The Economic Times

Old Bridge, ITI, Navi, Samco, and Bajaj Finserv Flexi Cap Funds held the highest mid and smallcap exposure in June 2026, reflecting aggressive positioning toward higher-risk, growth-oriented segments.

Builder ordered by TGRERA to relay terrace flooring and execute comprehensive waterproof treatment to ensure a permanent solution to resolve the water seepage issues in new apartment. In this case the homebuyer found water leakages and seepage issues weeks after buying flat. Read the article to know the details of the case and how the homebuyer won.

HSBC Midcap, Invesco India Mid Cap, ICICI Prudential Midcap, WhiteOak Capital Mid Cap, and Edelweiss Mid Cap led midcap mutual fund returns over three years, delivering gains of up to 25.2%.

Supreme Court sets aside employee dismissal over bias allegations which he later on withdrew; Court says withdrawal of allegations doesn't erase apprehension, orders fresh probe. Know what happened with this employee and what the Supreme Court said about his dismissal.

SEBI and AMFI have streamlined mutual fund transmission rules, simplifying claim procedures for nominees, joint holders, and legal heirs through standardized documentation, reducing delays and easing access to investments after an investor's death.

Gold rate today: Gold prices showed a marginal increase at select Indian jewellery brands today. Tanishq maintained Friday's 22-carat gold rate per gram. Malabar Gold & Diamonds and Joyalukkas saw a slight rise in their 22-carat gold prices. Kalyan Jewellers had not yet updated its 22-carat gold rates. IBJA rates for various gold purities and silver were also provided.

Man files FIR against people allegedly asking for partnership in 5.5 acre ancestral land or Rs 1.5 crore; SC cancels FIR and rules criminal process cannot be used as a weapon of harassment and coercion in property title dispute civil cases. Know how he won the case in Supreme Court

Edelweiss Mutual Fund introduces India's first REITs-oriented index fund. This new fund offers investors easier access to the listed real estate sector. It will track the Nifty REITs & Realty Total Return Index effectively. The fund opens for subscription on August fifth, providing diversified exposure. Investors can benefit from potential tax efficiencies and long-term growth trends.

Highest FD rates: Senior citizens can secure higher returns on fixed deposits with select banks. Bandhan Bank, IndusInd Bank, and YES Bank offer 7.75% on three-year FDs. DCB Bank leads with an 8.00% interest rate for five-year fixed deposits. Public sector banks like Bank of India provide 7.45% on three-year FDs. State Bank of India offers 7.05% for five-year fixed deposits to senior citizens.

EPFO underpaid school employee's EPS; he files case and wins in consumer commission as commission ruled that the correct factor for his period of service was 0.94, but EPFO wrongly applied the 0.85 factor meant for 10 months of service. Know how this employee won the case against Employees' Provident Fund Organisation.

Many investors do not know the exact monthly SIP needed for their financial goals. Excel's PMT function helps calculate the required investment amount for future targets. Investors must first determine their target corpus and the desired time frame for accumulation. Accounting for inflation is crucial to adjust the financial goal's future value. This calculation ensures investors can effectively reach their desired corpus through systematic investments.

NRIs receiving gifts from resident Indians face varying tax implications. Gifts from specified relatives are fully exempt from Indian income tax. Non-relative gifts exceeding fifty thousand rupees become taxable income. FEMA rules also govern the transfer of money and assets. Proper documentation is essential for both taxable and exempt gifts.

Banks across India will remain closed on Saturday? Reserve Bank of India guidelines mandate banks close on second and fourth Saturdays. Digital banking services will remain accessible for customers throughout the day. However, certain transactions will require a visit to a bank branch.

Indian-origin millionaire shares practical wealth-building lessons, investing tips and the single most important factor behind getting rich and achieving financial freedom. And the factor is not intelligence or being the smartest person in the room.

Gold and silver prices saw a mild recovery last week on the MCX. Investors are rebuilding long positions and increasing inflows into gold ETFs. Geopolitical uncertainty and stretched equity valuations support precious metal demand. Market participants will monitor Middle East developments and the Federal Reserve meeting. Investors should adopt a staggered investment approach for precious metals.

US-based NRIs should align investments with future financial needs and currency. Future expenses should guide asset allocation decisions for these investors. India investments offer diversification while US assets match dollar liabilities. Investors should hold assets in the currency of their future liabilities. This approach ensures financial goals align with investment strategies.

