The Economic Times

Equity mutual funds see renewed inflows in March, led by five schemes attracting nearly Rs 100 crore each, highlighting selective investor interest across domestic, international, and alternative strategies.

The Code on Social Security, 2020 expands the wage base for gratuity, potentially increasing payouts, but tax rules under the Income-tax Act, 1961 and the Income-tax Act, 2025 still rely on basic pay plus DA. With the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972 now subsumed, this mismatch could make part of the higher gratuity taxablehighlighting the need for alignment between labour and tax laws.

Gold rate today: Gold and silver prices are currently experiencing a minor dip. This trend is observed across major Indian jewellers and the Indian Bullion and Jewellers Association. Experts suggest that a strengthening dollar may cap any immediate price increases. The upcoming Akshaya Tritiya festival is a key period for gold purchases in India, with celebrations expected next week.

New Income Tax Return forms are here for Assessment Year 2026-27. A key change is a new field for a secondary address. Contact details are now primary and secondary. Reporting for representative assessees is simplified. The need to split capital gains based on transfer dates before or after July 23, 2024, has been removed.

Transferring equity within family accounts involves specific procedures and tax implications heres a quick guide to the rules, costs, and key considerations.

Haryana has revised minimum wages for unskilled, semi-skilled, skilled, and highly skilled workers, effective April 1, 2026. The new rates, determined by skill level, ensure equal pay for men and women. Employers are responsible for ensuring contractors also adhere to these revised wage structures.

JioBlackRock Mutual Funds Flexi Cap Fund exited Swiggy and 20 other stocks in March, while adding ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company and nine more. The fund also increased exposure to key largecaps, reflecting active portfolio reshuffling amid evolving market opportunities and valuation dynamics.

The drop in equity indices, coupled with macro stress from the war in the Middle East, has led major equity brokerages to downgrade India. The ensuing flight of capital, along with the 11% depreciation in rupee in the past 12 months, has really tightened the easy money window for primary capital.

8th Pay Commission: The Eighth Central Pay Commission is actively recruiting consultants on a contractual basis to bolster its research and analytical capabilities. Applications are open for Senior Consultants, Consultants, and Young Professionals, with specific experience and age criteria.

Mutual funds significantly reduced their cash holdings in March. This move indicates fund managers actively invested in the market during a period of correction. Despite global uncertainties, this strategy aimed to leverage potential investment opportunities. Several asset management companies deployed substantial cash reserves. This shift reflects a proactive approach to market dynamics.

Equity mutual funds saw a significant surge in monthly inflows during March, despite market downturns. This rise reflects a shift in investor behavior, with corrections now viewed as buying opportunities. Robust SIP flows and sustained confidence in India's growth outlook are key drivers behind this trend.

Flexi cap mutual funds offer fund managers the flexibility to invest across market capitalizations and sectors, making them suitable for moderate investors seeking long-term wealth creation with a five to seven-year horizon.

A Kerala High Court ruling clarifies that a settlement deed holds legal power over a Will. Even if children are excluded from family property in a Will, a settlement deed executed in their favour remains valid. This legal instrument allows for property transfer independent of a Will.

If you are confused by personal finance terms, jargon and calculations, heres a series to simplify and deconstruct these for you. In the 98th part of this series, Riju Mehta explains how this special category of bonds work.

Indian refiners are boosting Russian crude oil imports. This surge is driven by supply disruptions in the Middle East and a reduced threat of US sanctions. Executives expect these high purchase levels to continue for the remainder of the year. India is prioritizing securing its energy needs amidst global market volatility.

The annual returns are ranked for 9 key NSE Sector indices. Cyclicals dominate the decade, driven by capex, commodities, and recovery cycles. By Sameer Bhardwaj.

Acquired by Cyrus Poonawalla, one of Indias most prominent industrialists, this transaction reflects a shift in which price sensitivity declines and narrative, legacy, and positioning take precedence.

Travel insurance faces challenges due to global conflicts and increased flight costs. Many insurers are suspending coverage for affected regions. Leisure travel to West Asia and Europe is down. However, senior citizens visiting children in the US are proceeding with travel plans. Pre-existing condition coverage remains a key concern for elderly travelers.

Whether in trust deeds, corporate agreements or commercial contracts, even a single clause drafted without sufficient precision can significantly alter the legal consequences of an arrangement. in matters of taxation, precision in drafting is not merely good practice but an essential safeguard.

Parents buy maternity cover for delivery, but the bigger financial risk is complications after birth.

In India, property carries both emotional and financial weight. As Indian wealth increases, the shift has to be from accumulation to intentional transfer. Real estate will sit at the centre of that journey

For global diversification, experts recommend a diversified, disciplined approach across regions.

The Iran war will also likely hit semiconductor output, amid disruptions in the shipments of key inputs for chip manufacturing like helium, sulfur and petrochemical products, according to the ADB. Tourism-dependent economies will likewise feel the drag after the war upended global travel, it added.

Sankaran Naren explains why markets are more attractive but unlikely to deliver outsized returns and shares his macro-driven approach with Sanket Dhanorkar.

FY26 left your equity portfolio bruised. As FY27 begins, heres how to heal it.

The 8th Central Pay Commission is holding meetings with unions and government organizations in New Delhi and Pune this month and next, respectively. Interested parties must submit a memorandum by April 30, 2026, to secure an appointment. The commission is also recruiting consultants for full-time and part-time roles.

