The Economic Times

Baroda BNP Paribas Mutual Fund has launched the Baroda BNP Paribas Services Fund, an open-ended thematic equity scheme that aims to capitalise on India's fast-growing services economy. The NFO is open until July 28.

The Wealth Company Mutual Fund has launched a new midcap equity scheme. This open-ended fund will invest predominantly in midcap stocks. The new fund offer opens for subscription on July fifteenth and closes on July 29. It aims to provide access to established businesses with growth potential. The fund seeks long-term capital appreciation for investors.

HDFC Flexi Cap Fund, Nippon India Small Cap Fund and Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund were among the 10 equity mutual funds that attracted over Rs 1,900 crore each in net inflows during June, highlighting sustained investor appetite.

SBI Mutual Fund remained India's largest asset manager with Rs 12.94 lakh crore in AUM as of June 2026. HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank and Reliance Industries were its top holdings, while the fund house increased exposure to HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank and Bajaj Finance.

The RBI Ombudsman 2026 scheme offers free grievance redressal for customers. This scheme covers complaints against banks and other regulated entities. Customers can seek compensation up to thirty-three lakh rupees for losses.

Starting a new SIP in international mutual funds has become difficult, with Baroda BNP Paribas Aqua FoF now the only scheme accepting fresh registrations after 11 funds halted new SIPs. The restrictions stem from SEBIs overseas investment limits, which have constrained fund houses ability to accept fresh inflows. Existing SIPs continue as per original mandates, offering limited options for global diversification.

8th pay commission calculator: The 8th Pay Commission has concluded its Kolkata meetings and extended the employee data submission deadline. Central government employees anticipate salary and allowance increments as the commission prepares its recommendations. House Rent Allowance is a key component which is expected to be revised significantly. Senior government officials at Level 14-18 may see substantial HRA increases based on fitment factors.

Gold prices saw a slight decrease on July 14, 2026, across major Indian cities. Tanishq, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Joyalukkas, and Kalyan Jewellers reported marginally lower 22k gold rates.

ET Wealth Reader's Query: I will retire in four years. I have Rs 95 lakh in Provident Fund savings and expect Rs 20 lakh as gratuity. I have no liabilities. How to invest this corpus to get a monthly income of Rs 1 lakh?

Nephew got aunt's properties via Will, obtained probate and applied for mutation; Relatives ignored the mutation objection notice but years later challenged the probate; SC rejects relatives' case on this ground. Keep reading to know why SC rejects relatives' bid to revoke probate of aunt's Will under which nephew claimed the properties.

Landowner sells 17 apartments, earns Rs 11.8 crore gains, paid no tax, reinvests gains into 5 properties; tax dept sent notice; he wins case in ITAT Bangalore. Read the article to know the landowner won the tax case in ITAT Bangalore.

Capitalmind Flexi Cap Fund completely exited 10 stocks, including Vedanta Power and Vedanta Iron and Steel, in June while adding seven new names such as JSW Steel, Apollo Hospitals Enterprise, and Zydus Lifesciences. The fund increased exposure to five stocks and made no reductions elsewhere. It held 35 stocks across 13 sectors at the end of June.

The Reserve Bank of India has set the premature redemption price for SGB 2020-21 Series-IV. Investors can redeem these bonds prematurely from July 14, 2026, after five years. The redemption value is based on the average gold price over three preceding working days.

Indian taxpayers face new disclosure rules for foreign assets and investments. Global information exchange frameworks necessitate accurate reporting of overseas income. Schedule FA in ITR requires detailed reporting of foreign assets held. Non-compliance can lead to significant penalties and scrutiny from tax authorities. Accurate reporting ensures transparency and reduces potential tax disputes.

Debt mutual funds saw Rs 1.09 lakh crore in June outflows, driven largely by seasonal corporate treasury and advance tax-related redemptions, not weakening investor sentiment.

Quant Small Cap Fund achieved over 30% CAGR in seven years. This fund outperformed its benchmark and category averages consistently. Experts attribute its success to active management and timely sector shifts. Investors should align SIPs with long-term goals and asset allocation. Moderate SIPs are advised given current smallcap valuations.

Focused equity mutual funds invest in a maximum of thirty stocks for potentially higher returns. These concentrated portfolios require careful stock selection by fund managers. Investors should be prepared for increased risk and a longer investment horizon. SBI Focused Fund and Sundaram Focused Fund are among the recommended schemes. Investors can track these funds for potential future performance.

Employees face a choice between higher immediate income and a larger retirement fund. Reducing EPF contributions increases take-home pay but lowers future savings. Investing saved amounts in equities may offer higher returns over time. A disciplined approach to investing is crucial for long-term financial success. The decision depends on individual financial goals and risk tolerance.

The belated Income Tax Return filing deadline for AY 2026-27 is December 31, 2026. Missing this date can result in losing tax refunds and incurring penalties. Late filing fees of up to Rs 5,000 will apply to delayed submissions. Failure to file can impact loan and visa applications significantly. Filing before the deadline ensures tax compliance and avoids additional costs.

As the due date for filing ITRs for AY 2026-27 approaches, many salaried taxpayers are finding that the ITR utility does not allow deduction under Section 80CCD(2) unless the employer's NPS contribution is first included in salary. This article explains why the ITR utility is designed to work this way by examining the relevant provisions of the Income-Tax Act, 1961 and dispelling some common misconceptions.

Six half-sisters have won their rightful share in ancestral properties. The Andhra Pradesh High Court rejected their half-brother's claims to exclude them. Their father had fraudulently obtained a relinquishment deed from their grandfather. The court ruled that the father could only relinquish his own share. This judgment confirms the daughters' entitlement to their father's property.

