SENSEX
NIFTY
GOLD
USD/INR

Weather

image 21    C

Livemint

Investment / Livemint

Retired before April 2023? ITAT allows LIC employee to claim tax exemption on 9.04 lakh leave encashment

A retired LIC employee won ITAT Jaipur relief on 9.04 lakh in leave encashment after the tax department restricted her exemption to 3 lakh. The ruling examines whether the enhanced 25 lakh limit introduced in 2023 can benefit employees who retired earlier.

15 Oct 2026 11:03 pm
Gold price forecast: Why investors expect record highs within 2 years

For now, investors  see continued central bank buying and demand for safe-haven assets as key supports for bullion. However, predictions of fresh record highs remain forecasts rather than guarantees.

15 Oct 2026 11:02 pm
Sundaram Finance hikes interest rates on fixed deposits; offers up to 8% returns check details and effective date

Sundaram Finance has raised fixed deposit rates from October 16, 2026. Check revised rates across different tenures. 

15 Oct 2026 10:29 pm
Why a higher salary may not improve your financial security: 5 money habits that can eat into your savings every month

Salary hikes may not increase savings if lifestyle expenses rise alongside income. Here are five money habits young professionals should watch, from lifestyle inflation to emergency fund planning.

15 Oct 2026 9:22 pm
EPFO extends September 2026 PF filing deadline to 31 October: What employees should check

EPFO has extended the deadline for employers to file September 2026 PF returns and deposit contributions to 31 October from 15 October. The extension follows the revision of the PF wage ceiling and gives employers more time to complete compliance formalities.

15 Oct 2026 8:02 pm
Diwali bonus: Will your festive payout be taxed? What salaried employees need to know

Diwali cash bonuses from employers are taxed as salary at the employees applicable tax rate. Here's when gifts are exempt from tax and how to report it in ITR. 

15 Oct 2026 7:52 pm
Widow pension delayed for months? Andhra Pradesh High Court directs payment of arrears from the date of application

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has directed authorities to pay widow pension arrears from the date of application, ruling that administrative delays cannot deprive eligible beneficiaries of their entitlement. The arrears must be paid within eight weeks. 

15 Oct 2026 7:17 pm
Buying your first health insurance policy at 26? Know the cover, add-ons and benefits to compare

A 26-year-old earning 40,000 a month should prioritise adequate health insurance coverage, compare policy exclusions and hospital networks, and choose add-ons such as restoration, maternity and OPD benefits based on costs and individual needs.

15 Oct 2026 6:40 pm
How much salary do you need to live comfortably in a Tier 1 city? Heres what a 25-year-old should aim for

A 25-year-old living independently in a Tier 1 city may need a monthly take-home salary of 70,000 to 1.4 lakh to meet living expenses and save 20-30% of income, depending on the city and lifestyle.

15 Oct 2026 5:10 pm
Bharti Airtel vs Vodafone Idea: Top 5 mutual funds by exposure could Reliance Jio's listing reshuffle portfolios?

Reliance Jio Platforms IPO could reshape mutual fund exposure to Indias telecom sector. While some schemes have significant allocations to Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea, the impact will depend on valuations and fund managers' investment strategies. Here's what you need to know. 

15 Oct 2026 4:34 pm
New FEMA rules for foreign payments: what freelancers need to know

The reporting mechanism could help authorities identify suspicious transactions, including instances where services are falsely declared to move money across borders.

15 Oct 2026 4:19 pm
Why your personal loan request can be rejected even with a 750+ credit score? 5 reasons you should know

A credit score above 750 can strengthen a personal loan application, but it does not guarantee approval. Here's why.

15 Oct 2026 4:11 pm
Redeveloped inherited property? ITAT Delhi says multiple floors can qualify for capital gains tax exemption

The tribunal held that a taxpayer could claim Section 54 exemption for the basement, ground floor and third floor received after redevelopment, while also directing a revised calculation of capital gains using a registered valuers report.

15 Oct 2026 4:04 pm
4 things you should teach your kid about money and follow it yourself, too: Dave Ramseys golden advice for parents

Dave Ramsey recommends teaching children four balanced money habits. He is the author of the international bestseller, The Total Money Makeover.

15 Oct 2026 3:23 pm
IDBI Bank's 60.72% stake sale to Canada's Fairfax: Should FD holders and savings account customers worry? Experts decode

IDBI Banks proposed stake sale to Fairfax has raised questions for depositors, FD holders and employees. What could the ownership transition mean for existing deposits, interest rates, banking charges and job security? Here is what experts say.

15 Oct 2026 3:16 pm
How to make money using AI in the next 5 years: See freelancing, online courses, content creation and consulting options

Over the next five years, people could use AI to support services such as website design, writing, translation, and business consulting, or to build courses, videos and products. 

15 Oct 2026 1:58 pm
SGB 2019-20 Series V: Investors to pocket 294% gains on premature redemption key dates and tax rules explained

SGB 2019-20 Series V investors can redeem their bonds at 14,725 per gram on October 15, 2026. Price gains range from 289% to 294%, excluding interest and taxes. Budget 2026 changes mean premature redemption is no longer eligible for the capital gains tax exemption.

