The Economic Times

Employees Provident Fund interest for FY 2025-26 will be credited by July 15, 2026. Subscribers will receive an 8.25% interest rate on their EPF contributions. This marks the third consecutive year the interest rate remains unchanged. EPFO members can check their balance through the UMANG app or SMS service. Interest accrues monthly, so delays do not cause subscriber losses.

Digital asset infrastructure is increasingly driven by efficiency and market access. Blockchain networks offer faster settlement and continuous risk management capabilities. Tokenisation and multi-asset platforms are reshaping financial distribution models. Clear regulation will significantly shape mainstream adoption of these technologies. India's digital public infrastructure may benefit from these evolving market structures.

Sharpe ratio measures risk-adjusted returns by comparing excess returns to risk. Here are the five flexicap mutual funds with the highest Sharpe ratios and their three-year performance.

Five equity mutual funds delivered over 20% annualised SIP returns in 10 years, led by Quant Small Cap. Investors should prioritise risk profile, goals, and investment horizon over past performance.

PGIM India Mutual Fund has temporarily suspended subscriptions in three international fund of funds from July 9, citing overseas investment limits. Fresh SIP registrations will not be accepted after the cut-off time on July 8, while existing SIP and STP instalments will continue without interruption.

KFintech's Finex program significantly reduces mutual fund SIP processing times. Physical SIP registrations now achieve same-day activation, a major improvement. This transformation leverages AI and automation for efficient data handling.

Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund increased its holdings in ITC, TCS, HCL Technologies and 14 other stocks in June, while trimming exposure to Dr Reddys Laboratories and Maruti Suzuki India. The fund also added Petronet LNG as a new portfolio entrant and made no complete exits during the month.

Individuals and HUFs not eligible for ITR-1 can file ITR-2 online. This guide details the necessary documents and steps for submission. The e-filing portal requires filling specific schedules before final submission. Pre-filled data in Part A General needs verification and potential profile updates. E-verification must be completed within thirty days after submitting the return.

Taxpayers should gather documents and choose the correct tax regime and ITR form. Verify Annual Information Statement and Form 26AS details carefully before filing. Ensure all personal information and pre-filled data are accurate and verified.

Senior citizen paid Rs 1.23 lakh extra to upgrade to Air India business class due to his cervical spondylosis condition but seats turned to be faulty causing him neck, shoulder, lumbar pain and vertigo; NCDRC upheld Rs 20lakh compensation, refund order Read below to know how the senior citizen won the case.

The new Income Tax Act, 2025, takes effect from April 1, 2026, maintaining current tax slab rates. Highest tax rate remains 30% for incomes exceeding Rs 24 lakh under this regime. Marginal relief prevents excessive tax burdens when income slightly crosses Rs 12 lakh. The new tax regime is now the default option for individual taxpayers. Salaried individuals benefit from a Rs 75,000 standard deduction and tax rebate.

ET Wealth Reader's Query: I am a foreign citizen and an only son. My mother wants to make me the joint owner in a property that belongs to her. Is this permitted in India considering that I now have a foreign citizenship?

India's central bank has reiterated its preference for a cryptocurrency policy leaning towards prohibition, warning that crypto assets and stablecoins could threaten financial stability and monetary sovereignty, according to internal government documents reviewed by Reuters.

Quant Small Cap Fund made a major portfolio reshuffle in June, exiting Reliance Industries and eight other stocks while increasing exposure to Adani Enterprises, Adani Green Energy and 13 more companies. The fund also added Bharti Airtel, IDFC First Bank and LIC Housing Finance as new portfolio entrants.

Gold prices saw a slight decrease today across major Indian jewellery retailers. Tanishq, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Kalyan Jewellers, and Joyalukkas reduced their 22-carat gold rates. These price adjustments were observed in key cities nationwide.

The Income-tax Act, 2025 introduces a new audit trigger for businesses. This change clarifies audit requirements for low-profit businesses under presumptive taxation. Previously, ambiguity existed regarding mandatory audits for lower profit declarations. The new Act expressly links lower-than-presumptive profit declarations to mandatory audits. This amendment brings greater certainty to tax compliance for small businesses.

Monthly investments of Rs 20,000 in mutual fund SIPs and bank RDs are compared. SIPs offer potential for higher returns over five years, while RDs provide predictable outcomes. India Post RD offers 6.7% interest, yielding Rs 14.27 lakh after five years.

Non-resident Indians (NRIs) and overseas citizens of India (OCIs) can consider investing in FCNR(B) and NRE fixed deposits to achieve reliable returns. While FCNR(B) deposits safeguard against currency fluctuations as they are held in foreign currency, NRE deposits offer opportunities in Indian rupees without such protection. Ultimately, your decision should align with your currency expectations and future financial objectives. Both investment avenues are tax-exempt and allow full repatriation.

Many taxpayers mistakenly believe that rental income from a house gifted to a spouse is taxable in the recipient spouse's hands. This article explains the clubbing and deemed ownership provisions under Sections 27 and 64, the correct ITR reporting requirements, and seven key things taxpayers should know before filing ITR for AY 2026-27.

Central government employees now have two new investment choices. These options were previously available only to central government employees. Now, National Pension System subscribers in Central Autonomous Bodies can also access them.

