The Economic Times

Six small cap mutual funds delivered over 15% returns in the past six months, led by Bank of India Small Cap Fund with a 21.04% gain. Other performers include TRUSTMF, JM, Motilal Oswal, Union, and ITI funds, reflecting strong momentum in the small cap segment.

Delhi High Court ruled that tenants overstaying their lease must pay increased rent as per the agreement, even if they temporarily requested more time to vacate. The court emphasized that continued possession triggers the rent escalation clause automatically. This applies even to unregistered lease deeds, as the obligation matures upon expiry of the initial term. Landlords can pursue legal action for unpaid rent and eviction.

The EPFO's unified member portal is now live after an upgrade, bringing a new look and significant changes. Key services like UAN activation and direct allotment have moved to the UMANG app, utilizing Aadhaar-based Face Authentication. While UAN retrieval is simplified on the portal, death claim filing remains accessible. This update aims for faster, more secure services for all users.

Following his tryst with debt, the man recovered and developed his own theory for financial freedom, in which he stresses on incrementally building savings and paying off debts in a systematic way. Ramsey has also made this into a formalized series of 7 Baby Steps. He strongly advocates that if one can regulate the person in their mirror (themselves), they would win with money.

Eleven equity mutual funds turned investors lumpsum investments into more than four times their original value over the past seven years, led by small-cap schemes. Quant Small Cap Fund topped the list, while mid-cap, flexi-cap and ELSS funds also delivered strong long-term wealth creation, according to ETMutualFunds' analysis.

8th Pay Commission latest news: The 8th Pay Commission has extended the deadline for submitting crucial employee data to July 31, 2026, citing difficulties faced by various government bodies. This vital information, including sanctioned strength, personnel numbers, and attrition metrics, must be uploaded exclusively through the commission's online portal. The commission is also holding stakeholder meetings across India, with upcoming sessions in Bhubaneswar and Kolkata to gather input on pay, pe

22k gold rate: Gold prices are under scrutiny as buyers track daily fluctuations. Today, July 3, 2026, shoppers planning to purchase gold jewellery should compare rates across leading jewellers like Tanishq, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Kalyan Jewellers, and Joyalukkas, as prices vary.

A new Employees' Provident Funds Scheme, 2026, has replaced the 1952 version under the Code on Social Security, 2020. The EPF interest rate remains at 8.25% for the financial year 2025-26. While digital services are formally incorporated, private PF trusts now face a cap on their declared interest rates, not exceeding the central government's rate by more than 2%.

Choosing the best Nifty-based index fund involves more than just a low expense ratio. Experts emphasize that tracking error, which measures how closely a fund mirrors its benchmark, is crucial for long-term returns. While low costs are attractive, consistent replication accuracy, indicated by low tracking error, often proves more vital for passive investors aiming to capture market performance effectively.

Cashless health insurance claims are often rejected due to documentation or procedural issues, not outright denial. Understanding the reasons, like network hospital discrepancies or incomplete paperwork, is crucial. If rejected, policyholders can opt for reimbursement, but prompt follow-up with the insurer and proper documentation are key to resolving issues and ensuring claims are settled.

Investors seeking a balanced approach to wealth creation are increasingly favoring portfolios that blend equities with debt. A recent study highlights that a 70% equity, 30% debt mix, with strategic rebalancing, yielded impressive returns with significantly lower volatility compared to an all-equity index. This strategy helps investors remain invested through market ups and downs, offering a more stable investment journey.

Jio BlackRock is set to significantly expand its mutual fund offerings over the next three years, venturing into more specialized investment funds (SIFs), ETFs, and offshore products via GIFT City. Following the launch of its Prism Hybrid Long-Short fund, the company plans another SIF in the equity long-short category soon. ETFs are also on the horizon, promising wider access to global investment strategies for Indian investors.

8th Pay Commission salary calculator: Central government employee unions are pushing for significant changes in the 8th Pay Commission, demanding higher family unit counts, increased House Rent Allowance (HRA) and Transport Allowance (TPTA), and the merger of Dearness Allowance (DA) with basic pay. These bodies argue current provisions are insufficient for low-level employees, especially in major cities.

Traders are increasingly exploring FTMO alternatives as prop trading firms proliferate. These firms offer diverse evaluation systems, trading rules, and payout structures, catering to individual risk appetites and trading styles. Understanding how these models align with your strategy, rather than just brand recognition, is crucial for success in the funded trading space.