Eight new mutual fund NFOs are currently open for subscription, spanning ETFs, flexicap, large & midcap, midcap, sectoral, FoF and fixed maturity categories, offering investors diverse investment options.

Parliament heard that the government has no minimum pension scheme plans. The Code on Social Security, 2020, aims to extend benefits to unorganized workers. This code also provides for setting up a Social Security Fund. The Employees' Pension Scheme, 2026, is a pooled fund for eligible workers. Unclaimed EPF amounts in inoperative accounts totaled over Rs 9330 crores.

Traditional finance markets are transforming through digital ledger technology. Tokenized stocks offer continuous trading and instant settlement globally. This innovation eliminates traditional market access barriers and high entry costs. Investors can now trade assets even when traditional markets are closed. Binance is leading this shift with its integrated TradFi Stack ecosystem.

Mutual funds were net sellers in several large-cap stocks in June, with Reliance Industries topping the list, followed by Hindalco Industries, NTPC, BSE and Tata Steel, according to Dolat Capital.

Five smallcap mutual funds delivered annualised returns of up to 26.7% over the last three years, with Bandhan Small Cap Fund leading the pack, according to ETWealth data as of July 15, 2026.

Husband working in wife's father's company says she got his signatures on marriage documents without consent; Gujarat HC rules marriage invalid as no Hindu marriage ceremonies including 'Saptapadi' were performed. Know what Gujarat High Court said about Hindu marriage and how the husband won this case.

8th Pay Commission latest news: Central government employee bodies are demanding the Old Pension Scheme's restoration from the 8th Pay Commission. However, the government has stated no such proposal is currently under consideration. Employee unions argue the New Pension Scheme offers insufficient retirement security for many workers. They advocate for the OPS to provide a respectable and sustainable pension for all employees. Several states have previously reverted to the OPS after implementing

As much as Rs 9,330.56 crore lies in inoperative Employees Provident Fund accounts. This unclaimed amount is as of March 31, 2026, according to government data. The Employees Provident Fund Organisation is conducting outreach initiatives to inform members. Inoperative accounts are those with no contributions for three years after retirement. Workers can claim their inoperative EPF funds by transferring or withdrawing them.

SEBI has proposed a major revamp of the Portfolio Management Services (PMS) framework, including the launch of a new mutual fund-only PMS (MF-PMS) category. The proposal aims to widen investment options for portfolio managers, improve investor access to professionally managed portfolios, and create new business opportunities for PMS providers and mutual fund distributors.

The 8th Pay Commission will hold new meetings in Delhi on August 7 and 10. Employee unions and federations can present their demands and recommendations during these sessions. Stakeholders who submitted memorandums can request appointments by July 31.

The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation has begun crediting 8.25% interest for the financial year 2025-26. Many EPF subscribers are receiving SMS notifications confirming this interest credit. Members can check their EPF balance through the EPFO portal, a missed call, or SMS service.

To purchase property in India, wife paid Rs 58 lakh from her bank a/c and husband paid Rs 80 lakh via his UAE bank a/c using Dubai exchange bureau; she got tax notice for unexplained property investment; she fights and wins case in ITAT Mumbai for this reason. Know how she won the case in ITAT Mumbai.

Presumptive taxation simplifies income computation for eligible taxpayers. However, a tax audit may be required if actual income falls below prescribed rates. This scheme benefits professionals and businesses with limited expenses and high margins. It reduces compliance burdens and the need for detailed record-keeping. Freelancers and gig workers should evaluate eligibility and profit margins carefully.

With 11 international mutual fund schemes suspending fresh SIP registrations due to regulatory overseas investment limits, Baroda BNP Paribas Aqua Fund of Fund has emerged as the only international mutual fund currently accepting both fresh SIPs and lump sum investments. Experts, however, caution investors against investing solely because the fund remains open, highlighting its thematic nature and suitability only for specific portfolios.

Contractual teachers held as employees by the tax department and on this ground, Rs 9.48 lakh tax demand raised; ITAT Cochin rules administrative supervision over timings, attendance and leave does not automatically create an employer-employee relationship. Know what ITAT Cochin said about TDS on salary paid to contractual employees.

