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The Economic Times

Personal Finance / The Economic Times

Labour Codes rollout: Firms face hurdles

Overall, the new Codes signify a shift toward a more structured, transparent, and streamlined regulatory ecosystem. While strengthening worker protection and enhancing governance clarity, they also heighten compliance obligations and cost considerations for employers.

23 Mar 2026 6:30 am
FPI vs FII vs FDI: Key differences explained

If you are confused by personal finance terms, jargon and calculations, heres a series to simplify and deconstruct these for you. In the 95th part of this series, Riju Mehta explains the difference between the different investor categories.

23 Mar 2026 6:30 am
Old vs new tax regime: Key changes explained

Indian taxpayers will transition to the new Income Tax Act, 2025, from April 1st. While the new regime offers lower rates, revised allowance exemptions under the old regime, particularly for HRA, may make it more attractive for some. Taxpayers must now recalculate to determine their optimal tax strategy.

23 Mar 2026 6:30 am
Which portfolio gave most returns in last 10 yrs?

For best results, its best not to get swayed by any one asset class. Experts recommend diversification. While asset allocation is the way to go, whats the best combination? Every investor has their own asset allocation. This week, we compare seven portfolio combinations. Portfolios with gold have delivered a notable returns boost in recent years, while those with zero gold exposure have lagged. By Sameer Bhardwaj.

23 Mar 2026 6:30 am
NRI portfolios: India vs global allocation choices

Global uncertainties are making Non-Resident Indians rethink their investments. Many are now considering moving wealth back to India, seeing it as a stable, high-growth destination. This reassessment involves strategic choices about asset allocation, balancing domestic and international holdings. The decision hinges on individual goals and future plans, with experts advising a diversified approach.

23 Mar 2026 6:30 am
SIFs undergo first real market stress test

New investment funds, Specialised Investment Funds or SIFs, are undergoing a crucial test. Launched last year, these funds offer flexible strategies. They can profit from both rising and falling markets. Current market volatility is a key indicator of their performance. Experts are watching closely to see if SIFs deliver on their promise of risk-adjusted returns.

23 Mar 2026 6:30 am
Flight chaos: Why air miles matter for HNIs in crises

As with any geopolitical conflict, the element of surprise caught everyone off guard, but the first to get back home were the people with balances in their mileage accounts. They booked tickets on other carriers using their balances as a backup in case their original flights routing through West Asia were not operating.

23 Mar 2026 6:30 am
Indian students rethink US dream amid visa hurdles

The H-1B program now operates within a highdemand environment, where the desire for the visa consistently outpaces the annual statutory caps. For students graduating into this ecosystem, the transition to long-term residency is increasingly defined by statistical variables and administrative timelines.

23 Mar 2026 6:30 am
Why overseas students need extra travel insurance

Indian students abroad face unexpected travel disruptions. University insurance primarily covers medical needs. However, Indian student travel policies provide essential financial protection for issues like study interruptions, lost baggage, and passport loss. These policies act as a vital supplement, offering comprehensive coverage for academic, emotional, and legal risks. They are a smart investment for students navigating unfamiliar environments.

23 Mar 2026 6:30 am
Study abroad shift: Europe, Asia gain ground

Indian students are increasingly seeking study abroad options beyond the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. New visa policies and rising expenses in these popular destinations are driving this shift. European nations like Germany and the Netherlands, along with countries in Southeast Asia, are emerging as attractive alternatives.

23 Mar 2026 6:30 am
Indian students rethink global education plans

Indian students are increasingly returning home after studying abroad. Visa policies in countries like the US and UK have become uncertain. Rising living costs and fewer job prospects are major concerns. Many students are now reconsidering their overseas education plans, opting for shorter courses or exploring alternative destinations.

23 Mar 2026 6:30 am
Middle-east-bound travellers struggle to buy travel insurance

Several non-life insurers have suspended the issuance of new travel insurance for travellers planning to visit countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Qatar.

