The Economic Times

Gold rate prediction: Gold prices experienced a slight increase on March 31, 2026, with 22K gold rates rising across major jewelry brands like Tanishq, Kalyan Jewellers, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, and Joyalukkas.

Non-banking financial companies actively tapped the commercial paper market in March, driven by year-end funding needs, while corporates adopted a cautious approach due to high borrowing costs and ample internal funds. This trend is expected to continue. Bank certificate of deposit issuances remained stable, suggesting easing short-term funding pressures in the banking sector.

Budget 2026 extended the revised Income Tax Return (ITR) filing deadline to March 31, but this change is effective from Assessment Year 2026-27, not AY 2025-26. Taxpayers can file revised ITRs to correct errors, report missed income, or adjust for changes in tax laws, with a new 12-month window from the end of the tax year.

The 8th Pay Commission will visit Dehradun on April 24, 2026, to consult stakeholders on pay and allowances. The commission, formed in November 2025, has invited suggestions from employees, pensioners, and unions via email by April 10, 2026. The deadline for submitting views and questionnaire responses is April 30, 2026.

Suryoday Small Finance Bank has revised its fixed deposit interest rates, effective March 29, 2026. Customers can now earn up to 8.10% per annum on a special 30-month FD, with senior citizens receiving an additional 0.15% interest. Deposits are insured by DICGC up to Rs 5 lakh.

Actress Malaika Arora Khan has rented out her Bandra West apartment for a monthly rent of Rs 3.1 lakh, with a total lease value of Rs 1.17 crore over three years. The deal, registered in March 2026, highlights the premium rental trends in the upscale Bandra West area, known for its luxury living and excellent connectivity.

Setting realistic return expectations is crucial for mutual fund investors, especially in volatile markets. Experts highlight that returns cannot be guaranteed, and AMFIs indicative ranges should only be used for planning. Investors should align expectations with goals, risk appetite and time horizon, rather than chasing fixed or past returns.

Salaried employees may face an additional Rs 62,400 in income tax if they engage in tax harvesting with a Rs 12.75 lakh salary. This occurs because long-term capital gains, though exempt up to Rs 1.25 lakh, push total income above the Rs 12 lakh threshold, disqualifying them from the Section 87A tax rebate.

Top small-cap mutual funds have delivered over 28% annualised returns in three years, attracting investors seeking high-growth opportunities despite higher risk.

Major financial and banking rule changes are coming from April 1, 2026. SBI Card, NHAI FASTag, and RuPay debit card lounge access will see revisions. PAN card applications will require additional documents. Digital payment transactions will need two-factor authentication. New income tax rules also take effect. These changes will affect many users.

I am a German citizen, and have an OCI card. How will inheritance of assets located in India be taxed for me? Is the inheritance itself taxable in India, or only the income generated from the inherited assets?

Investors are exploring global equity markets for diversification and growth, especially with the Indian rupee facing pressure. The Baroda BNP Paribas Aqua Fund of Fund offers dual benefits: exposure to international equities and potential gains from currency depreciation. This thematic fund focuses on the water value chain, providing geographical diversification and reducing reliance on domestic market cycles.

New Income Tax Return forms are now available for Assessment Year 2026-27. The updated ITR-U form allows taxpayers to correct past filings. This updated return can be filed for up to four years. Penalties apply based on the filing timeline. The ITR-V form serves as verification for filed returns.

Nippon India Taiwan Equity Fund emerged as the top-performing mutual fund of FY26, delivering over 171% returns, driven by a strong semiconductor and AI-led rally. Experts caution against chasing past performance, advising investors to treat it as a high-risk satellite allocation within a diversified global portfolio.

The government has released income tax return forms for AY 2026-27, allowing taxpayers to file by July 31, 2026. However, ITR-1 is not for everyone. Individuals with business profits, short-term capital gains, certain long-term capital gains, income from multiple house properties, or specific 'other sources' income like lottery winnings cannot use this simplified form.

The Reserve Bank of India instructed agency banks to remain open on March 31, 2026, a public holiday for Mahavir Jayanti in several states. This directive ensures all government receipts and payments are accounted for within the 2025-26 financial year. Only government-related transactions will be permitted on this day.

Markets have shown that conviction can be quickly humbled, with equities, gold, and debt all experiencing volatility. A binary approach to investing proves detrimental, highlighting the benefits of multi-asset allocation. This strategy offers diversification and balance, not extreme returns, by combining assets with different responses to market conditions.

