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The Economic Times

Personal Finance / The Economic Times

Looking for top-performing fund of FY26? Nippon India Taiwan Equity Fund wins crown with 171%+ return

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.

31 Mar 2026 9:02 am
ITR filing season starts: Income Tax Return forms ITR-1, ITR-2, ITR-3 and others notified

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.

31 Mar 2026 8:55 am
Mahavir Jayanti bank holiday today (March 31): These banks to remain open despite bank holiday; check why

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.

31 Mar 2026 7:00 am
Why diversification and discipline matter more than market timing

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.

30 Mar 2026 7:45 pm
RBI floating rate bond at 8.05%: Has the rate changed or is it still a top fixed income pick?

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.

30 Mar 2026 7:29 pm
Have the interest rates on PPF, NSC, SCSS and other small savings schemes changed for the April-June 2026 quarter?

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.

30 Mar 2026 7:06 pm
Two days of stock market slump wipes out Rs 18.60 lakh cr from investors' wealth

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.

30 Mar 2026 7:02 pm
Gold, silver tumble up to 44% from January peaks. Is it time to buy the dip or stay cautious?

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.

30 Mar 2026 3:07 pm
22k gold rate today: Check 22K, 24K gold prices (March 30, 2026) on Tanishq, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Joyalukkas and IBJA

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.

30 Mar 2026 2:48 pm
Can your bank cut TDS on interest income? Income Tax Department clarifies Income-tax Act, 1925 rule

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.

30 Mar 2026 2:12 pm
9 NPS transactions unavailable on CRA platforms till April 1, 2026: Multiple NAV framework & other key changes

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.

30 Mar 2026 1:32 pm
Can chasing tax-efficient mutual funds hurt your overall investment strategy?

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.

30 Mar 2026 1:26 pm
Looking for best flexi-cap mutual fund? Experts explain why strategy matters more than returns

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.

30 Mar 2026 12:35 pm
With inflation on rise, will government change interest rates of small savings schemes?

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.

30 Mar 2026 12:09 pm
NPS gets wider reach: Pension body allows CAs, fintech firms, Gramin Dak Sevaks, Pension Sakhis and others to act as pension agents

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.

30 Mar 2026 12:00 pm
No more technical escapes? Finance Bill 2026 pushes taxpayers to fight cases on merits

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.

30 Mar 2026 11:36 am
Bank holiday Mahavir Jayanti 2026: Are banks closed in Bengaluru, Karnataka, Delhi and other cities & states?

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.

30 Mar 2026 11:32 am
Silver & gold ETFs gain over 119% in FY26. Time to add, rebalance or book profits for FY27?

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.

30 Mar 2026 10:12 am
NRIs tax alert: March 31, 2026 is the deadline to claim foreign tax credit using Form 67 for income earned in FY 202425

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.

30 Mar 2026 10:07 am
Best medium duration mutual funds to invest in March 2026

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.

30 Mar 2026 9:32 am
Jubilant Foodworks shares in focus as LPG shortage hits Domino's Pizza's India operator

Jubilant Foodworks faces operational pressure as LPG supply to parts of its Dominos and Dunkin outlets is constrained amid Middle East tensions. The company is switching to alternative energy sources and engaging with oil marketing companies. QSR stocks have declined in March, while India ensures LPG imports remain uninterrupted.

30 Mar 2026 8:43 am
Banks in UAE freeze FD, salary, savings a/cs after account holders death: A practical guide for families of deceased expats to access funds

When a UAE expat dies, their bank accounts including FDs and savings are immediately frozen. Families need to obtain a succession certificate or court-issued Will execution order to unfreeze these funds. This process involves submitting an application to the competent court and providing proof of kinship. The court then issues an order for fund distribution.

30 Mar 2026 7:52 am
Sold gifted flat for Rs 9 crore and bought new home with husband, paid no tax; ITAT Mumbai rules in favour of taxpayer

A woman successfully claimed a tax exemption on the sale of a gifted apartment after reinvesting the proceeds into a new home with her husband. Despite the Income Tax Department's notice, the ITAT Mumbai ruled in her favor, accepting her argument that the property purchase predated the sale registration within the allowed timeframe.

30 Mar 2026 7:34 am
Why multi-cap funds have an edge over flexi-caps

Many flexi-cap funds are large-cap funds in disguise. And investors are paying active management fees for the privilege. Aside from safety and less volatility, the real question to ask is if a flexi-cap funds large-cap tilt is rewarding.

30 Mar 2026 6:30 am
West Asia conflict: How to get flight, hotel refunds

As the West Asia crisis cuts into vacation plans and budgets, theres still time to reschedule your trip and claim refunds.

30 Mar 2026 6:30 am
Where Indians are travelling now amid global turmoil

Short- and medium-haul destinations like Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Japan are seeing a rise in demand.

30 Mar 2026 6:30 am
FIFA World Cup: Visas, travel costs & tips for fans

FIFA World Cup 2026 turns a fan trip into a high-cost, multi-country journey.

30 Mar 2026 6:30 am
Gold, silver fall despite war: What you should do now

A sharp sell-off in precious metals amid extreme stress runs counter to their usual role as diversifiers.

30 Mar 2026 6:30 am
New tax rules 2026: Old vs new; how to choose

With the overhauled Income Tax Act taking effect from 1 April, taxpayers must prepare for new rulesand the renewed old vs new tax regime debate.

30 Mar 2026 6:30 am
Understanding market cap and how it helps investors

If you are confused by personal finance terms, jargon and calculations, heres a series to simplify and deconstruct these for you. In the 96th part of this series, Riju Mehta explains one way of evaluating companies.

30 Mar 2026 6:30 am
Gold, silver fall despite war tension: Why safe-haven assets are slipping and what investors should do

A sharp sell-off in precious metals amid extreme stress runs counter to their usual role as diversifiers.

30 Mar 2026 6:30 am
Hidden risks behind options trading decoded

In the first part of a two-part series, we break down option premiums and moneyness. Without a solid understanding of these dynamics, retail investors often end up speculating rather than strategising. Understanding moneyness is critical for understanding why retail traders lose money.

30 Mar 2026 6:30 am
Money calendar for FY 26-27: Keep track of deadlines

Deadlines, reminders, and a nudge or two. Your money, sorted for 2026-27 with this calendar.

30 Mar 2026 6:30 am
Why taxpayers may face 2 laws under New I-T Act 2025

The Income Tax Act, 2025 modernises the law while preserving continuity, ensuring that taxpayers are not forced into uncertainty during transition. Income earned up to financial year 2025- 26, which ends on 31 March, 2026, is governed by the Income Tax Act, 1961; income earned in financial year 2026-27, which starts on 1 April, 2026, comes under the new Act.

30 Mar 2026 6:30 am