22 Mar 2026 12:25 pm
JioBlackRock Large Cap Fund will open for subscription on March 24. Who should invest?

JioBlackRock Mutual Fund has launched its Large Cap Fund, opening for subscription on March 24 and closing on April 7. The fund aims for long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily in large-cap equities, benchmarked against the BSE 100 Index. It offers a direct plan with a growth option and a minimum investment of Rs 500.

22 Mar 2026 10:31 am
Highest FD rates for Senior citizens: Compare best interest rates from PSU, private and small finance banks

Amidst global uncertainties, fixed deposits offer stable returns. Small finance banks lead with rates up to 8.50%, while private banks like SBM Bank India offer 8.35%. Public sector banks provide competitive rates, with Punjab & Sind Bank at 7.25% for specific tenures.

21 Mar 2026 4:31 pm
Mutual fund NFOs: Six funds open for subscription, all passive in nature. Check details

Six new passive mutual fund NFOs have opened for subscription, offering investors fresh low-cost index-based investment options.

21 Mar 2026 1:40 pm
Bank locker charges comparison: SBI vs HDFC Bank vs Axis Bank vs Canara Bank; Check if you're paying too much for a locker?

Bank locker charges: HDFC Bank has increased its locker charges effective April 1, 2026. The article compares these new charges with those of ICICI Bank, SBI, Canara Bank, and Axis Bank across various locker sizes and locations.

21 Mar 2026 1:34 pm
Silver tops decade-long returns, outperforming gold, stocks and bonds. Check details

Silver has emerged as the top-performing asset class over the past decade, outperforming gold, equities and bonds. While mid- and small-cap stocks delivered strong returns, precious metals led the chart. Fixed-income and real estate lagged, highlighting the importance of asset allocation for long-term wealth creation across market cycles.

21 Mar 2026 12:48 pm
Looking around for sectors or themes to favour and avoid? Here is what these 5 experts recommend

Amid rising geopolitical tensions and market volatility, investors are reassessing sectoral allocations. Mutual fund experts suggest focusing on domestic cyclicals, financials, and defensives like pharma, while remaining cautious on IT, metals, and oil and gas. They also highlight valuation risks and stress the importance of resilient businesses in uncertain conditions.

21 Mar 2026 12:37 pm
These 5 flexi cap mutual funds offer up to 25% CAGR in 3 years. Do you own any?

Several mutual funds have delivered strong returns over the past three years, with some posting CAGRs of up to 25%. The list includes a mix of flexi cap, focused, and passive funds. However, category inconsistencies raise questions, even as investors look at performance-driven fund selection.

21 Mar 2026 11:55 am
Metals to shine? Hindustan Copper, Tata Steel, other stocks plunge up to 14% in one month; what lies ahead?

Metal stocks have plunged recently due to geopolitical tensions and hawkish Fed commentary. However, experts anticipate a near-term surge in metal prices, driven by the Iran-US conflict and rising oil costs. Supply disruptions in the Middle East are particularly impacting steel and aluminum markets, with potential implications for Indian producers.

21 Mar 2026 11:47 am
Overtime, gratuity, leave rules, 50% wage rule and salary components decoded in new Labour Codes

New Labour Law Salary Structure: Effective November 21, 2025, redefine wages, impacting overtime, gratuity, and retirement benefits. The Code on Wages clarifies that overtime allowance is part of the 50% wage calculation, while statutory contributions and gratuity are excluded.

21 Mar 2026 11:45 am
Planning child education with mutual funds? Expert suggests right fund mix and key portfolio tweaks

A 37-year-old investor seeks guidance on structuring her mutual fund portfolio for her childrens education. Expert Harshvardhan Roongta recommends rebalancing allocations by reducing small-cap exposure and strengthening large- and mid-cap holdings. The advice focuses on disciplined investing, clear fund categorisation, and maintaining a balanced portfolio aligned with long-term financial goals.

21 Mar 2026 11:40 am
IDBI, SpiceJet among 10 stocks that saw sharpest fall, down up to 21% this week. Do you own any?

Indian markets witnessed a broad-based sell-off amid escalating Middle East tensions and rising crude oil prices. Several stocks, including IDBI Bank and SpiceJet, declined sharply during the week. Geopolitical risks, inflation concerns, and regulatory developments weighed on investor sentiment, dragging multiple sectors lower despite selective resilience in parts of the market.

