe-haven demand. Check retail rates of both gold and silver in your city here.

27 Aug 2026 9:12 am
EPF Coverage Missed For Eligible Workers? EPFO Opens Special Enrolment Window Till October 31, 2026

EPFOs Employees Enrolment Campaign (EEC) 2026 gives employers a one-time opportunity to enrol eligible workers who were missed from EPF coverage between April 1, 2009 and March 31, 2026. Employers can use the special window to regularise eligible employees until October 31, 2026.

27 Aug 2026 8:28 am
8th Pay Commission pension rules: Why employee and pensioner bodies want faster restoration of commuted pension

Central government pensioners and employee associations want the 8th Pay Commission to reduce the 15-year commuted pension restoration period to 1012 years. They argue that changing interest rates, longer life expectancy and lower mortality have made the existing 15-year rule outdated.

27 Aug 2026 8:20 am
Can retirees claim enhanced 25L leave encashment exemption for pre-2023 years? ITAT ruling explained

Retirees can now benefit from a retroactive increase in leave encashment tax exemption from 3 lakh to 25 lakh, as ruled by the ITAT Chennai. Details here.

27 Aug 2026 8:04 am
Mid-cap vs small-cap funds: What alpha reveals about their performance Taurus Mid Cap Fund among top laggards

Mid-cap and small-cap funds offer different risk-return profiles, but how do they compare on alpha? Heres a look at benchmark-adjusted performance, negative alpha across schemes, and broader category trends.

26 Aug 2026 11:39 pm
Hybrid fund performance: Multi-asset allocation schemes lead 3-year SIP returns, balanced advantage lags

Hybrid funds offer exposure to multiple asset classes through a single scheme. But how have different hybrid fund categories performed? Heres a look at the top and bottom performers based on 3-year SIP returns. 

26 Aug 2026 11:09 pm
Unexplained income: What it means, how it is taxed and what changed under Income Tax Act, 2025

Unexplained income can attract a steep tax burden. But the new Income Tax Act, 2025 changes the rules for voluntary disclosure and tax department detection. Heres what unexplained income means, how it is taxed, and what taxpayers need to know.

26 Aug 2026 10:49 pm
Gold vs silver: Which precious metal offers better shield during market volatility? What 26 years of data reveals

Gold, silver and equities have behaved differently across market cycles. A look at 26 years of data reveals how precious metals performed during equity downturns, their return patterns, and what their low correlation with the Nifty 50 TRI means for investors.

26 Aug 2026 10:09 pm
Wrong ITR form filed by 31 July: Should you submit a fresh ITR-3 by August-end or revise it later?

ITR-3 and ITR-4 filing deadline is 31 August for AY 2026-27. Salaried individuals may need these forms due to certain types of income. But if you filed ITR-1 or ITR-2 by mistake, should you file a fresh return now? Find out here.

26 Aug 2026 8:54 pm
US, UAE, Singapore tourists can now pay Indian shops using their home payment apps: How it works

Foreign tourists in India can now use their home country payment apps at local shops without needing a bank account. 

26 Aug 2026 8:36 pm
What is a fun fund? Inside Gen-Z's new experience-first economy and budget playbook

Gen Z has coined a new category in discretionary spending with 'fun funds'. Opting for experiences over planned purchases, the younger generation is inclined to splurge on art exhibitions,  travel, workshops, concerts, and more.

26 Aug 2026 8:24 pm
Be the tax hero who files on time: I-T department reminds taxpayers of August 31 ITR deadline

Taxpayers with business income face an August 31 deadline to file income tax returns for AY 2026-27. Over 6.5 crore returns, including 5.9 crore filed by July 31, have been recorded. Non-audit taxpayers can use ITR-3, ITR-4, ITR-5, ITR-6, or ITR-7 forms.

26 Aug 2026 7:34 pm
Selling property in India as an NRI? Know these special tax rules, TAN requirements

NRIs face special tax rules when selling property in India that differ from those for residents. TDS rates vary by capital gains type. Buyers must ensure proof of TAN acquisition and TDS payment for registration.

