Global gold demand hit a Q1 record in 2025, propelled by strong ETF inflows and sustained central bank buying, even as jewellery demand declined sharply due to high prices. According to Motilal Oswal Private Wealth, gold prices soared to record highs amid geopolitical tensions, trade wars, and a weakening US dollar, pushing overall market value significantly higher despite only a modest supply increase.

A Hyderabad builder, lacking RERA registration, allegedly misused funds from 62 homebuyers by diverting them to other projects, leading to significant construction delays while homebuyers were paying the home loan EMI. Telangana RERA intervened, finding the project only 20% complete after three years and ordering the builder to refund the homebuyers with 11% interest due to Section 3 & 4 violations and lack of commitment. Read more.

The Income Tax Department has released the Excel utility versions of ITR Forms 1 and 4 for AY 2025-26, enabling taxpayers to prepare for FY 2024-25 filings. A key change in ITR-1 now invalidates filings for certain TDS sections, directing taxpayers with income from sources like online games or crypto to use other appropriate forms.

Flexi-cap funds provide broad market exposure by allowing fund managers the freedom to move across large-, mid-, and small-cap stocks based on changing market conditions. Their adaptability makes them a solid core holding for many portfolios. However, relying solely on flexi-cap funds carries risks like manager bias and inconsistent alpha generation, said Rajesh Minocha

ETMutualFunds analysis reveals that five equity mutual funds gave over 15% annual returns in the last three years. HDFC Mutual Fund and Quant Mutual Fund had two funds each in the list. Franklin Templeton Mutual Fund had one. HDFC Flexi Cap Fund and HDFC Focused 30 Fund are among the top performers.

The Nifty Auto index was trading 1.08 per cent down at 23301.1.

Bharat Dynamics shares jumped 5.6% after reports said the government plans to raise defence R&D spending to Rs 40,000 crore next year and double it over five years, allowing private players to compete with PSUs. Separately, a Rs 2,0003,000 crore missile order for BDL is in the works. The company is also expanding output amid rising demand.

Equity mutual funds performed well in May. Sectoral and thematic funds led the gains. Nippon India Taiwan Equity Fund topped with a 19.46% return. HDFC Defence Fund followed closely. Some funds, however, showed negative returns. Axis US Treasury Dynamic Bond ETF FoF saw the biggest loss. Healthcare funds also experienced declines. The analysis highlights fund performance in May.

NRIs face a complex decision when it comes to choosing between investing in India, driven by emotional ties and growth potential, or in their country of residence, offering stability and familiarity. A balanced, globally diversified portfolio is key, aligning with personal goals and mitigating risks like currency depreciation. Strategic planning, compliance, and professional advice are crucial for long-term wealth creation and preservation.

Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders, aged 18-70, can invest in the National Pension Scheme (NPS) on either a repatriation or non-repatriation basis. Contributions must be made through NRE/NRO accounts, with NRE accounts recommended for those wanting to remit funds back to their country of residence. But if an NPS subscriber has given up on their Indian citizenship and hasn't yet received or applied for an OCI card, they are not eligible to hold an NPS account.

The EPFO is set to revolutionize PF withdrawals by June 2025, enabling instant access via UPI and ATMs, pending NPCI approval. This initiative, supported by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, will allow members to check balances and transfer funds seamlessly.

Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders experienced a 51% YoY decline in Q4FY25 net profit, reaching Rs 325 crore, despite a slight revenue increase of 2.3% to Rs 3,174 crore. While quarterly profits dipped, the full financial year saw a 25% profit increase to Rs 2,414 crore and a 21% revenue surge to Rs 11,432 crore.

Apollo Hospitals anticipates a steady Q4, fueled by margin expansion and robust pharmacy growth. Analysts highlight improved digital traction from Apollo 24/7, potentially offsetting challenges from festive season softness and geopolitical issues in Bangladesh. Hospital revenues are expected to rise, supported by patient volumes, while key updates on new hospital projects are awaited.

Zerodha AMC has surpassed 6,400 crore in AUM within 18 months, driven by its direct-only, low-cost ETF strategy. Its LIQUIDCASE ETF amassed 4,700 crore alone, marking one of Indias most successful retail ETF launches.

Eight mutual fund NFOs are open, including three index funds, two ETFs, one flexi cap, one sectoral, and one fund of funds. Subscription deadlines range from May 30 to June 11.

Axis Bank is updating terms for its REWARDS and Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Cards starting June 20, 2025. REWARDS cardholders will see a simplified spend exclusion approach for rewards and fee waivers, using categories instead of MCC codes.

In the Nifty pack, 37 stocks closed in the green, while 13 stocks ended in the red.

Retirement planning is a lifelong journey, starting early is crucial for a secure future. The article breaks down retirement planning into four stages, emphasizing the importance of consistent saving, strategic investments, and adapting to changing financial responsibilities. It also addresses common retirement challenges and offers solutions for those who start late, highlighting the significance of financial freedom in later years.

June 2025 brings significant financial changes, including the EPFO 3.0 launch for simplified PF withdrawals and revised credit card policies from HDFC, Axis, and Kotak Mahindra Bank. Taxpayers should note the TDS certificate deadline, while individuals have until June 14 to update Aadhaar details for free.

