The Economic Times

Highest FD rates: The Reserve Bank of India has kept the repo rate steady at 5.25%. Experts suggest fixed deposit rates may not increase immediately. However, future rate hikes are possible due to various economic indicators. The article highlights the highest FD interest rates across public, private, and small finance banks for 1, 3, and 5-year tenures as of April 8, 2026.

Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) offer a passive investment approach, mirroring index performance and allowing investors to align choices with their time horizon and financial goals. A structured strategy, including regular investments via SIPs, can foster discipline and help achieve objectives. Understanding the tracked index is crucial for informed ETF selection.

PPFAS Asset Management has received approval from the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) today to become a sponsor for a pension fund under the National Pension System (NPS).

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Reserve Bank of India, in its bi-monthly review on Wednesday, decided to keep the repo rate unchanged at 5.25% and maintained its neutral stance.

Groww Mutual Fund has announced the launch of the Groww Arbitrage Fund, an open-ended scheme investing in arbitrage opportunities. The scheme is designed to capture pricing differences between the cash and derivatives markets, with the aim of generating relatively stable returns with limited directional equity risk.

Gold prices in India saw a slight increase on April 8, 2026, despite a ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran. Major jewelers like Tanishq, Kalyan Jewellers, Joyalukkas, and Malabar Gold & Diamonds reported higher rates for 22k gold.

Starting April 1, 2026, new PAN application forms are in effect. Four distinct forms, 93, 94, 95, and 96, cater to specific applicant types including Indian citizens, foreign individuals, and various entities.

Sunil Singhania backed Abakkus Mutual Fund has unveiled the maiden portfolio of its smallcap fund - Abakkus Small Cap Fund, following an in-house investment framework viz. MEETS, to evaluate key drivers of long-term value creation. This marks the funds first update since its NFO.

Bank holiday on April 9: Bank customers in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry are seeking clarity on bank operations for April 9, 2026. Elections for legislative assemblies are scheduled in these states. While the RBI holiday calendar does not list a closure, local branches should be consulted. Central government offices will close in notified polling areas. This ensures citizens can exercise their voting rights.

The Reserve Bank of India said it anticipated crude oil prices to average USD 85 per barrel and the Indian rupee to trade at 94 against the US dollar in FY27. These projections are part of the central bank's latest Monetary Policy report. The report also details past trends, including the rupee's significant depreciation in FY26 due to outflows and global factors.

The RBI's decision to maintain the repo rate at 5.25% presents a complex landscape for investors. Experts advise debt fund investors to prioritize short-to-medium duration funds and high-quality corporate bonds to manage risks. Equity investors are encouraged to consider largecap and flexicap strategies amidst global uncertainties and inflation concerns.

New income tax return forms for Assessment Year 2026-27 demand greater detail on political party donations. Taxpayers seeking deductions under Section 80GGC must now provide the political party's name and PAN. This change aims to enhance transparency and traceability of contributions. Individuals donating through banking channels or UPI should be aware of these updated disclosure requirements.

A 52-year-old investor aiming for a Rs 2 crore retirement corpus by age 60 faces a potential shortfall with his current Rs 30 lakh portfolio and Rs 40,000 monthly SIP. Experts advise simplifying the diversified portfolio, increasing SIPs by 8-10% annually, and gradually shifting towards debt for capital protection.

Despite a challenging 2025 with negative returns, small cap mutual funds saw renewed investor interest in February 2026 with significant inflows. While valuations are considered rich and market volatility persists, advisors suggest staggered investments in these high-risk, high-reward schemes for long-term wealth creation.

Silver and gold ETFs surged up to 6% on Wednesday, mirroring gains in global bullion markets. This rally followed U.S. President Trump's agreement to a two-week ceasefire with Iran, easing energy-driven inflation concerns. Experts suggest current levels offer an attractive consolidation zone for long-term investors.

Retaining repo rates in succession was a relief for many FD investors who have been depositing for low maturity amounts for some time after many banks and small finance banks cut deposit rates following the RBIs 125 bps repo rate cut last year (2025). However, traditional banks and small finance banks are less likely to increase FD rates in the near future, but the possibility of a rate is quite a possibility given many indicators suggesting so.

The Reserve Bank of India has kept the repo rate steady at 5.25%. Home loan borrowers may see temporary relief. However, rising inflation, driven by global events, suggests a potential repo rate increase in upcoming meetings. This could lead to higher home loan interest rates. Strategies like prepayment and refinancing can help manage future loan costs.

When Mr Sewadsha from Ghatkopar East purchased five apartments in a housing project in Bhandup he had no idea that the builder had cheated him by selling refuge areas (vacant areas). The reason why the builder could dupe Sewadsha is because there was an error in the plan annexed to the Occupancy Certificate which shows a part of the vacant space as residential flats on 8th and 15th floor of the housing society even though no constructed residential apartment, fit for occupation, exists there.

Many investors overlook their National Pension System, assuming retirement plans are on track. However, a 'set and forget' approach can lead to misaligned asset allocation and insufficient corpus. Regular reviews are crucial to ensure contributions and investments align with long-term goals. Adjusting risk and rebalancing portfolios helps secure retirement wealth.