21 Mar 2026 11:16 am
Rs 12,000 SIP vs Rs 22,000 SIP: CA tells how you can fall short of Rs 1.7 cr retirement corpus despite investing more in SIP

Starting investments early offers a significant advantage, as demonstrated by a chartered accountant's comparison. Investing Rs 12,000 monthly at age 26 yielded Rs 3.68 crore, while a higher Rs 22,000 monthly SIP starting 10 years later resulted in only Rs 1.98 crore, highlighting the power of compounding over time.

21 Mar 2026 11:09 am
Repeated car starting problems even after several service centre visits held as deficiency in service; owner wins Rs 4 lakh compensation

A new diesel car owner won Rs 4 lakh compensation after his vehicle developed persistent electrical and battery issues within four months of purchase. Despite multiple service center visits and part replacements, the problems recurred. The consumer commission ruled that repeated starting issues within the warranty period constituted a deficiency in service, causing significant harassment.

21 Mar 2026 7:24 am
Bank holiday today on Ramzan-Id (Id-Ul-Fitr): Are banks open or closed this Saturday, March 21, for Eid 2026 celebrations? Check state-wise list

Banks across many Indian states are closed on Saturday, March 21, 2026, for the observance of Ramzan-Id (Id-Ul-Fitr). Despite it being the third Saturday of the month, when banks are typically open, widespread closures occurred due to the religious celebrations.

21 Mar 2026 7:00 am
Is there a new scheme promising Rs 20 lakh monthly returns? Here is what the government said

Beware of fake investment schemes promising huge monthly returns. Fraudsters are using misleading websites and AI-generated content, falsely associating Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman with these scams.

20 Mar 2026 4:51 pm
PPFAS, Quant Mutual Fund among 6 AMCs holding over Rs 13,000 crore cash in February

Several major fund houses are holding substantial cash reserves, with SBI Mutual Fund leading with over Rs 34,000 crore. PPFAS Mutual Fund also stands out with a significant 21.19% of its assets in cash. This trend highlights a cautious approach by some of India's largest asset managers, with over Rs 13,000 crore held by just six entities in February.

20 Mar 2026 3:47 pm
HDFC and SBI Mutual Fund among 5 AMCs to receive over Rs 10,000 crore inflows from top 30 cities in February

Five major AMCs, including HDFC and SBI Mutual Fund, received over Rs 10,000 crore inflows each from top 30 cities in February, driving growth in monthly AAUM. ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund led the inflow chart, reflecting continued investor preference for large fund houses amid steady market participation.

20 Mar 2026 2:24 pm
Gold prices falling today? Check 22K, 24K gold rates on Tanishq, Kalyan Jewellers, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Joyalukkas and IBJA

Gold prices are experiencing a dip in India. This is happening even as geopolitical tensions between Israel and Iran continue. Major jewellery brands like Tanishq, Kalyan Jewellers, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, and Joyalukkas are showing lower rates.

20 Mar 2026 1:59 pm
Planning to invest in mid and smallcaps amid a volatile market? Heres what 5 experts recommend

Amidst West Asian conflict-induced market volatility, experts offer varied perspectives on investment strategies. While some see improved earnings-valuation for mid- and smallcaps, others advise caution due to elevated valuations, recommending diversified or staggered approaches. Focus remains on quality businesses as geopolitical clarity emerges.

20 Mar 2026 1:55 pm
I am 34 with an infant daughter. Is this the right time to buy term insurance and how much cover do I need?

ET Wealth Reader's Query: I am 34, a doctor, married with an infant daughter. Is this the right time to buy term insurance? If so, what cover and amount should I consider?

20 Mar 2026 1:44 pm
NRI term plans are 2050% cheaper in India: Check this before buying

NRIs can purchase term insurance in India to financially secure their families back home, with simplified processes and lower premiums compared to overseas options. While eligibility depends on residency and risk profile, claim settlement for overseas deaths is streamlined. Read on to learn about claim settlement process and whether NRIs should opt for term insurance in India or in their country of residence.

