The Economic Times

If you are confused by personal finance terms, jargon and calculations, heres a series to simplify and deconstruct these for you. In the 101st part of this series, Riju Mehta explains the difference between the three types of financial statements.

For best portfolio results, its best not to get swayed by any one asset class. Experts recommend diversification. While asset allocation is the way to go, the question remains: what is the best combination? Every investor has their own asset allocation. Heres a start. In this weeks TrendMap, ET Wealth compares seven asset combinations. Portfolios with gold have delivered a notable returns boost in recent years, while those with zero gold exposure have persistently lagged. By Sameer Bhardwaj.

There are several types of orders that investors can place on the exchange, and each interacts with the system in a distinct way. The choice of order type determines how and when a trade is executed, the price it gets filled at, and even whether it gets executed at all. As a result, the order an investor chooses can significantly impact trading outcomes and overall returns.

An online game is any game played on a phone, laptop, or digital device, operated through software using the internet or any form of electronic communication. This definition ensures that almost every form of digital gaming falls within its scope. The real difference, and the real tax impact, begins when we look at how these games are classified.

Women are learning to keep pace with the ubiquitous apps and AI, shrugging off dependence on their kids for financial transactions, online shopping, utility bill payments, documentation and paperwork, health care and medical needs, travel (booking cabs or navigation), recreation, and even career management.

From vesting-day perquisite taxes to a 40% US estate levy that most Indian professionals never see coming, your employers stock is not the safe reward it feels like.

HDFC MFs Navneet Munot tells Sanket Dhanorkar and Kayezad E. Adajania how navigating crises has shaped investing discipline, risk management and future strategy.

Can the NPS Swasthya scheme be an effective substitute for a comprehensive health insurance plan that covers hospitalisation and related expenses? Participating companies say that is not its objective. The scheme allows you to dip into your NPS corpus to fund healthcare needs, but several conditions apply.

When IRDAI defines success as premium collected, and the industry maximises commissions by selling products that collect maximum premium per unit of cover, the two are in perfect alignment. No one needs to collude. The ruler measures what the industry finds convenient. The industry finds it convenient because the ruler keeps pointing upward.

Even as individuals from Tier-2/3 cities and beyond are rapidly embracing the world of stocks and mutual funds, gaps in advisory and awareness may leave investors vulnerable.

Invesco India Mid Cap Fund gave the highest return of 27.2% in the last three years. The fund is assigned a four-star rating and had an AUM of Rs 9.895 crore.

Growing up in a middle-class family that valued discipline and long-term thinking, I developed an early interest in understanding how businesses grow and create value. That curiosity gradually evolved into a passion for equity markets and investing.

Bank employees will see a slight increase in their take-home pay as the government has raised Dearness Allowance (DA) from May 1, 2026. The DA has been revised to 25.70%, a 0.70% hike from the previous quarter's 25%. This adjustment impacts salaries across various pay scales for the May-July period.

Bajaj Finance has boosted interest rates on its 31-60 month fixed deposits to 7.40%, with senior citizens now earning up to 7.75%. These revised rates are effective May 1, 2026. The 8th Pay Commission has also released schedules for upcoming meetings in Hyderabad, Srinagar, and Ladakh during May and June 2026 to gather stakeholder input on pay and pension matters.

Five mutual fund NFOs and one SIF are set to open for subscription this week, offering investors fresh opportunities across index, ETF and thematic categories. With varying investment minimums and timelines, these launches reflect fund houses efforts to expand offerings and capture investor interest in evolving market segments.

Gold prices saw fluctuations on May 2, 2026, influenced by global uncertainties and inflation concerns. Leading jewelers like Tanishq, Joyalukkas, Kalyan Jewellers, and Malabar Gold & Diamonds reported varying 22k gold rates. The IBJA provided indicative rates as of April 30 due to market closures.

Bengaluru property owners can now avail a 5% rebate on property tax by paying in full by May 31, 2026, as the deadline has been extended. Additionally, the Greater Bengaluru Authority has enabled online e-Khata downloads using SAS Property Tax ID, simplifying the process for citizens.

Ex-Top 100 long-short SIF strategies have delivered strong near-term gains, with leading funds returning up to 15% in a month. The approach focuses on mid and small caps outside top 100 stocks, combining long equity exposure with selective short positions for alpha generation.

New Citizenship Rules for 2026 are here. Minor children cannot hold two passports. OCI registration is now digital, with e-OCI cards. Applying for OCI is fully online. Renouncing or cancelling OCI cards has clear electronic procedures. Biometric data can be used for fast immigration. These changes simplify processes and enhance digital record-keeping for citizenship matters.

Six equity mutual funds delivered over 20% returns in April, led by international and sector-focused schemes. A majority of funds posted positive returns, reflecting strong market momentum. Global indices, especially Nasdaq, supported performance, while only two funds ended negative, highlighting broad-based gains across categories during the month.

Quant Mutual Fund advises aggressive portfolio rebalancing amid improving market conditions, citing attractive valuations and strong liquidity. It favors large caps, selective mid and small caps, and sectors like energy, infrastructure, and financials, while remaining cautious on manufacturing uncertainties.

Senior citizens seeking stable income and market-risk-free returns often turn to fixed deposits. Banks commonly offer enhanced interest rates for senior citizens, along with benefits like premature withdrawal, loan options, and sweep-in facilities. This article explores the highest FD rates available from PSU, private, and small finance banks for this demographic.

A long-term investor with Rs 10 lakh and a 15-year horizon can build a simple four-fund mutual fund portfolio combining a Nifty index fund and flexi-cap funds. The strategy focuses on disciplined investing, diversification, and staying invested through volatility to generate sustainable wealth over time despite market fluctuations.

