The Economic Times

In September, foreign portfolio investors shed a staggering Rs 35,860 crore from Indian equities, driven by global uncertainties and rising US interest rates. This selling trend persisted into October with an outflow of Rs 9,232 crore. This selling follows significant investments of Rs 49,830 crore made in July and August.

ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund launched its new Contra Fund, open for subscription until October 12. The scheme follows a contrarian strategy, investing in out-of-favour companies with turnaround potential. Experts stress research, patience and a long-term horizon, while cautioning that contra funds can underperform for extended periods as market sentiment shifts.

Parents receiving money from their NRI children in India may enjoy tax exemptions on gifts, but large transactions can attract scrutiny from the Income-tax Department. Understanding when these transfers could prompt questions and how to document them properly is crucial for avoiding potential tax liabilities or notices. Learn about the necessary safeguards and responses to inquiries.

Gold rate today: On October 2, 2026, gold prices saw slight upticks as consumers observed the latest trends in bullion and jewellery costs. The IBJA also published revised rates for various gold and silver purities.

Over two years, HSBC Midcap Fund delivered the highest SIP return at 17.5%, followed by WhiteOak and ICICI Prudential. The midcap category averaged 7.85%, while monthly SIP flows rose 37%.

A Rs 15,000 monthly SIP grew to more than Rs 1 crore over 15 years in 30 of 138 equity mutual fund schemes analysed. Small-cap and mid-cap funds dominated the list, but experts caution that past returns cannot be treated as forecasts and stress diversification, consistency and scheme selection.

Five midcap mutual funds held between 4.85% and 7.19% cash in August portfolios. Axis Midcap Fund had the highest allocation, followed by HDFC Mid Cap, TrustMF Mid Cap, Franklin India Mid Cap and Canara Robeco Mid Cap.

Five equity mutual funds delivered annualised SIP returns of up to 24.6% over 10 years. The funds span small-cap, mid-cap and ELSS categories, highlighting strong historical performance while underscoring the importance of risk, goals and investment horizon.

Five midcap mutual funds delivered annualised returns of 20% or more over three years, led by HSBC Midcap Fund at 23.7%. Here are the top performers and laggards.

8th Pay Commission pension calculator: Around 69 lakh pensioners fall under the central government's administration, with most benefiting from the Old Pension Scheme. Employee organisations are urging changes to the terms of the 8th Pay Commission to accommodate earlier revisions in pensions. The 8th Pay Commission has an 18-month deadline to submit its report. Modifications for Level 5-9 employees pensions will hinge on forthcoming fitment factors and estimates released alongside the commission

Granddaughter lost 2.5 acre of land as her grandmother had gifted it to her step-mother who sold it; Madras HC rejects granddaughters ancestral land claim under Hindu Succession Act, 1956. Know why grandaughter lost the case.

On October 2, 2026, India will observe Gandhi Jayanti as a national holiday, affecting all banks. Public and private sector banks will be closed, including cooperative and regional rural banks. Customers should plan their transactions accordingly, as physical bank branches will not operate on this day. However, essential services like online banking and ATMs will continue to function normally.

Sebi orders stock brokers to display investor awareness messages on websites and trading apps under Project Jagrook. From November 1, apps must show Sebi messages and risk disclosures on alternate days, strengthening digital investor education and risk communication.

Nine mutual funds and two SIFs are currently open for subscription, including four ETFs, two index funds, a contra fund, a small-cap FOF and a life-cycle fund.

Smart beta funds combine passive investing with rule-based factor strategies targeting value, quality, momentum or low volatility. They offer diversification and potentially lower costs but can underperform traditional indices. Experts suggest using them as a portfolio complement for long-term investors.

Starting October 1, 2026, WhatsApp Business users in India will begin to face charges for service messages, which were previously provided free of charge. The new pricing, which will vary by market and be billed in Indian rupees, requires businesses to have a payment method on file to avoid service interruptions.

According to data from ACE MF, 13 equity mutual fund schemes have underperformed their benchmarks over the last three years based on their down capture ratios. Schemes from Samco, Shriram, ITI, Motilal Oswal, and others registered down capture ratios exceeding 110, indicating higher losses during market downturns.

Married daughters right in 3 bigha 2 biswas agri land granted by govt to her father protected by HC under Hindu Succession Act. Read this article to know how.

A recent study highlighted that 73% of equity mutual funds failed to generate positive returns on lumpsum investments within a two-year timeframe. Among the 273 funds analyzed, merely 73 showcased profitable performance, indicating substantial losses across the board. Noteworthy among the underperforming categories were flexi cap funds, with Samco and NJ Flexi Cap Funds leading in losses.

The US 10-year Treasury yield surged to a 24-year high, triggering a global bond sell-off and pressuring Indian equities, bonds and the rupee. Higher US borrowing costs are raising concerns over FII outflows, currency weakness, imported inflation and RBI policy. Rising crude prices are adding to the pressure on Indian markets.

Gold Rate: On October 1, 2026, a shift was observed in the gold market as prices fell at key jewellery outlets in India. In Delhi, Tanishq offered 22k gold jewellery at Rs 13,725 per gram, a decrease from Rs 13,755 previously. Malabar Gold & Diamonds also reported rates of Rs 13,680 per gram.

In September, mutual fund investors encountered significant setbacks as many technology-focused funds saw sharp declines. The Nifty 50 index fell by 5.56%, leading to nearly 95% of the evaluated funds posting negative returns, with many suffering losses exceeding 9%. To navigate this turbulence, experts suggest that investors should prioritize diversification and maintain balanced asset allocations, employing a disciplined strategy toward equities during this volatile market phase.

Nomura has unveiled a selection of 17 consumer stocks with 'Buy' ratings, forecasting robust demand even amid rising inventory costs that press margins. Their projections hint at average EBITDA growth of 13.8% year-over-year for these firms, far exceeding previous expectations. These optimistic target prices unveil significant upside potential, urging investors to evaluate their portfolios carefully before proceeding with any financial maneuvers.

ETMutualFunds'best mutual fund SIP portfolios are meant for three different individual risk profiles: conservative, moderate and aggressive. We have also considered three SIP baskets between Rs 2,000-5,000, between Rs 5,000-10,000 and above Rs 10,000 while creating these portfolios. Take a look at our recommended portfolios.

In August 2026, the Labour Bureau revealed a rise in the All India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers. This uptick translates into an estimated Dearness Allowance of 65%, signaling a welcome increase for many employees. As the central government regularly adjusts DA based on this data, employees may soon enjoy significant salary enhancements, with official announcements typically coinciding with festive periods.

Mr Kumar, a medicine shop owner had deposited Rs 2.47 crore cash in his bank account during demonetisation period, he got an unexplained cash income tax notice. After a long legal fight he won the case in ITAT Delhi. This article explains how.