Multicap funds are gaining traction as a comprehensive investment option, offering exposure to large, mid, and small-cap stocks. However, regulatory mandates requiring significant allocation to smaller stocks make them more susceptible to market volatility and deeper drawdowns during corrections, unlike more flexible categories.

Tata Mutual Fund has reopened its small-cap fund to lumpsum investments. This move follows a market correction that has presented better entry points. The fund manager sees a favourable risk-reward for investors with a 3-5 year horizon. Other small-cap funds still have restrictions. The small-cap category manages significant assets.

What must be assessed is whether the claimant spouse has sufficient independent income to sustain herself, the court said. While highlighting that the wifes familys financial background is irrelevant in this case, Justice Urmila Joshi Phalke noted that interim maintenance depends on financial necessity.

Tata Mutual Fund has announced the resumption of all fresh inflows through lumpsum and switch-in applications, in Tata Small Cap Fund effective from April 06, 2026.

Gold prices in Dubai saw minor fluctuations on April 7, 2026. Major retailers like Joyalukkas, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Dubai Jewellery Group, and Kalyan Jewellers reported rates for various karats. Investors remained cautious due to geopolitical tensions involving the US and Iran. The UAE Dirham exchange rate against the Indian Rupee was also provided.

Promoters of DGS Group, Brahamdev, Sourav, and Rohan Shukla, have acquired a luxury penthouse at Oberoi Elysian in Goregaon East for approximately 60 crore. This significant transaction, covering 8,561 sq. ft. with eight parking slots, highlights the growing interest of business families in Mumbai's premium real estate market.

Gold rate prediction: Gold prices are experiencing volatility amid heightened geopolitical tensions, with a US deadline for Iran creating uncertainty. While leading jewelers saw slight increases in 22k gold rates, the IBJA reported a drop across various purities. Experts predict short-term price fluctuations but a positive medium to long-term outlook for gold and silver.

I am 42, earning Rs 28 lakh annually. I invest Rs 60,000 per month through SIPs in a mix of large cap (40%), flexi-cap (30%) and mid-cap (30%) funds. My investment horizon is 12-15 years, primarily for retirement. Is it advisable to add a multi-asset or balanced advantage fund to reduce volatility?

Five mid-cap mutual funds delivered over 20% returns in three years, led by WhiteOak Capital. Meanwhile, laggard funds posted modest gains, highlighting performance divergence within the mid-cap mutual fund category.

Salary hikes in India are stabilizing around 9.1% for 2026, a slight increase from 9.0% in 2025, as companies prioritize cost discipline and productivity. While some sectors offer higher increments, a broader talent pool and a shift towards skills-based hiring are influencing compensation strategies.

New tax rules for Tax Year 2026-27 begin April 1, 2026. Key changes affect TDS on NRI property and TCS on overseas remittances for education. Interest on motor vehicle compensation is now tax-exempt. Small taxpayers get an easier process for lower TDS certificates. TDS on manpower supply is clarified.

Quant Mutual Fund launches dynamic multi-asset long-short fund, investing across equity, debt, derivatives, commodities and InVITs. The strategy aims to optimise returns, manage risk, and suit long-term investors.

EPFO is set to launch EPFO 3.0, enabling UPI withdrawals and simplifying fund access for members. New rules consolidate withdrawal provisions into three categories: essential, housing, and special needs. Members can now withdraw up to 75% of their balance anytime, including employer contributions, offering greater flexibility for emergencies and life events.

While members are entitled to take out up to 100% of their eligible EPF balance, including both employee and employer contributions, there are certain terms and conditions that apply. So, what happens in case you lose your job or are laid off by your company?

This guide helps you calculate the monthly SIP needed to reach a Rs 1 crore goal using simple Excel functions or a DIY paper formula. Adjust assumptions, returns, and timelines to plan your investments with confidence and clarity.

HDFC Bank lending rates: HDFC Bank has reduced its Marginal Cost of Funds-based Lending Rates (MCLR) on select tenures by up to 5 basis points, effective April 7, 2026. This adjustment benefits borrowers with loans linked to the MCLR regime, with overnight and one-month rates now at 8.10%.

A Gujarat-based investor, new to equity mutual funds after years in fixed deposits, faces initial losses but shows courage to invest further. Experts advise focusing on asset allocation across market caps rather than changing existing sound funds. Additional investments should be channeled into current flexi-cap and multi-cap schemes, with lumpsum considered if comfortable with volatility.

Quant Multi Asset Allocation Fund has achieved top returns across 3, 5, 7, and 10-year periods among its peers. Its dynamic asset allocation strategy, particularly overweight positions in financials and timely tactical shifts, has driven this consistent outperformance, even outshining the category average.

India is set to launch sovereign credit guarantees for loans totaling $26.7 billion. This initiative aims to bolster businesses, especially small ones, impacted by the Middle East crisis. The government will provide guarantees for four years, similar to measures taken during the COVID-19 pandemic. This move is expected to cost between 170 billion and 180 billion rupees.