Crafting a foolproof CV requires highlighting achievements, not just duties. Tailoring resumes for each role and avoiding generic content is essential. Experienced professionals should prioritize recent work experience over academic history. Referrals improve visibility but do not guarantee job selection. Zero spelling and grammar errors create the strongest positive first impression.

Gold price: Gold prices saw a slight decrease across leading jewellery brands today. See the latest 22k gold prices at leading jewellery brands such as Tanishq, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Joyalukkas and Kalyan Jewellers.

A clear CV format and error-free content create a strong first impression for recruiters. While content is vital, presentation matters for quick initial scans by hiring managers. Applicant Tracking Systems filter applications, but human judgment assesses fit and soft skills. Top college and company brands offer an advantage, but actual work experience becomes more important. Proven work and adaptability are increasingly valued over pedigree for experienced roles.

Taxpayers will file Income Tax Returns for FY 2025-26 under the Income-tax Act, 1961. The due date for most individuals is July 31, 2026, while others have later deadlines. Missing the initial deadline allows filing a belated return until December 31, 2026. Late filing incurs a fee of Rs 5,000 or Rs 1,000 based on income.

TRUSTMF Small Cap Fund, the best-performing equity mutual fund over the past one year with a 21.98% return, added Dixon Technologies (India), Paras Defence and Space Technologies and 14 other stocks to its portfolio in June. The fund also exited 13 stocks while increasing exposure to several others, according to its latest monthly factsheet.

Multi-asset mutual fund taxation depends on equity and debt exposure. Equity-oriented funds have specific tax rates and holding periods. Debt-oriented funds are taxed at investor slab rates after 24 months. Specified mutual funds treat all gains as short-term capital gains. Correct ITR schedules are crucial for reporting these gains accurately.

Ever since the Income Tax utility has disabled the option to claim Section 87A tax rebate on short term capital gains (STCG) from listed equities in 2024, a flurry of taxpayers from across the country were left with either a tax demand or an uncertain thought. Read to know how a taxpayer fought and won 87A case in ITAT Mumbai.

Mutual fund advisors anticipate 2026 will be a significant year for hybrid funds. Conservative hybrid schemes offer a balanced approach for new investors. These funds invest primarily in debt with a small equity allocation. Investors seeking capital preservation should prioritize withdrawal plans over dividends. Several conservative hybrid funds are recommended for July 2026 investments.

Individuals eligible for presumptive taxation can file ITR-4 online. The due date for filing ITR-4 varies based on tax audit requirements. Taxpayers must verify pre-filled data and complete required schedules carefully. Income from salary, house property, and interest are generally included. E-verification within thirty days is mandatory for successful submission.

Financial planning: Investing ten lakh rupees requires aligning financial goals with suitable timeframes. Short-term goals necessitate conservative assets offering high liquidity and capital protection. Medium-term objectives allow for a balanced approach with hybrid and equity fund allocations. Long-term wealth creation benefits from a significant allocation towards diversified equity funds. Investors should also consider tax implications and rebalance portfolios as goals approach.

NRE and NRO accounts offer investment avenues for Non-Resident Indians in India. NRO accounts accept Indian earnings, while NRE accounts hold international funds. Interest on NRO deposits faces tax, unlike NRE accounts which are tax-free. NRE funds are fully repatriable, and NRO funds have a yearly repatriation limit. Major banks offer similar interest rates on both NRE and NRO fixed deposits.

Individuals with business income must file ITR-3 for AY 2026-2027. This form captures various income sources, including salary and capital gains. Taxpayers can file ITR-3 online through the e-filing portal. The process involves filling general information and specific schedules. E-verification must be completed within thirty days of submission.

An expert recommends diversifying Rs 15 lakh across equity mutual funds, precious metals and international funds for a 10-year horizon. Investors should align allocations with their risk profile and goals, while staggering investments over 1520 weeks to manage volatility.

Around 41 equity mutual funds delivered more than 15% CAGR over both three- and five-year periods. Bandhan Small Cap Fund led three-year returns at 25.95%, while Motilal Oswal Midcap Fund topped the five-year chart at 21.64%.

NRI son gifted Rs 30 lakh shares to his father through an off-market transfer. Should it be reported in ITR? Although a genuine gift of shares from a son to his father is not regarded as a transfer for capital gains purposes in the hands of the donor, the reporting of such off-market transactions in the Annual Information Statement (AIS) often creates uncertainty. Experts explain AIS, tax rules and how to avoid notices.