20 Mar 2026 1:12 pm
New tax rules notified: From HRA to company car to meal card, top 5 prominent changes which will impact salaried taxpayers

The Income Tax Rules, 2026 have been notified, introducing significant changes for salaried taxpayers. Key updates include revised motor car perquisite valuations, an increased tax-free loan limit to Rs 2 lakh, and enhanced meal voucher exemptions under the old tax regime. HRA benefits now extend to more major cities, with new disclosure requirements for landlords.

20 Mar 2026 1:08 pm
SBI hikes FD interest rate by 25 bps on these deposits: Check details

State Bank of India is raising interest rates on bulk fixed deposits above Rs 3 crore. Effective March 15, 2026, these rates will see a 25 basis points increase. Rates for smaller deposits remain unchanged.

20 Mar 2026 12:35 pm
Good news for salaried employees in these cities as they can get higher HRA exemption; disclosure of relationship with landlord a must as Income Tax Rules 2026 notified

New Income Tax Rules, 2026, offer higher HRA tax exemptions for salaried individuals in eight major cities, including Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru. A key change requires disclosing relationships with landlords in Form 124, especially for family rentals, to ensure genuine transactions and enhance transparency for tax authorities.

20 Mar 2026 12:26 pm
All investments in green? Heres how to realign your mutual fund portfolio

Choosing the right mix of mutual funds and rebalancing at the right time is essential for long-term wealth creation. Experts suggest reviewing allocation across large-cap, midcap, and small-cap categories, booking profits where required, and shifting to diversified schemes to maintain balance, reduce risk, and strengthen overall portfolio health.

20 Mar 2026 12:09 pm
No proof of stridhan used in buying flat, no stay: HC upholds husbands flat sale, slaps Rs 60,000 monthly damages on wife

A husband's sale of a Noida house for Rs 95 lakh has been upheld by the Allahabad High Court. The court ordered the wife to vacate the property and pay Rs 60,000 monthly damages to the new owner for her illegal occupation since 2011. Her claim of contributing stridhan to the purchase was rejected due to lack of proof.

20 Mar 2026 11:43 am
RERA relief: Interest for delayed flats can be recovered as land revenue arrears

Homebuyers can now recover interest for delayed property possession from builders as Arrears of Land Revenue under RERA. This classification, upheld by Punjab RERA and the Supreme Court, allows recovery through the state's revenue machinery, bypassing lengthy civil court processes. Builders face stringent recovery actions, including asset attachment and potential arrest, for non-compliance.

20 Mar 2026 11:18 am
Best balanced advantage funds or dynamic asset allocation funds to invest in March 2026

If you are planning to invest in balanced advantage schemes, here are our recommended schemes you can consider investing. There are no changes in the list this month. Follow our monthly updates to know how your schemes performed in the previous month.

20 Mar 2026 10:46 am
Gold and silver ETFs climb up to 4% after two-day dip. Is the trend reversing?

Gold and silver ETFs rebounded up to 4% after a two-day decline, tracking a recovery in MCX prices. Experts view the rise as a short-term relief rally amid persistent bearish sentiment driven by strong dollar, hawkish Fed stance, and rising oil prices linked to Middle East tensions.

20 Mar 2026 10:08 am
E-notice for unpaid user fee at tolls: National Highways Fee Rules, 2026, outline penalties, grievance redressal and more

New rules for National Highways Fee are now in effect. An e-notice system will track unpaid toll charges. Vehicle owners will receive electronic notices for missed payments. Failure to pay can lead to vehicle service restrictions.

20 Mar 2026 10:05 am
MF Tracker: This flexicap fund turns Rs 10,000 SIP to Rs 1.35 crore in over 2 decades

HSBC Flexi Cap Fund has demonstrated impressive long-term performance, turning a Rs 10,000 monthly SIP into Rs 1.35 crore over 22 years. Despite recent market dips and some negative calendar year returns, the fund has consistently outperformed its benchmark and category average across various timeframes, showcasing its wealth creation potential.

20 Mar 2026 9:55 am