15 Oct 2026 1:41 pm
5 money lessons from international bestseller 'The Automatic Millionaire' by David Bach

David Bachs The Automatic Millionaire argues that building wealth depends less on earning a large salary than on creating habits that make saving and investing automatic. 

15 Oct 2026 1:10 pm
Everyone has money advice. Who should young investors listen to?

Gen Z has more financial advice at its fingertips than any generation before it. But with influencers, family, friends and AI offering competing answers, knowing whom to trust is the real challenge.

15 Oct 2026 12:40 pm
Gold, silver back in shine after crash: What drove the fall, why prices surge, what's next for investors? Explained

Gold and silver prices rebounded on October 15 after a three-day losing streak, following a sharp selloff. While easing Treasury yields and a weaker dollar supported the recovery, shifting Fed rate expectations remain key factors to watch.

15 Oct 2026 12:28 pm
NCERT brings personal finance to Class 9, but can one chapter build money habits?

NCERTs new Class 9 chapter covers budgeting, saving, investing, insurance and tax. But teachers and experts say lasting money habits will depend on classroom practice, parental involvement and progressive learning.

15 Oct 2026 11:50 am
Warren Buffett of Canada started with $8: Who is Prem Watsa? Fairfax chief behind 52,877-crore IDBI deal involving LIC

Hyderabad-born Prem Watsa built Fairfax Financial Holdings into a global insurance and investment business, drawing inspiration from Warren Buffett. The IIT Madras alumnus moved to Canada with just $8.

15 Oct 2026 11:45 am
India is way ahead of China, UK in the number of young entrepreneurs and women founders: Hurun's U35 Rich List

India leads Huruns U35 comparisons with 180 entrepreneurs, ahead of Chinas 101 and the UKs 62. It also has the most women.

15 Oct 2026 11:24 am
Dearness allowance hike: Cabinet skips July 2026 DA decision as railway bonus, social assistance plan get nod

Dearness allowance hike: Central government employees are still awaiting clarity on the July 2026 dearness allowance hike after the Union Cabinets latest meeting. While the announcement remains pending, two other proposals have received approval. 

15 Oct 2026 11:22 am
Who is Romita Mazumdar? Foxtale founder is only woman among Huruns 10 youngest entrepreneurs

Romita Mazumdar, Foxtales founder and CEO, is the youngest woman on the Avendus WealthHurun India U35 List 2026. The 31-year-old launched the skincare company in 2021 after working in investment banking and private equity. 

15 Oct 2026 11:06 am
Sectoral mutual funds: Why investors should explore banking, auto, power and healthcare funds now

Sectoral mutual funds: Banking, automobiles, power and healthcare are among the sectors offering opportunities amid diverging performance between large-cap and small-cap indices in H1FY27. Here is what investors should know about the outlook. 

15 Oct 2026 10:52 am
HDFC Small Cap Fund is the only scheme with negative YTD returns in 2026: What sets it apart from the category leader?

HDFC Small Cap Fund has delivered negative returns in 2026 so far, while Bank of India Small Cap Fund leads the category with 32.71% returns. Differences in small-cap allocation, sector exposure and stock selection offer insights into the contrasting performance of the two schemes.

15 Oct 2026 9:03 am
Govt renames NSAP as PM Samajik Sahayata Yojana, raises disability pension to 375; minimum age limit removed

The Union Cabinet has approved renaming the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) and revising disability pension rules. Monthly assistance will rise to 375 for beneficiaries aged 0-79 and 625 for those aged 80 and above, while the disability threshold drops from 80% to 40%.

15 Oct 2026 7:24 am
IDBI Bank deal signals shift in India's banking ownership landscape

The IDBI stake sale comes after hectic dealmaking, with potential buyers such as Dubai-based Emirates NBD also in the fray. In a transaction that was run by DIPAM, along with KPMG India, Fairfax Financial Holdings emerged as the highest bidder.

15 Oct 2026 6:00 am
Sent money to the wrong UPI ID? Heres how to raise a complaint and recover it

Report the transaction through your UPI app and bank immediately to improve your chances of recovering the money

14 Oct 2026 11:58 pm
US stocks: You receive $75 on a $100 dividend, but India may tax the full amount again; how to claim relief

Indian residents earning dividends from US stocks generally receive payouts after US withholding tax. The full dividend is again taxable in India. Here's how to claim relief.

14 Oct 2026 11:51 pm
SC makes insurance mandatory for all train tickets from Oct 27; here's what it means for customers booking offline

The Supreme Court has directed Indian Railways to make insurance mandatory for all tickets bought at station counters from October 27, 2026, extending coverage already available optionally to online ticket holders. Details here. 

14 Oct 2026 10:15 pm
Asked to be an executor? Know your duties before you agree

Being an executor involves managing a deceased persons estate, settling liabilities and distributing assets. Heres what the role entails and when you can renounce it.

14 Oct 2026 9:43 pm
Personal loan closure: How long does it take for your credit score to improve?

A credit score may not rise immediately after the final EMI; lenders must first report the loan closure to credit bureaus.