Consistently filing Income Tax Returns creates a verifiable financial document. Banks often request these returns to assess loan applicant income stability. ITRs also help demonstrate financial capacity for visa and study abroad applications. Landlords and businesses may seek ITRs for tenancy and partnership evaluations. Preserving complete tax records is crucial for future financial needs and compliance.

Small cap mutual funds delivered an average return of 21.89% over the past three months, sparking debate on whether investors should continue SIPs, invest afresh or rebalance portfolios. Experts advise sticking to long-term asset allocation, preferring staggered investments through SIPs or STPs, while cautioning that elevated valuations warrant selective exposure.

Missing a term insurance premium does not immediately cancel coverage. A grace period allows payment, and nominees receive benefits if death occurs. Unpaid premiums after the grace period cause the policy to lapse, stopping life cover. Lapsed policies can be revived within five years, often requiring health checks.

Investors with a 24-30 month horizon are choosing income plus arbitrage funds. These funds combine debt and arbitrage schemes for stability and tax efficiency. The category manages over twenty-three thousand crore rupees across twenty-two schemes. This investment strategy offers tax benefits compared to fixed deposits and debt funds. Wealthy investors are increasingly allocating capital to these tax-efficient mutual fund options.

Existing tax benefits and approvals will continue under the Income Tax Act, 2025. Pending applications filed before March 31, 2026, will be processed under the new law. Lower or nil TDS certificates issued previously remain protected and valid. New applications filed after April 1, 2026, will follow the 2025 Act. Taxpayers need not take additional action for this transition.

One co-owner can evict tenants without others' formal consent. The Bombay High Court and Supreme Court have upheld this right. This principle allows a co-owner to act as an agent for others. However, objections from other co-owners can weaken the eviction case. Documenting consent and avoiding ownership changes during litigation is crucial.

Latest EPF withdrawal rules: EPFO subscribers can withdraw funds for specific needs like illness and education. Withdrawals for marriage and housing are permitted up to five times. Special circumstances allow advances twice annually under new guidelines.

ETMutualFunds has shortlisted the top largecap mutual funds based on mean rolling returns, consistency over the last five years, downside risk, outperformance and asset size. The list includes Axis Large Cap Fund, Canara Robeco Large Cap Fund, Mirae Asset Large Cap Fund, Baroda BNP Paribas Large Cap Fund and Edelweiss Large Cap Fund.

Five midcap mutual funds delivered over 20% annualised returns in the past three years, led by HSBC Midcap Fund at 26.3%, highlighting strong wealth creation despite market volatility.

Elder sister gave the house to a brother via registered Will but other other brothers occupied the house with an alleged unregistered Will; Andhra High Court upholds registered Will and rejects other brother's claim on unregistered Will's basis. Know what did Andhra Pradesh High Court say about the Will.

Gold prices saw a decline across major Indian jewellery brands today. Tanishq, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Kalyan Jewellers, and Joyalukkas reported lower rates. These price drops were observed in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai.

Twelve equity mutual funds achieved over Rs 1,000 NAV by July 2026. These funds delivered up to 24% CAGR since their respective inception dates. Most schemes have been available for over twenty-five years in the market. Nippon India Growth Mid Cap Fund showed the highest NAV at Rs 4,499.70. These funds represent various categories including mid cap and flexi cap.

The Employees' Pension Scheme 2026 has been introduced, replacing older pension plans. This new scheme maintains the existing pension calculation formula for subscribers. Pensionable salary is determined by the average of the last sixty months' earnings. Employees receive a minimum monthly pension of one thousand rupees. Service years are enhanced by two years for those with twenty or more years of contribution.

HDFC Bank has adjusted its MCLR rates, with changes effective July seventh, 2026. The overnight MCLR decreased by five basis points, while longer tenors saw increases. One-year and three-year MCLRs rose by five basis points each.

The Employees Provident Fund Organisation has finished a major system upgrade and database consolidation. Some EPFO services are temporarily unavailable on the UMANG app due to this migration.

International mutual funds have delivered strong one-year returns, significantly outperforming domestic equity categories. This outperformance is largely driven by global technology stocks and currency depreciation against the US dollar. Experts advise against chasing recent gains, emphasizing long-term asset allocation for international diversification. While international funds show strong recent performance, domestic equity funds remain well-placed for long-term wealth creation.

Small cap funds saw significant inflows in May 2026 after a poor 2025. Despite market volatility, advisors suggest staggered investments for long-term wealth creation. These funds invest in companies ranked below 250 by market capitalization. Small cap stocks offer high return potential but also carry considerable risk. Investors should select skilled fund managers and monitor performance during downturns.

Central government employees' union requested simpler recovery waivers for excess payments. The DoE secretary assured examination of these demands with DoPT. Audits often identify past overpayments, leading to salary deductions. NC-JCM argues these are administrative errors, not employee fault. They propose delegating waiver powers to department heads for faster resolution.

India's Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) is undergoing a significant modernization with the EPF Scheme, 2026. Existing subscribers will see continuity in their balances and membership, while new entrants will find a clearer framework for contributions and benefits. A key change involves increased flexibility for voluntary contributions, allowing employees to build larger retirement funds.

Rich investors are exploring niche mutual funds and specialized investment funds. These products offer higher returns and better tax efficiency for portfolios. Funds bundle debt, arbitrage, REITs, and InvITs to boost investor returns. This strategy provides a tax advantage over fixed deposits and debt funds. Investors must understand liquidity differences between fund types.