Manoranjan Pandey, who lost his life in the tragic accident in 2018, was the sole breadwinner of his family, according to the 2019 appeal filed in the Behrampur Motor Accident Claims Tribunal, and was running his own construction business and earning Rs 15 lakh per annum. Based on this, the claimant-appellants had sought a compensation to the tune of Rs 2.25 crore.

Even if your long-term capital gains from stocks are under Rs 1.25 lakh, you must still file your Income Tax Return for AY 2026-27. While this amount is tax-exempt, the Income Tax Department requires you to report these gains. Failure to disclose can lead to issues. Learn how to correctly report these gains in your ITR.

PPF interest rate: The Finance Ministry has maintained the Public Provident Fund (PPF) interest rate at 7.10% for the July-September 2026 quarter, keeping it unchanged from the previous period.

Ten equity mutual funds delivered over 25% returns in 2026 so far, led by Nippon India Taiwan Equity Fund with 102%, driven by international, emerging markets and technology themes.

The Supreme Court has upheld a husband's Will, which disinherited his wife and children from certain properties, favouring his sister. The court ruled that excluding legal heirs does not automatically make a Will suspicious, especially when the testator stated he had already provided sufficiently for his family. This decision reinforces that a Will's validity hinges on its proper execution and the testator's clear intent, not solely on inheritance patterns.

Around eight mutual funds and two specialised investment funds (SIFs) are currently open for subscription across categories including hybrid, index, multi-asset, overnight and life cycle funds. Offerings from Zerodha, ICICI Prudential, Invesco, JioBlackRock, JM, Tata, HDFC and Choice are accepting investments before their respective closing dates.

The government has introduced the Employees' Pension Scheme (EPS), 2026, replacing older schemes. The calculation formula for pensions also stays the same, based on pensionable salary and service.

The Reserve Bank of India's new concessional forex swap facility is set to significantly lower borrowing costs for government-owned financial institutions, encouraging them to increase external borrowings. This move aims to attract foreign capital, bolster reserves, and support the rupee. S&P Global Ratings highlights that these government-linked entities, crucial for strategic sectors, will benefit from cheaper funding and enhanced financial flexibility, potentially driving economic growth.

Invesco Mutual Fund has launched Summit SIF, an equity long-short fund offering both long and limited short exposure via derivatives. The NFO closes on July 16 and targets alpha generation through dynamic strategies combining stock selection and tactical shorts, managed by Hiten Jain and benchmarked to the BSE 500 TRI.

Should investors choose SIPs in stocks or mutual funds? According to Hercules Advisors founder Aditya Shah, while direct equities may offer higher returns, they demand constant monitoring and carry greater risks. For senior citizens and passive investors, diversified mutual funds with professional management and appropriate asset allocation can be a safer and more practical route to long-term wealth creation.

ETMutualFunds presents SIP portfolio ideas tailored for conservative, moderate and aggressive investors. The allocations span three investment brackets, starting from Rs 2,000 to above Rs 10,000, combining flexi cap, large cap, hybrid, mid cap and small cap funds. Selection is based on rolling returns, consistency, downside risk, outperformance and fund size.

Indian law governing a woman's property after her death without a will prioritizes her husband's heirs over her own parents. This outdated Hindu Succession Act, despite societal shifts where daughters are primary caregivers and financial supporters, leaves natal ties secondary to marital ones. While wills offer a solution, legislative reform is needed to reflect modern family realities and ensure parents are rightfully recognized in their daughter's succession line.

Gold prices saw an uptick across major Indian cities on Thursday, July 2, 2026. Leading jewellers like Tanishq, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Kalyan Jewellers, and Joyalukkas reported higher rates for 22K gold jewellery compared to the previous day.

Active share measures how much a mutual fund's portfolio differs from its benchmark, helping investors assess whether they are paying for genuine active management or closet index investing.

TRUSTMF Small Cap Fund emerged as the best-performing equity mutual fund over the past year, delivering a 22.78% return and outperforming both its benchmark and category average. Experts attribute the performance to strong stock selection but advise investors to focus on long-term asset allocation, disciplined SIPs, and realistic return expectations.