The Reserve Bank of India's floating rate bond will continue to offer 8.05 percent interest. This comes as the Finance Ministry decided to keep the National Savings Certificate rate unchanged at 7.7 percent for the first quarter of the fiscal year 2026-27. This bond offers a sovereign guarantee and a 7-year maturity, making it a secure investment.

Interest rates for small savings schemes like PPF and NSC remain unchanged for the April-June 2026 quarter. Deposits under Sukanya Samriddhi Scheme will attract 8.2 percent interest. The government prioritizes protecting small savers and encouraging household savings. These rates are determined by G-Sec yields and inflation. The Finance Ministry last changed rates in December 2023.

Equity investors have become poorer by Rs 18.60 lakh crore in two days of sharp decline in the stock market, where the BSE benchmark Sensex has plunged over 4 per cent, as the West Asia conflict refuses to die down leading to a steep surge in crude oil prices.

Gold and silver saw sharp corrections after strong rallies, driven by rising yields and macro pressures. Experts advise staying calm, favoring gold, and maintaining disciplined, long-term investment strategies.

Gold prices saw attention on March 30, 2026. Tanishq, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, and Joyalukkas reported 22k gold at Rs 13,500 to Rs 13,540 per gram. IBJA rates for 22k gold stood at Rs 14,271 per gram. These prices exclude GST and making charges. The market is observing the impact of the Iran-Israel conflict.

The Income Tax Department has clarified eligible banks for TDS on interest under the new Income-tax Act, 2025, effective April 1, 2026. The definition of 'banking company' has been refined, impacting TDS applicability on interest below prescribed thresholds for general and senior citizens.

The PFRDA will implement revised investment management fees and updated Point of Presence charges from April 1, 2026, introducing a multiple Net Asset Value (NAV) framework. This necessitates system upgrades, leading to the temporary unavailability of nine NPS transaction types on CRA platforms until April 1, 2026. Normal services are expected to resume on April 2, 2026.

Investors seeking tax-efficient funds should prioritize risk appetite and financial goals first. Equity mutual funds offer tax advantages for long-term investments. However, these funds can be volatile. Arbitrage funds present a lower-risk alternative with similar tax benefits. Understanding these factors is crucial for making informed investment decisions.

Experts advise investors to look beyond past returns when choosing flexi-cap mutual funds. Understanding a fund's strategy, risk-taking, and asset allocation, like the cash holdings in Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund versus HDFC Flexi Cap Fund, is crucial. Aligning fund manager philosophy with personal financial goals ensures a resilient portfolio.

The Finance Ministry is set to announce quarterly interest rates for small savings schemes on March 31, 2026. Despite rising inflation, rates have remained unchanged since December 2024, prompting speculation about potential adjustments. Factors like G-Sec yields, inflation, and RBI's monetary policy influence these decisions.

The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority has expanded the National Pension System distribution network. Ten new categories, including chartered accountants and fintech firms, can now act as pension agents.

The Finance Bill 2026 introduces significant changes to tax litigation in India. Tax cases will now be decided based on facts and merits, moving away from technical loopholes. Amendments to the Income-tax Act aim to prevent challenges based on procedural defects like faulty approvals or missing Document Identification Numbers.

Mahavir Jayanti Bank Holiday (March 30, 2026):Karnataka has shifted the Mahavir Jayanti public holiday to Monday, March 30, 2026, causing banks in the state to close. The RBI's holiday calendar confirms the closure in Karnataka.

Silver and gold ETFs delivered exceptional returns exceeding 119% in FY26. Silver ETFs led with 117.89% gains, while gold ETFs offered 54.80%. Experts advise rebalancing based on long-term asset allocation, suggesting a 5% to 15% range. Investors should approach current levels with caution, considering SIPs for new investments and partial exits if allocations exceed targets.

Non-Resident Indians earning income abroad in FY 2024-25 have a crucial deadline. They must file Form 67 by March 31, 2026. This form is essential for claiming foreign tax credit in India. Filing on time prevents double taxation and ensures benefits are secured. Missing this deadline can lead to tax complications. The process involves detailing foreign income and taxes paid.

Most mutual fund advisors do not recommend medium and long term debt schemes to regular investors. These schemes are extremely sensitive to changes in the interest rate environment. They suffer when the rates go up. Mutual fund advisors say many conservative investors would find it difficult to handle the volatility faced by these schemes.