The Economic Times

Many women beneficiaries of the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin scheme have completed their e-KYC but are yet to receive their December installment. With January 2026 underway, beneficiaries are also waiting for the current month's payment. The government has not announced the disbursal date, causing confusion among recipients.

December saw 23 open-ended mutual fund NFOs raise Rs 4,074 crore, led by Abakkus Flexi Caps Rs 2,468 crore haul, while sectoral, arbitrage, small-cap, index, ETF, liquid and gold funds drew modest investor interest amid selective risk appetite in December.

Senior citizens can manage their Fixed Deposit interest income effectively. Banks deduct Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) on interest exceeding certain limits. However, strategic investment planning across multiple banks can prevent TDS. Additionally, eligible senior citizens can submit Form 15H to avoid TDS if their total tax payable is nil. This allows for better management of retirement income.

Mutual funds saw strong investor interest in 2025. Open-ended funds attracted over Rs 7.9 lakh crore. Equity schemes were popular, with flexicap funds leading inflows. Debt and hybrid funds also saw significant investments. Passive funds, including ETFs and index funds, garnered substantial inflows. The total assets under management for open-ended schemes grew by 20%.

PM Kisan beneficiaries can expect the 22nd instalment between March and April 2026. Each payment will be Rs 2,000. Completing eKYC is crucial to receive funds directly into Aadhaar-seeded bank accounts. Farmers can use OTP, biometrics, or face authentication for eKYC.

Auto stocks are outperforming the broader market in FY26, with the BSE Auto index up 32%. SML Mahindra and Force Motors have emerged as multibaggers, while strong demand and earnings visibility continue to support sector-wide momentum.

ICICI Bank is updating its credit card offerings. New rules for rewards, benefits, and fees will take effect on January 15, 2026. Cardholders should review changes to reward points, BookMyShow benefits, and various transaction fees. These revisions will affect spending habits and how cardholders earn rewards. Specific changes apply to cards like Emeralde Metal and Times Black.

Japan's Nikkei share average closed higher on Friday. Fast Retailing's strong earnings fueled the rise. Automakers also saw gains due to a weaker yen and relief over China's export policy. The Nikkei climbed significantly for the week. Investors are now focused on US jobs data and its impact on monetary policy. Yaskawa Electric's results are also anticipated.

Why is the stock market falling? Indian equities extended losses for a fifth straight session, as global trade tensions and uncertainty over U.S. tariffs kept investors cautious. Markets are focused on the U.S. Supreme Court verdict on Trumps tariffs, which could have a major impact on IndiaU.S. trade relations and domestic market sentiment.

Delhi High Court raps Income Tax Dept over 8-year delay, in tax refund and thus orders Rs 5.37 crore tax refund with interest to Microsoft India; warns Rs 1 lakh personal cost on on Deputy Commissioner if deadline missed. Read below to what else Delhi High Court said to Income Tax Department.

Policymakers rolled out a series of reforms to address long-standing pain points for EPF and NPS subscribers, such as rigid withdrawal rules, paperwork-heavy processes, and limited flexibility in managing retirement savings.

Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund boosted its holdings in ITC and ten other stocks during December, notably adding significant stakes in Power Grid Corporation and HDFC Bank. The fund also introduced The Great Eastern Shipping Company to its portfolio. Meanwhile, exposure to Infosys was reduced, with no complete exits reported.

The Delhi High Court has backed a Labour Court's decision regarding a terminated employee. The company must either reinstate the worker with back pay or provide a Rs 3 lakh compensation. The court found the termination illegal due to the company's failure to follow mandatory procedures and produce crucial employment records.

Mutual fund SIP inflows reached a record high of over Rs 31,000 crore in December. This marks a significant increase, showing disciplined investor participation. Investors are using market dips to increase investments. The trend indicates a growing financialization of savings in India. More investors are expected to join mutual funds, driving SIP numbers higher.

A homebuyer who opted to continue with a delayed housing project in Chandigarh will only receive RERA-mandated interest compensation for the delay. Punjab RERA ruled that additional compensation for rent, legal fees, or mental distress is not permissible if the allottee chooses to stay with the project instead of withdrawing.

Equity mutual fund inflows dipped 6% to Rs 28,054 crore in December, marking a 32% year-on-year decline. Despite this, flexi-cap funds achieved a record high of Rs 10,019 crore in inflows, leading the pack among the 11 sub-categories. Overall, 2025 saw Rs 3.03 lakh crore invested in equity mutual funds.

Axis Large Cap Fund has turned a Rs 10,000 monthly SIP into Rs 58.71 lakh over 16 years, ETMutualFunds analysis shows. Despite periods of underperformance, the large-cap scheme has delivered steady long-term returns. Experts say its quality-focused approach and stability make it a suitable option in todays volatile markets.

Elecon Engineering Company's shares plunged 13.2% after reporting a 33% drop in Q3 FY26 net profit to Rs 72 crore, despite a marginal 4.3% revenue increase. The company cited order inflow delays and increased employee costs impacting EBITDA margins. However, management expressed confidence in future recovery due to healthy open orders and steady demand from key domestic and overseas industries.