ITR filing: Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) offers significant advantages beyond just tax payment. It's crucial for claiming refunds, carrying forward losses to reduce future tax, and enhancing loan and visa application prospects. Even if your income is below taxable limits, filing might be mandatory under certain conditions.

ETMutualFunds decided to put out a list of top 10 mutual fund schemes. We have chosen two schemes from five different equity mutual fund categories - aggressive hybrid, large cap, mid cap, small cap and flexi cap schemes which we believe should be enough for regular mutual fund investors.

The Reserve Bank of India has maintained the Floating Rate Savings Bond interest rate at 8.05% following the Finance Ministry's decision to keep the National Savings Certificate rate at 7.7%. This bond offers a 0.35% premium over the NSC, providing a competitive return compared to many small savings schemes and bank fixed deposits.

On the Google Play community page, a user recently shared a similar experience. They said, I took a Rs 1 trial on Moj app, but Rs 699 was auto-debited without clear consent. I have not used the subscription service at all. Please cancel my subscription and process a full refund immediately.

A Kerala family has been awarded Rs 2.5 lakh compensation after a public sector bank lost the original Pattayam (land title deed) submitted as security for a Rs 3 lakh agricultural loan. The mother-son duo mortgaged their 2-acre-20-cent land in 2014. When they discovered the document was missing in 2018, they faced significant distress and hardship, leading to the consumer commission's ruling.

Even if your Form 16 shows zero tax payable due to the Section 87A rebate, filing an Income Tax Return (ITR) might still be mandatory. Certain income levels, high-value transactions like significant bank deposits, foreign travel, or owning foreign assets can trigger a filing requirement.

Indians traditionally hold gold as jewellery and a store of wealth, but it often sits idle. Gold leasing offers a way to earn returns by lending your gold, similar to earning rent. While government schemes provide a regulated framework, private platforms operate with fewer protections. Investors must weigh potential returns against significant risks like counterparty default and lack of insurance, making due diligence crucial before leasing.

Edelweiss Asset Management Company crossed Rs 1 lakh crore in equity AUM, with total assets reaching Rs 1.78 lakh crore. The milestone reflects growing retail participation, strong SIP inflows, consistent fund performance and rising investor confidence in long-term wealth creation.

Paisabazaar has launched PB Pass, a new complimentary airport lounge access program for its credit card users, offering entry to over 1,800 lounges globally. This benefit is available to new credit card applicants upon activation and first bill payment via the Paisabazaar app.

EPF Scheme 2026: The Employees' Provident Funds Scheme, 2026, has replaced the 1952 version, bringing the EPF under the new Social Security Code. While key benefits like contribution rates and UAN remain unchanged, the new framework emphasizes digital processes and introduces stricter governance for exempted trusts.

Diversification is key to successful investing, and Multi-Asset Allocation Funds offer a balanced approach. These funds invest in at least three asset classes, including equity for growth, debt for stability, and gold for diversification, ensuring a resilient portfolio. By combining these elements, investors gain exposure to multiple return sources through a single, convenient solution, helping navigate market cycles and achieve long-term goals.

Retirement planning often pits National Pension System (NPS) against equity mutual funds. While mutual funds offer flexibility and potentially higher returns, NPS boasts significant tax advantages and low costs. Read the article to know how a monthly investment of Rs 15,000, which goes up by 5% every year, can grow over 20 years in NPS and mutual funds.

Parents can open a Public Provident Fund (PPF) account for their minor children to secure their future, benefiting from compounding over the 15-year maturity period. While the annual contribution limit is 1.5 lakh across all minor accounts and the parent's own PPF, it offers tax benefits under the old regime.

Gold prices saw a slight dip today, July 1, 2026, across major Indian jewellers. Consumers looking to purchase gold jewellery will find it beneficial to compare rates from brands like Tanishq, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Joyalukkas, and Kalyan Jewellers.

Over the next 18 months, AlphaGrep Investment Management Pvt plans to unveil about half a dozen mutual funds, Chief Executive Officer Bhautik Ambani told a press conference Tuesday. On July 6, it will launch the first fund, a dynamically managed multi-asset fund investing across equities, fixed income and commodities.

A new Employees' Pension Scheme, 2026, has replaced earlier pension schemes, effective June 29, 2026. While core benefits like the pension formula and contributions remain, key changes include faster pension claim settlements within 20 days and a 12% interest penalty for EPFO delays.