14 Oct 2026 6:34 pm
1 lakh in your PF account: How much can you withdraw 25,000, 50,000 or 75,000? Know the rules

EPFOs new EPF rules group partial withdrawals into essential needs, housing and special circumstances, with a 12-month minimum membership requirement. Details here.

14 Oct 2026 5:47 pm
EPF withdrawal rules: Form 121 replaces Forms 15G and 15H from April 2026

From April 1, 2026, Form 121 replaces Forms 15G and 15H for eligible taxpayers seeking TDS relief on specified income, including qualifying EPF withdrawals. Check who can submit the new declaration, its validity and why it does not automatically make taxable withdrawals tax-free.

14 Oct 2026 5:24 pm
Mukhyamantri Ladli Behna Yogna: MP CM to release 41st installment today, here's how to check payment

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister's Ladli Behna Yojana will be released on Wednesday, October 15. About 1.25 crore women will be receiving money transfer of more than 1,834 crore this time.

14 Oct 2026 5:01 pm
Applying for a passport? Here's what to know about the application process, documents, appointment and fee structure

Applying for a fresh passport involves more than filling out an online form. From selecting the right service and booking an appointment to arranging documents and paying the applicable fee, here's what applicants should know before getting started.

14 Oct 2026 3:37 pm
Own a house in another city? Heres what it costs to manage it

Remote property owners can outsource vacation-rental operations or long-term tenancy management, but these services and fees come at a high cost.

14 Oct 2026 3:33 pm
India Inc. set for 9.1% salary hikes in 2027: What the numbers reveal, and are projections too optimistic?

Aons survey of more than 1,200 Indian employers projects average salary increases of 9.1% in 2027, led by non-banking finance, energy and real estate. Attrition rose to 18% in 2026, while AI adoption and demand for specialised skills grew. Most employers are preparing for Wage Code compliance.

14 Oct 2026 3:26 pm
How to invest in US stocks from India: Check options to buy shares of American companies like Apple, Tesla and more

Indians can access stocks of US companies such as Apple, Tesla and more. Check your options.

14 Oct 2026 3:21 pm
London Stock Exchange ETFs in GIFT City: Could NSE IX-LSE deal expand global options for Indian mutual fund investors?

The latest MoU between NSE International Exchange and the London Stock Exchange could widen access to global investment products through GIFT City. Here's what this could mean for Indian mutual fund investors, which ETFs may become accessible, and what regulatory hurdles they should consider. 

14 Oct 2026 3:16 pm
Planned 10% SIP step-up: Should you proceed if your mutual fund is delivering negative returns? Expert weighs in

Should you increase your SIP when your mutual fund is delivering negative returns? Understand when to continue a step-up, how rupee-cost averaging works, why sustained underperformance needs scrutiny, and how your investment horizon should shape the decision.

14 Oct 2026 2:11 pm
Mutual funds' September 2026 portfolio moves: Top 5 stocks bought and sold across large-, mid- and small-cap segments

Mutual funds reshuffled their stock portfolios in September 2026, increasing exposure to select large-, mid-, and small-cap stocks while cutting holdings in others. Find out which stocks saw the biggest changes across market capitalization. 

14 Oct 2026 1:15 pm
Who regulates the regulator?

India needs strong insurance regulation, but interventions must be judged by their impact on coverage, claims and consumer outcomes. Irdai should correct market failures without prescribing commercial choices.

14 Oct 2026 12:50 pm
Gold and silver price today, Oct 14: Check retail rates of 24K, 22K gold and 999 silver ahead of Durga Puja

Gold futures in India fell nearly 0.25% on Wednesday, while silver futures declined 0.70%. Retail prices varied across major cities, with jewellers potentially adding taxes and making charges. 

14 Oct 2026 12:15 pm
Large-cap, dividend yield and sectoral mutual funds return to inflows in September 2026; check top-performing schemes

AMFIs September 2026 data show a shift in net inflows across select equity mutual fund categories. How did large-cap, dividend yield, and sectoral funds perform across different time horizons? We compare category flows and scheme returns to examine the changing performance landscape.

14 Oct 2026 11:58 am
How to save thousands on national highway tolls: What is NHAI's FASTag Annual Pass? Should you apply for it? Explained

NHAIs FASTag Annual Pass costs 3,075 and covers up to 200 crossings at participating national highway and expressway toll plazas. It is valid for one year or until crossings run out, whichever comes first, and is available for eligible private cars, jeeps and vans.

14 Oct 2026 11:27 am
Railway employees may get productivity-linked bonus: How much can they expect this festive season?

The Union Cabinet is expected to consider railway employees productivity-linked bonus on 14 October, but no payout has been approved. The Railway Board says a circulating letter claiming approval of a 78-day bonus is forged. 

14 Oct 2026 11:14 am
How to invest when your income doesnt arrive every month

For freelancers and business owners, irregular cash flows can make monthly SIPs difficult to sustain. An annual investment target, fixed asset allocation and adequate liquidity can help.

14 Oct 2026 11:01 am