The Economic Times

Gold and silver ETFs experienced a sharp decline following a significant selloff in precious metals, with spot gold falling 5.4% and silver dropping 10.7%. This correction was attributed to a strengthening US dollar and profit-booking after a strong January rally. Experts advise caution due to near-term volatility but maintain a bullish long-term outlook.

Top smallcap mutual funds delivered strong three-year returns of up to 27%, led by Bandhan Small Cap Fund. Passive small cap index funds and actively managed schemes dominated the top performers, while several established funds lagged with negative returns, highlighting wide divergence in small cap fund performance.

Five new mutual fund NFOs are opening for subscription this week across ETFs, index funds, sectoral funds, and funds of funds. Offerings include defence, consumption, services, and multi-asset strategies from Mirae Asset, HDFC, Kotak, and DSP, giving investors fresh options across themes and risk profiles.

UAE residents investing in Indian mutual funds can claim tax benefits. They must obtain a Tax Residency Certificate (TRC) from the UAE. Filing Form 10F is also crucial if the TRC lacks required details. This helps in claiming exemptions under the India-UAE DTAA. Excess tax deducted at source can be refunded. Following these rules avoids potential tax notices.

UAE residents investing in Indian mutual funds can claim tax benefits. They must obtain a Tax Residency Certificate (TRC) from the UAE. Filing Form 10F is also crucial if the TRC lacks required details. This helps in claiming exemptions under the India-UAE DTAA. Excess tax deducted at source can be refunded. Following these rules avoids potential tax notices.

Ahead of Budget 2026, the mutual fund industry has urged the government to restore debt fund indexation, offer ELSS tax relief under the new regime, and allow pension-oriented MF schemes. Experts also expect tax stability, fiscal discipline, and policy clarity to boost long-term investing and investor confidence.

Senior citizens can still secure fixed deposit (FD) interest rates up to 8% for a five-year term with select banks, including Suryoday Small Finance Bank. While TDS is deducted if FD interest exceeds Rs 1 lakh annually, senior citizens with zero tax liability can submit Form 15H to avoid this deduction.

A Bengaluru fruit dealer successfully challenged a tax notice for unexplained cash credit. The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) Bangalore ruled in his favor, stating that tax authorities need more than just a claim of unexplained cash. The tribunal accepted the dealer's business as genuine, allowing his cash deposits to be treated as business receipts.

As the Indian Union Budget 2026 approaches, personal taxpayers anticipate significant reforms. The article highlights a growing tax base and a preference for simplified tax structures, with many opting for the concessional regime. Expectations include reducing the highest tax slab, increasing the Section 80C limit, and expanding deductions for savings account interest.

Builders are legally required to secure insurance for housing projects under RERA Section 16. This insurance covers land title and construction until possession is handed over. If builders neglect this mandate, homebuyers are left unprotected against potential losses. Karnataka RERA has ruled that builders cannot shift blame for uninsured losses to homeowners.

Banks in India will be closed on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month, and on national holidays like Republic Day, Independence Day, and Gandhi Jayanti in 2026. While physical branches remain shut on these days, digital banking services will continue to be available to customers.

Bank employee unions, including AIBEA, AIBOA, and BEFI, will join a nationwide strike on February 12, 2026, protesting new labor codes and perceived attacks on workers. They oppose provisions allowing employers to terminate staff without authority approval and advocate for a five-day work week, citing unfair practices compared to other financial institutions.

The Economic Survey 2025-26 attributes record gold prices in 2025 to US tariff announcements, global policy uncertainty, and a weakening dollar. Despite a recent dip, the survey suggests precious metal prices may continue to rise due to sustained demand as safe-haven assets amid global uncertainties.

India's direct tax strategy is shifting towards broader participation and better compliance, not rate hikes, according to the Economic Survey. Expect stability and fewer surprises for taxpayers in Budget 2026. The focus is on system clean-up and nudges over notices, encouraging voluntary compliance and simplifying tax administration for a growing taxpayer base.

Gold and silver based ETFs have delivered strong returns over a three year period amid global uncertainty. Data from MF Screener highlights the top five fund of fund options across gold and silver categories for medium term investors.

Indias post-Covid customers are asking tougher questions about health insurance, compelling agents to become true advisors instead of transactional sellers. Heres how structured training, clearer communication and local-language explanations are transforming frontline advisory. And why that shift is key to preventing claim shocks and building long-term trust.

Major global reinsurers, including Lloyd's of London, are seeking Indian regulatory approval to establish operations in GIFT City, a low-tax financial hub. These companies aim to tap into India's substantial insurance market by offering specialized products and benefiting from favorable tax treatment and regulatory alignment.

Nilesh Shah says judging fund managers by old clips misleads investors. Market views evolve with facts. He cites gold and silver gains since 2020, driven by central bank buying, geopolitics and diversification, urging investors to judge actions and allocation instead.

Every mutual fund has offered positive XIRR on SIP investments in the last five years, an analysis by ETMutualFunds showed. Nearly 208 equity funds have completed five years of existence in the industry, of which 177 gave double-digit XIRR, and three gave over 20% XIRR in the said time horizon.

HDFC Bank is revising its Infinia metal credit card reward point redemption policy from February 1, 2026, allowing a maximum of five redemptions per month. Previously, there were reports of a lower limit. The card offers five reward points per Rs 150 spent, with higher points for Smartbuy purchases.