Tax saving mutual funds or ELSSs invest in stocks. Therefore, they have a very high risk. You should be aware of this aspect, especially if you are a first-time investor in equity mutual funds. Compared to your usual investments like Public Provident Fund or National Savings Certificate, etc,

CLSA has unveiled its 2026 focus portfolio, featuring 15 stocks including ITC and Eternal, with a strategic tilt towards consumption, rate-sensitives, IT, and value plays. The brokerage anticipates bottom-up opportunities driven by improving earnings visibility and compressed stock valuations, despite potential index upside limitations.

Gold and silver prices saw record highs in 2025. Global factors like central bank buying and geopolitical risks drove these surges. Indian demand remained steady but did not lead the price increases. High prices are now influencing consumer buying patterns. Investors are watching for potential portfolio rebalancing impacts in the new year.

The Delhi High Court ruled that a wife, despite concealing her dual MBA income, is entitled to maintenance for accommodation under the Domestic Violence Act. The court acknowledged her suppressed income but prioritized her right to secure a safe residence for herself and their child, modifying the interim maintenance order.

Can you still exchange Rs 2000 notes in 2026? With 98% already returned, here's what you need to know before your options disappear.

India's National Stock Exchange is in discussions with Indian Gas Exchange, or IGX, to develop and launch Indian natural gas futures, the country's largest bourse said on Thursday.

This online platform now offers same-day international money transfers for overseas education payments, a significant improvement over previous multi-day processes. This aims to alleviate stress for students and parents facing strict university fee deadlines. Cashback offers are also available on eligible education transfers.

The Supreme Court has directed the government to increase the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation's (EPFO) wage ceiling of Rs 15,000 within four months. This move aims to bring more employees under the EPF umbrella, enhancing retirement savings and social security for a larger segment of the workforce.

Indian markets extended losses as the Sensex slid 800 points and the Nifty broke key technical levels amid renewed US tariff concerns. Analysts advise caution, citing geopolitical risks and weak momentum, even as long-term fundamentals remain supportive.

India's insurance grievance system is buckling under pressure, with a significant surge in complaints, especially for health and general insurance. Claims disputes are the primary driver, with unresolved cases nearly doubling. While life insurance grievances remain stable, mis-selling concerns are rising, eroding trust.

Helios Flexi Cap Fund divested its entire stake in IndiGo and Urban Company in December. The fund significantly boosted its holdings in Physicswallah, adding over 21 lakh shares. Exposure also increased in 23 other stocks, including Adani Ports and RIL, while maintaining stakes in 44 existing investments.

Bandhan Mutual Fund launched its first SIF, Arudha Hybrid Long-Short Fund, targeting sophisticated investors. The interval strategy blends debt, money market instruments and market-neutral equity arbitrage, aiming for optimal returns, risk management and post-tax efficiency, with the NFO open January 922.

Five equity mutual funds delivered over 20% annualised SIP returns over the past decade. The list includes small-cap, mid-cap and ELSS funds, though investors are advised to align choices with risk profile, goals and investment horizon.

Chandigarh State Consumer Commission has ruled that restaurants cannot charge more than the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) for packaged water. A diner won a case against a restaurant for charging Rs 55 for a Rs 20 water bottle. The commission ordered the restaurant to refund the excess amount and pay Rs 3,000 in compensation for unfair trade practice.

A retired employee, Mr. Rao, has won a 13-year legal battle for unpaid salary and gratuity. The Andhra Pradesh High Court ruled that an employer's lack of funds is not a valid excuse for withholding statutory dues. The court directed the employer to pay the outstanding amount with 10% interest.

Sebi extended the deadline for implementing additional mutual fund distributor incentives to March 1, 2026, citing challenges. The incentives target new investors from B-30 cities and new women investors, while all other provisions of the November 2025 circular remain unchanged.

Latest HDFC Bank interest rates: HDFC Bank has lowered its MCLR rates by up to 5 basis points on select loan tenures. This change will benefit borrowers with loans linked to this regime. The revised rates are effective from January 7, 2026. The bank's MCLR rates now range from 8.25% to 8.55% depending on the loan tenure.

A remarried widow has won a significant case in the Kerala High Court. She was denied a job on compassionate grounds after her husband's death due to her remarriage. The court ruled that her remarriage does not disqualify her from receiving this employment. This decision upholds her statutory right to compassionate appointment.

PFRDA has unveiled new guidelines for the NPS Vatsalya scheme, a plan for minors' contributions by parents and guardians. The circular details investment options, including equity up to 75%, and outlines partial withdrawal conditions for education or medical needs. It also clarifies exit strategies and continuation options upon the minor reaching adulthood.

Quant Small Cap Fund added Adani Green Energy, HDFC Life, Ravindra Energy and S.P. Apparels in December while fully exiting LIC. The fund also trimmed stakes in Reliance Industries and ONGC, according to its latest monthly portfolio disclosure.

After a sharp rally, investors should adopt a cautious, staggered approach to gold and silver ETFs, focusing on allocation balance and long-term objectives rather than chasing short-term gains.

Credit card usage has surged due to rewards, cashback, and milestone perks. When credit card expenses seem too high, circular, or dont match declared income, they raise red flags.

JioBlackRock Mutual Fund introduces two new debt funds, the Short Duration Fund and the Low Duration Fund. The new fund offers are currently open for investment and will close on January 13. These funds aim to generate income for investors with short-term horizons.