Affluent, risk-averse investors are exploring tax-efficient mutual fund strategies amid high equity valuations. Options like arbitrage funds, multi-asset allocation, and precious metal ETFs offer attractive post-tax returns and portfolio diversification across asset classes.

Before investing, select a scheme that aligns with your risk tolerance, investment horizon, and financial objectives.

Groww Mutual Fund has launched the Groww Nifty 500 Low Volatility 50 ETF, an open-ended scheme tracking the Nifty 500 Low Volatility 50 Index - TRI. The NFO is open until June 11, with a minimum investment of Rs 500. Aimed at long-term capital growth, the passively managed fund focuses on low-volatility stocks with minimal tracking error.

Salaried employees often prefer investment in mutual funds, through systematic investment plans (SIP)

Franklin Templeton Mutual Fund will change the fundamental attributes of its Franklin India Multi-Asset Solution FoF, renaming it Franklin India Income Plus Arbitrage Active FoF. Effective July 4, 2025, the scheme will shift focus to debt and arbitrage strategies with a revised asset allocation and no exit load. Investors can redeem without a load between June 4July 3, 2025.

Last date to get Form 16: Form 16 is a TDS Certificate, which is received by the employee from the employer. This TDS certificate makes the process of ITR filing easier for the salaried taxpayers. The deadline to file income tax return for the FY 2024-25 has been extended by the Income Tax Department to September 15, 2025. When will a salaried employee receive their Form 16 from the employer?

Around 29 equity mutual funds have delivered over 25% CAGR in both the last three and five years, as per ETMutualFunds analysis of 199 funds with five-year track records. Notable performers include Bandhan Core Equity Fund, Bandhan Small Cap Fund, and Edelweiss Mid Cap Fund, which posted 28.57% and 34.13% CAGR over three and five years, respectively.

Bank holiday today: Banks in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, will remain closed on May 29, 2025, in observance of Maharana Pratap Jayanti. Online banking services will be available to the bank customers. Several states will observe bank holidays in June 2025. These include Id-ul-Ad'ha, Bakri ID, Sant Guru Kabir Jayanti, Ratha Yatra, and Remna Ni.

The 30-share BSE Sensex was up 58.55 points at 81370.87

JM Financial is optimistic about JK Cement. They have reiterated a Buy rating. The target price is revised to Rs 5,850. JK Cement's Q4FY25 EBITDA exceeded expectations. Expansion plans are on track. Capacity is expected to reach 50mt by FY30. Cost-saving measures are underway. The brokerage has increased FY26-27 EBITDA estimates.

In short, if you are planning to invest for three to five years, but dont want to take a call on interest rates, you can bet on dynamic bond funds. Kotak Dynamic Bond Fund, one of the recommended schemes, has been in the third quartile for the last 12 months. ICICI Prudential All Seasons Bond Fund has been in the second quartile for the last 12 months. Please follow our monthly updates to keep track of your investments.

The New Income Tax Bill, 2025 introduces a 'forex fluctuation benefit' that allows NRIs (excluding FIIs) to potentially pay lower long-term capital gains tax on unlisted equity shares. This provision addresses the issue of NRIs being taxed on artificially inflated income due to rupee depreciation. Read more to know how this helps.

Many Indians prioritize airport lounge access when choosing credit cards. However, only some premium cards extend this perk to add-on members and guests. This often comes with high annual fees, like the Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card, which offers unlimited lounge access for add-on cardholders and guests of the primary cardholder as well.

Trading below the 200 DMA is generally seen as a negative signal, as it suggests the stock is trading below its long-term trend line.

IRCTC's AskDISHA 2.0, an AI-powered virtual assistant, simplifies train ticket booking and refund processes. Users can effortlessly book tickets using voice commands in multiple languages and secure OTP authentication. The assistant also facilitates quick refund status checks and ticket cancellations, enhancing user experience by streamlining travel-related tasks and minimizing complexities.

Edelweiss Mid Cap Fund stood out as the only outperformer among mid-cap funds in April 2025, delivering 5.08% returns against the benchmark's 4.99%. With a strong long-term track record, disciplined stock selection, and high liquidity, experts recommend it for investors with a minimum three-year horizon seeking growth in India's mid-cap segment amid market volatility.

American stock futures saw a surge. The dollar also strengthened. This happened after a U.S. court put a stop to President Donald Trump's tariffs. The court ruling led to positive market reactions. Analysts suggest caution. They cite the possibility of appeals. The long-term impact on trade remains uncertain. Investors are closely monitoring developments.

The Lokpal dismissed complaints against former Sebi chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch, which were based on a Hindenburg Research report, citing a lack of verifiable material. Allegations of impropriety and conflict of interest, including investments in offshore funds linked to Vinod Adani, were deemed untenable and unsubstantiated. The Lokpal emphasized that Buch had redeemed the investments before the Sebi investigation began.

Motilal Oswal advice lump sum investments in stable large, hybrid, and flexi cap funds, while recommending staggered investing in volatile mid and small caps. Fixed income looks favorable amid RBIs supportive stance. Active funds show strong long-term compounding despite short-term dips.

This new fee policy aims to regulate excessive fuel-related usage on credit cards, especially for premium or rewards-based cards.