Filing income tax returns early increases the likelihood but does not guarantee faster refunds. Successful e-verification and matching tax records are crucial for timely refund processing. Pre-validating bank accounts and avoiding complex disclosures expedite the refund process. Mismatched information and unverified returns can significantly delay refund issuance.

The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation introduced a six-month Amnesty Scheme in 2026. This initiative allows employers to regularize their private provident fund trusts. Eligible establishments can either join the EPFO framework or continue as exempted trusts.

Builders must repair structural and quality defects within five years of possession. Homebuyers can report issues and expect repairs within thirty days. If builders fail to act, homebuyers can seek compensation under RERA. Evidence like photos and expert reports helps prove defects. This RERA provision ensures builder accountability for project quality.

Salaried employees should know income tax exemption limits for various allowances. Leave Travel Allowance is exempt for self and family travel within India. Children Education Allowance offers exemption up to three thousand rupees per child. Phone bill reimbursements are generally not taxable for employees. Meal card benefits are exempt up to two hundred rupees per meal.

Gold prices saw a decline across major jewellery brands today. This offers some relief to buyers planning purchases of gold jewellery. Rates varied slightly across leading jewellers like Tanishq and Malabar Gold & Diamonds. The India Bullion and Jewellers Association also reported indicative retail selling rates. These rates reflect a decrease from previous days for various gold and silver purities.

EPFO 2026 scheme: The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has introduced VISHWAS, 2026, a dispute resolution scheme. This initiative offers employers reduced damages for pending Employees' Provident Fund cases.

A Supreme Court ruling protected a buyer from criminal charges in a forged Will case. The court stated criminal liability requires buyer knowledge of the forgery. A buyer with registered title and possession cannot be automatically evicted. Civil court decrees are necessary for eviction after a full trial. Buyers can pursue civil and criminal remedies against fraudulent sellers.

New Income Tax Return forms for AY 2026-2027 introduce significant reporting changes. Taxpayers must now report futures and options trading turnover and income. Disallowance of MSME interest under Section 43B(h) requires specific disclosure. Partners in firms need to provide additional details on interest and remuneration. These updates aim to enhance transparency and compliance for all taxpayers.

Bandhan Small Cap Fund leads with the highest Sharpe ratio of 1.05. Invesco India Smallcap Fund also shows strong risk-adjusted returns. Mahindra Manulife Small Cap Fund and Bank of India Small Cap Fund follow. These funds have delivered significant returns over the last three years. Investors can analyze these metrics for informed mutual fund decisions.

GST officers can now issue fraud notices with a reasonable basis. Proof of fraud is not required at the initial notice stage. Businesses must respond seriously to scrutiny and audit queries. Silence during investigations can be construed as suppression of facts. The ruling shifts the battleground to the reply stage for taxpayers.

Sunil Singhania-backed Abakkus Flexi Cap Fund exited Vedanta, Vedanta Oil & Gas and Vedanta Iron & Steel following the group's demerger in June, while raising exposure to Vedanta Aluminium and Vedanta Power. The fund also increased stakes in 28 stocks, with its assets under management rising to Rs 5,300 crore.

Under the old Income Tax Act, 1961, the regime operated under three separate provisions. The new Income Tax Act, 2025 consolidates them into a single section. While this structural consolidation is welcome, it does introduce substantive changes that could raise taxable income and cause fresh compliance issues.

Elder care firms offer vital support for ageing parents of distant children. These companies provide healthcare, companionship, and daily assistance to seniors. Many non-resident Indians and those living far away utilize these services. India's senior population is growing, increasing the demand for elder care. Companies ensure safety and peace of mind for families with their services.

India's primary market anticipates a busy season with major IPOs approaching. Many investors are borrowing funds to maximize their application sizes. This trend is fueled by increased retail participation and convenient application methods. However, borrowing carries significant risks, including allotment and weak listing uncertainties. Careful consideration of costs and potential returns is essential before leveraging for IPOs.

Mirae Asset Investment Managers (India)s equity funds have experienced a period of underperformancethe first major blip since inception in 2007. Chief Investment Officer Neelesh Surana speaks to Sanket Dhanorkar on his market outlook and fund strategies.

Indian influencers and gig workers face significant tax compliance challenges. Many struggle with tracking income and claiming eligible deductions accurately. Discrepancies in TDS reporting create difficulties when filing income tax returns. Uncertainty surrounds the classification of influencers as businesses or professionals for taxation. Clearer guidelines are needed to simplify tax procedures for this evolving sector.

A large number of senior citizens find it difficult to get individual insurance covers. Insurers may charge higher premiums or decline coverage. So, while the premium comparison is made between the group rates and the lowest available individual rate, the possibility of getting standalone coverage is lower. Under a group plan, however, coverage is usually guaranteed.

If you are confused by personal finance terms, jargon and calculations, heres a series to simplify and deconstruct these for you. In the 111th part of this series, Riju Mehta lists some of the penalties you may be liable to pay.

Aluminium prices have seen significant swings this year driven by geopolitical tensions. Demand from key sectors like electric vehicles is robust and outpacing supply growth. Analysts remain constructive on Indian producers like Nalco and Hindalco Industries. Valuations have eased, making the sector attractive for investors. A buy-on-dips strategy is recommended amid ongoing global macro uncertainty.

TrendMap presents a 10-year performance tracker of domestic market sectors. Nine key NSE Sector indices show annual returns ranked by performance. Metals remain the long-term leader despite market cycles and volatility. Data includes YTD for 2026 and historical trading day closing values. This analysis covers Auto, Banks, Energy, FMCG, Infra, IT, Metals, Pharma, and Realty.