The Supreme Court granted bail and suspended the jail sentence of a government officer accused of taking a Rs 10,000 bribe. The unusual reason for the relief was that rats had destroyed the seized bribe money, raising concerns about evidence preservation. The court will further examine this issue.

Banks in India are not open on all Saturdays. So anyone willing to complete their bank work today (Saturday, May 2, 2026) must check if banks are open or closed today.

Securing prestigious scholarships for studying abroad requires more than just academic merit; it demands years of dedicated groundwork and a compelling narrative. Indian students aiming for international education must strategically build impactful profiles, focusing on deep engagement with specific issues and clearly articulating their intent and need.

The All India NPS Employees' Federation met with the 8th Pay Commission chairperson and other members. It proposed allowing central government NPS subscribers to switch to Old Pension Scheme after completing certain years in service. It has also requested raising the retirement age for central government teachers to 65.

Inflation's rise impacts living costs, prompting the RBI to manage it via the repo rate. Changes in this rate directly affect personal loan interest, with unsecured loans responding faster. Understanding these dynamics and borrower profiles helps in preparing for loan applications and securing favorable terms.

The UK's Renters' Rights Act, effective May 1, 2026, significantly overhauls tenant protections. Key changes include abolishing 'no-fault' evictions, capping upfront rent to one month, and prohibiting rental bidding wars. Landlords must now reasonably consider pet requests, and fixed-term contracts are replaced by flexible rolling tenancies, offering renters greater security and stability.

The 8th Central Pay Commission is set to hold crucial meetings in Hyderabad, Srinagar, and Ladakh during May and June 2026. Employee unions and organizations are invited to submit their pay, pension, and allowance-related demands online. The deadline for memorandum submission has been extended to May 31, 2026, with specific appointment booking requirements.

The amount you borrow should depend on your personal financial situation, including monthly expenses, existing liabilities, lifestyle needs, and long-term financial goals such as childrens education, retirement planning, or emergency savings. Ideally, the EMI should not exceed 3540% of your monthly take-home income.

Visa card payments in the UAE are now faster. Visa has partnered with Emirates NBD for local processing of card transactions in UAE Dirhams. This means domestic Visa card payments for shopping, dining, and travel will be processed locally. Consumers will experience quicker transactions without any changes to how they use their cards.

Gold rate today: Gold prices experienced minor fluctuations on Friday, May 1, 2026, with 22k gold rates varying across major Indian cities. Leading jewelers like Tanishq, Joyalukkas, Kalyan Jewellers, and Malabar Gold & Diamonds reported updated prices.

The Department of Posts now mandates quoting Permanent Account Number (PAN) for specified transactions. Individuals without a PAN must submit Form No. 97 with complete details. These changes, part of the Income-tax Rules, 2026, also introduce Form 121 to replace Forms 15G and 15H for TDS exemption claims.

EPFO members' long wait for a higher minimum monthly pension under EPS-95 may soon end. The Ministry of Labour and Employment is reportedly considering an increase from the current Rs 1,000. This move is expected to benefit many eligible EPFO members.

Sharpe ratio measures risk-adjusted returns, showing excess return per unit of risk. Top flexi-cap funds deliver strong three-year performance with relatively high Sharpe ratios, indicating efficient balance between risk and returns.

Tourists in the UAE can now open digital bank accounts and get debit cards within minutes of arrival. This new biometric-based initiative, a collaboration between the UAE Central Bank, ICP, and ADCB, allows for instant cashless payments. The move aims to boost financial inclusion and accelerate the nation's digital payment ecosystem, enhancing the visitor experience.

Mutual fund investors can now temporarily block withdrawals and debits from their folios, with 15 AMCs, including PPFAS Mutual Fund, rolling out a voluntary lock-in facility. This Sebi-introduced framework offers enhanced safety and control, applicable to both demat and non-demat holdings, and is accessible via MF Central.

Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) proposed shift to an expected credit loss (ECL) framework could lead to a one-time net impact of up to 120 basis points (bps) on banks' Common Equity Tier-1 (CET-1) ratios, though the overall credit profiles of lenders are expected to remain stable says Crisil Ratings.

The Reserve Bank of India has announced the final redemption price for Sovereign Gold Bonds SGB 2018-19 Series-I, maturing on May 4, 2026. Investors will receive Rs 14,901 per unit, representing a nearly 386% absolute simple return on the initial investment.

Equity mutual funds saw strong performance in April 2026. Nearly 25 funds delivered over 25% returns, led by sectoral and thematic options. Many funds offered double-digit gains, while a few experienced minor losses. Investors are advised to consider SIPs for flexi-cap funds and include mid-cap options for consistent performance amid expected market fluctuations.

Kotak Mutual Fund has temporarily restricted subscriptions in four international funds, allowing investments up to Rs 1 lakh per PAN per month. The move reflects ongoing limits on overseas investments. Existing SIPs will continue, while fresh inflows are capped. The funds have delivered strong returns over the past year.

Companies now check social media profiles before hiring. Recruiters look for how candidates communicate and present themselves online. This offers a real-time view into their thinking and professional judgment. Social media is becoming an extension of a candidate's professional identity. It helps employers gain a clearer picture beyond traditional resumes. This practice is becoming more common in the hiring landscape.

ETMutualFunds presents recommended mutual fund portfolios for May 2026. These portfolios cater to conservative, moderate, and aggressive investors. They are designed for SIP investments across various amounts. The selection methodology considers rolling returns, consistency, downside risk, outperformance, and asset size for equity, debt, and hybrid funds. This guide helps investors build portfolios for long-term goals.