26 Aug 2026 7:32 pm
e-Shram portal turns 5; 31.89 crore workers join platform: Check eligibility, benefits and how to register for free

The e-Shram portal completes five years today, with over 31.89 crore registrations. Heres what workers should know about e-Shram eligibility, benefits, registration process and fees, and whether the card offers any direct financial assistance.

26 Aug 2026 7:11 pm
100 now costs 2.1 million Iranian rials: Heres what it can buy in Tehran

The Iranian rial has plummeted to over 2 million rials per dollar amid harsh US sanctions and the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict. 

26 Aug 2026 7:04 pm
How podcaster Raj Shamani helped JEE aspirant earn 1 crore by 22: 'Had no degree...he still bet on me'

At just 17, Aditya Bansal had no degree or professional portfolio, but Raj Shamani decided to give him an opportunity.

26 Aug 2026 6:59 pm
Can I add all my children as nominees for my bank accounts and locker, and do I still need a will?

Until recently, families faced a frustrating, decades-old hurdle: the single-nominee limit. The Banking Laws (Amendment) Act, 2025, which came into force on 1 November 2025, changed that.

26 Aug 2026 6:52 pm
Radhika Gupta pins down the joker in investment portfolio: Does well when no one does, says Edelweiss Mutual Fund MD

Radhika Gupta spoke about the importance of distinguishing between valuable possessions and sound financial investments. She identified the joker in an investment portfolio.

26 Aug 2026 6:25 pm
Find your ITR deadline: Upcoming income tax filing dates for non-audit and corporate filers in 2026

The 31 July ITR deadline for AY 2026-27 has passed, but taxpayers in other categories have more time. Key deadlines are 31 August for non-audit cases, 31 October for audit cases, 30 November for transfer pricing cases and 31 December for belated returns.

26 Aug 2026 6:21 pm
Why the Supreme Courts motor insurance judgment is a landmark

The Supreme Courts motor-insurance ruling goes beyond one familys 10 lakh claim, exposing Indias 56% uninsured-vehicle gap and highlighting why enforcement and consumer awareness must work together.

26 Aug 2026 6:21 pm
Named a nominee for your investments? Know when legal heirs can still claim a share in your mutual funds, shares

Naming a nominee for mutual funds, shares or demat investments does not automatically make them the final owner after your death. Legal heirs can still claim their share, while a valid Will generally determines who ultimately inherits the investment.

26 Aug 2026 5:42 pm
Top FD interest rates in India: Check fixed deposit returns of DCB Bank, YES Bank, RBL Bank and more

A comparison of fixed-deposit rates from 16 Indian banks covering five maturity categories up to 1 crore is provided, detailing rates as of 24 August 2026. 

26 Aug 2026 4:45 pm
Is updated ITR more economical than FAST-DS for past foreign income

The Foreign Assets of Small TaxpayersDisclosure Scheme, 2026, provides a clean route with full prosecution immunity to disclose overseas holdings, but it imposes an effective 60% penalty levy on undisclosed amounts. 

26 Aug 2026 4:39 pm
August 31 ITR deadline 2026: 7 mistakes freelancers and professionals should avoid while filing income tax return

Freelancers and professionals filing their ITR by the August 31 deadline should avoid mistakes around ITR-3/ITR-4 selection, presumptive taxation, TDS and AIS reconciliation. Experts explain what taxpayers should check before filing and after submitting the return to avoid tax complications.

26 Aug 2026 3:45 pm
Planning to start a family? Here's why employer's group health cover is not enough for maternity needs

New-age health covers allows couples to get covered well before pregnancy and better align insurance with their family plans

26 Aug 2026 3:10 pm
Have undisclosed foreign assets worth 1 cr? Here's when you pay 60L and 1L in tax under FAST-DS scheme

The FAST-DS scheme allows small taxpayers to disclose foreign assets and income until December 31, 2026. Affected taxpayers must pay an additional levy based on asset category, which varies significantly between undisclosed and already-taxed foreign assets.

26 Aug 2026 2:47 pm
More Airbnb homes, less money? Why Indian hosts are losing their rental premium

Airbnb once promised Indian homeowners significantly higher returns than conventional rentals. But a surge in listings, falling nightly rates and rising operating costs are forcing hosts to rethink the short-term rental model.

26 Aug 2026 12:45 pm