Unique stocks in mutual funds are those held by only one fund house. In March, around 234 such stocks were identified, with select picks like Marathon Nextgen Realty, Premier Explosives, and others reflecting concentrated conviction by funds such as Quant, HDFC, and Bandhan.

Equity mutual funds posted strong weekly gains of up to 13%, with 608 out of 615 schemes ending in positive territory. International, thematic, and sectoral funds led performance, reflecting broad-based market recovery and strong investor participation across diversified equity strategies.

Equity mutual funds witnessed sharp AUM declines in March amid market volatility, with 691 of 728 funds affected. Major schemes from HDFC Mutual Fund, SBI Mutual Fund, and ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund saw heavy outflows, reflecting investor caution and market-driven erosion.

A property seller successfully claimed a Rs 21 lakh TDS credit at ITAT Delhi after the buyer mistakenly deposited it in the wrong year. Despite the Income Tax Department's denial, the tribunal ruled that capital gains must be taxed in the year of transfer, allowing credit based on Form 71.

Abakkus Flexi Cap Fund, backed by Sunil Singhania, boosted its holdings in HDFC Bank and Reliance Industries in March. The fund also increased its stake in 28 other stocks, notably Tata Steel and Bank of Baroda. A new investment was made in Mahindra & Mahindra, while Bharat Petroleum Corporation was exited.

Debt mutual funds saw a massive Rs 3 lakh crore outflow in March. This sharp reversal followed inflows in February. Liquid funds and overnight funds faced the biggest redemptions. Experts attribute this to quarter-end institutional adjustments and profit booking. Assets under management for debt funds also declined significantly. This trend is seen as a temporary liquidity adjustment.

Mutual fund NFOs saw strong traction in March, with 24 launches collectively raising 3,985 crore, led by HDFC MFs index fund contributing the largest share.

A retired widow, Smt. Vanajakshi, mistakenly believed she wasn't receiving dearness allowance on her regular pension. Despite receiving DA on both her family and regular pensions, she filed a court case. The Madras High Court dismissed her claim, confirming she was already receiving DA on both pensions, as per company records and relevant rules.

An ITAT ruling clarified that stamp duty valuation doesn't define agricultural land status for income tax. The tribunal emphasized that official revenue records, actual cultivation, and lack of formal conversion are key factors. This decision protects buyers from tax additions based solely on higher urban land stamp duty rates.

In March, equity mutual fund inflows soared to their highest level in eight months, showcasing a resilient commitment from domestic investors even amid market turbulence. Their increased investments played a crucial role in balancing out the recent foreign fund exits. Moreover, contributions via Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) surged to unprecedented figures.

In India, many employees who laid-off by their respective companies remain unaware of their legal rights. The article clarifies notice periods, conditions for attending office post-layoff, and how severance packages are calculated for different employee categories. It also details entitled monetary benefits, bonus, variable pay, and ESOPs, advising employees to review settlement papers and understand their legal recourse if dues are denied.

The Income Tax Department has launched the new TRACES 2.0 portal, replacing the old system with an upgraded, user-friendly interface for streamlined TDS compliance. This platform centralizes Form 26AS, AIS, and TDS certificates, simplifying reporting with a single 'Tax Year' concept. While property buyers cannot deposit TDS here, they can use TRACES 2.0

Senior citizens can now secure fixed deposit interest rates as high as 8.05 percent for a five-year term. Several banks are offering this attractive rate. Tax deducted at source applies if FD interest exceeds one lakh rupees annually. However, eligible senior citizens can submit Form 15H to avoid TDS deductions. This offers a significant opportunity for enhanced returns on savings.

Bank holiday today: It is important to note that banks in India observe a standardised holiday schedule that includes all Sundays, the second and fourth Saturdays of each month, as well as regional and national holidays declared in the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) annual holiday calendar..

Policyholders facing rising premiums, slow claims, and opaque hospital pricing will soon see changes. IRDAI's new sub-committee aims to simplify health insurance, boost transparency, and improve claim processing. Key focus areas include streamlining digital systems, controlling fraud, and enhancing coordination between private and public health schemes for a better consumer experience.

Scalping is a high-speed trading style focused on capturing tiny price movements, demanding radical honesty, unbreakable discipline, and flawless execution. It requires a deep understanding of costs, including regulatory charges and the Tap Tax from trading apps, to achieve profitability. Success hinges on disciplined execution, managing risk ruthlessly, and knowing when to stop.

Gold prices in Dubai are drawing attention today, April 10, 2026. Geopolitical events, including the US-Iran ceasefire, are influencing the market. Investors are observing these developments closely. Various jewelers like Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Joyalukkas, Kalyan Jewellers, Dubai Jewellery Group, and iGold are reporting gold rates across different karats.

The Income Tax Department is hosting a quiz on the new Income Tax Act, 2025. This initiative aims to boost citizen awareness of the taxation system. Participants can win cash prizes, with the top ten winners receiving Rs 10,000 each. The quiz runs from March 20 to April 20, 2026.

Mutual fund SIP stoppage ratio surged to 100% in March as discontinued SIPs outpaced new registrations, even though monthly SIP contributions hit a record Rs 32,087 crore. Overall investor participation remained strong, with equity inflows extending their multi-year positive streak and SIP accounts nearing 9.72 crore, reflecting sustained long-term investment appetite.

State Bank of India (SBI) has alerted customers to potential disruptions in OTP-based services on April 11, 2026, between 02:30 and 02:50 hrs IST due to scheduled maintenance. During this brief window, internet banking, YONO Lite, and YONO services may experience intermittent issues.