Gold ETF boom: AUM of the top 10 AMCs crosses Rs 1.5 lakh crore in January as investors flock to safe-haven assets.

In the last few budgets, the government's aim has been to promote the New personal tax regime (NPTR) which led to almost 72% of taxpayers opting for NPTR while filing tax returns for fiscal year 2023-24. The government will continue its focus to promote NPTR in 2026 also.

India's crypto community eagerly awaits Budget 2026. Investors and experts hope for a fairer tax regime for Virtual Digital Assets. Current regulations are seen as complex and costly. Expectations include rationalizing the 1% TDS and allowing loss set-offs. This budget could be a turning point for crypto taxation in India.

Since the last Union Budget, 45 stocks have become multibaggers. As the next budget approaches, analysts are identifying sectors poised for growth. Infrastructure, defence, renewable energy, and manufacturing are key areas to watch. Targeted government spending and policy signals are expected to drive stock performance.

If you are planning to invest for three to five years, but dont want to take a call on interest rates, you can bet on dynamic bond funds. Kotak Dynamic Bond Fund, one of the recommended schemes, has been in the third quartile for the last 20 months. ICICI Prudential All Seasons Bond Fund has been in the second quartile for the last 20 months. Please follow our monthly updates to keep track of your investments

Bank holiday in Maharashtra: Many bank customers in Maharashtra are confused whether banks are open or closed in the state today (Friday, January 30, 2026) after its chief minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Wednesday that state government offices would be closed for three days (i.e. till Friday).

The Chhattisgarh High Court ruled that an unmarried adult daughter is legally entitled to maintenance from her father, even if he has remarried and has other children. The court ordered a government teacher father to pay Rs 5 lakh for his 25-year-old daughter's wedding expenses and Rs 2,500 monthly maintenance until she marries or becomes self-sufficient.

The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal in Mumbai has ruled in favour of Mr. Nilawar. The tribunal cleared him of unexplained cash credit charges amounting to Rs 11 crore. Evidence including diaries and receipts were deemed explainable. This decision overturns the Assessing Officer's additions. The tribunal emphasized that suspicion alone cannot replace proof in tax matters.

A manager, Mr. Kumar, recorded women colleagues gossiping, leading to a sexual harassment complaint. The POSH committee cleared him of sexual harassment but recommended disciplinary action. The Bombay High Court ruled the committee exceeded its jurisdiction, quashing the reprimand and stating no action could be recommended if sexual harassment wasn't proven.

Mutual funds, driven by consistent household inflows via SIPs, have become a cornerstone of India's equity market, offsetting volatile foreign investor flows. Domestic institutional investors, including mutual funds and insurance companies, now hold a larger share of equities than foreign portfolio investors, marking a significant shift in market dynamics.

India's tax collection saw a major boost through data-driven nudges. The NUDGE initiative guided taxpayers to correct claims, leading to over Rs 119 crore additional tax from HRA. Foreign asset declarations and 80GGC donations also increased significantly. This approach promotes voluntary compliance, reducing friction and litigation for a more efficient tax system.

ICICI Bank is implementing significant credit card benefit changes effective February 1, 2025. Key updates include the discontinuation of BookMyShow movie benefits on select cards and revised reward point structures for transport and insurance spends.

Central government employees and pensioner bodies, associated with CCGEW, have threatened a one-day strike on February 12, 2026, if their demands are not met. These include incorporating their suggestions into the 8th Pay Commission's Terms of Reference and demanding 20% interim relief from January 1, 2026.

India's Economic Survey reveals significant tax relief for households has been provided, with the fiscal deficit falling below target. Experts offer differing views on future tax cuts, with some suggesting a shift towards stability and incremental rationalization rather than sweeping rate reductions. The survey emphasizes delayed gratification for long-term national gain.

Under the revised mandate, the fund will allocate 80100% of its assets to equity and equity-related instruments of companies in the consumption and consumption-related or allied sectors.

Mirae Asset Investment Managers (India) has launched two BSE India Defencebased passive funds: the Mirae Asset BSE India Defence ETF and its ETF FOF. The NFOs open on February 2, the ETF closes on February 10 and the FOF closes on February 16, 2026. The schemes will reopen for continuous transactions later in February.

The government is looking at raising the Employees' Provident Fund wage ceiling from Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000. This move aims to bring more workers under the social security net. The proposal is being fast-tracked following a Supreme Court directive. If approved, the new limit could be effective from April 2026. This change will expand mandatory PF coverage and strengthen the fund's corpus.

Gold and silver have hit record highs, but WhiteOak Capital MF warns this isnt a time to chase the rally. Its report says gold is talking signalling macro risks while silver is screaming, indicating speculative excess. Investors may be better off taking profits, rebalancing and reallocating strategically.

The Reserve Bank of India has paused plans for banks to disclose climate change risks. This move impacts global efforts towards a low-carbon economy. The proposed rules, discussed since 2022, aimed for banks to report loan portfolio risks and mitigation strategies. Implementation was expected from fiscal year 2027. The central bank cited current priorities and potential costs for corporates.

The Economic Survey 2025-26 highlights a sharp rise in equity and mutual fund allocation in household savings, driven by a sevenfold increase in SIP contributions, signalling a structural shift towards disciplined, long-term investing by Indian households.