The Economic Times

The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation introduced a six-month Amnesty Scheme in 2026. This initiative allows employers to regularize their private provident fund trusts. Eligible establishments can either join the EPFO framework or continue as exempted trusts.

Builders must repair structural and quality defects within five years of possession. Homebuyers can report issues and expect repairs within thirty days. If builders fail to act, homebuyers can seek compensation under RERA. Evidence like photos and expert reports helps prove defects. This RERA provision ensures builder accountability for project quality.

Salaried employees should know income tax exemption limits for various allowances. Leave Travel Allowance is exempt for self and family travel within India. Children Education Allowance offers exemption up to three thousand rupees per child. Phone bill reimbursements are generally not taxable for employees. Meal card benefits are exempt up to two hundred rupees per meal.

Gold prices saw a decline across major jewellery brands today. This offers some relief to buyers planning purchases of gold jewellery. Rates varied slightly across leading jewellers like Tanishq and Malabar Gold & Diamonds. The India Bullion and Jewellers Association also reported indicative retail selling rates. These rates reflect a decrease from previous days for various gold and silver purities.

EPFO 2026 scheme: The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has introduced VISHWAS, 2026, a dispute resolution scheme. This initiative offers employers reduced damages for pending Employees' Provident Fund cases.

A Supreme Court ruling protected a buyer from criminal charges in a forged Will case. The court stated criminal liability requires buyer knowledge of the forgery. A buyer with registered title and possession cannot be automatically evicted. Civil court decrees are necessary for eviction after a full trial. Buyers can pursue civil and criminal remedies against fraudulent sellers.

New Income Tax Return forms for AY 2026-2027 introduce significant reporting changes. Taxpayers must now report futures and options trading turnover and income. Disallowance of MSME interest under Section 43B(h) requires specific disclosure. Partners in firms need to provide additional details on interest and remuneration. These updates aim to enhance transparency and compliance for all taxpayers.

Bandhan Small Cap Fund leads with the highest Sharpe ratio of 1.05. Invesco India Smallcap Fund also shows strong risk-adjusted returns. Mahindra Manulife Small Cap Fund and Bank of India Small Cap Fund follow. These funds have delivered significant returns over the last three years. Investors can analyze these metrics for informed mutual fund decisions.

GST officers can now issue fraud notices with a reasonable basis. Proof of fraud is not required at the initial notice stage. Businesses must respond seriously to scrutiny and audit queries. Silence during investigations can be construed as suppression of facts. The ruling shifts the battleground to the reply stage for taxpayers.

Sunil Singhania-backed Abakkus Flexi Cap Fund exited Vedanta, Vedanta Oil & Gas and Vedanta Iron & Steel following the group's demerger in June, while raising exposure to Vedanta Aluminium and Vedanta Power. The fund also increased stakes in 28 stocks, with its assets under management rising to Rs 5,300 crore.

TrendMap presents a 10-year performance tracker of domestic market sectors. Nine key NSE Sector indices show annual returns ranked by performance. Metals remain the long-term leader despite market cycles and volatility. Data includes YTD for 2026 and historical trading day closing values. This analysis covers Auto, Banks, Energy, FMCG, Infra, IT, Metals, Pharma, and Realty.

If you are confused by personal finance terms, jargon and calculations, heres a series to simplify and deconstruct these for you. In the 111th part of this series, Riju Mehta lists some of the penalties you may be liable to pay.

The Reserve Bank of India is carefully unwinding its large bearish dollar position. This move aims to support the rupee without causing market instability. Recent measures are attracting foreign capital, aiding the central bank's strategy. However, the pace of unwinding is crucial to avoid currency depreciation pressure. The RBI faces a delicate balancing act in managing its forward exposure.

It is often witnessed that the aggression of marketing executives in AMCs to onboard an investor is not reciprocated while settling death claims, when the bereaved family expects empathy and handholding, and the funds to relieve them from the stress of having lost a loved one. Sebi should review the ground-level situation with SWPs becoming a financial trap for surviving spouses.

Aluminium prices have seen significant swings this year driven by geopolitical tensions. Demand from key sectors like electric vehicles is robust and outpacing supply growth. Analysts remain constructive on Indian producers like Nalco and Hindalco Industries. Valuations have eased, making the sector attractive for investors. A buy-on-dips strategy is recommended amid ongoing global macro uncertainty.

A large number of senior citizens find it difficult to get individual insurance covers. Insurers may charge higher premiums or decline coverage. So, while the premium comparison is made between the group rates and the lowest available individual rate, the possibility of getting standalone coverage is lower. Under a group plan, however, coverage is usually guaranteed.

Indian influencers and gig workers face significant tax compliance challenges. Many struggle with tracking income and claiming eligible deductions accurately. Discrepancies in TDS reporting create difficulties when filing income tax returns. Uncertainty surrounds the classification of influencers as businesses or professionals for taxation. Clearer guidelines are needed to simplify tax procedures for this evolving sector.

Mirae Asset Investment Managers (India)s equity funds have experienced a period of underperformancethe first major blip since inception in 2007. Chief Investment Officer Neelesh Surana speaks to Sanket Dhanorkar on his market outlook and fund strategies.

India's primary market anticipates a busy season with major IPOs approaching. Many investors are borrowing funds to maximize their application sizes. This trend is fueled by increased retail participation and convenient application methods. However, borrowing carries significant risks, including allotment and weak listing uncertainties. Careful consideration of costs and potential returns is essential before leveraging for IPOs.

Under the old Income Tax Act, 1961, the regime operated under three separate provisions. The new Income Tax Act, 2025 consolidates them into a single section. While this structural consolidation is welcome, it does introduce substantive changes that could raise taxable income and cause fresh compliance issues.

Elder care firms offer vital support for ageing parents of distant children. These companies provide healthcare, companionship, and daily assistance to seniors. Many non-resident Indians and those living far away utilize these services. India's senior population is growing, increasing the demand for elder care. Companies ensure safety and peace of mind for families with their services.

Actively managed momentum funds have outperformed the Nifty and passive funds over the past year. Their algorithm-driven stock selection and shorter holding periods navigated a volatile market. Bigger bets on outperforming mid and small-cap stocks also contributed to these significant gains. This market-beating potential has prompted new active momentum fund launches recently. These funds use quantitative models to shuffle portfolios based on strengthening price trends.

Gaurik Shah, Senior Vice President Equity Investments at Mirae Asset Mutual Fund, discusses his journey from software engineering to quantitative investing, his process-driven investment philosophy, and the responsibility of managing investors' wealth.

Four new mutual fund schemes, including three actively managed funds and one ETF, are set to open for subscription this week, offering investors exposure to services, large and midcap, midcap and banking segments.

Equity mutual funds delivered strong returns last week, led by sectoral, thematic and international schemes. Mirae Asset Hang Seng TECH ETF FoF topped the list with a 6.38% gain, while technology-focused and business cycle funds dominated the top performers.

Seven mutual fund NFOs raised Rs 460 crore in June, with WhiteOak Capital Aggressive Hybrid Fund dominating collections. Index funds and ETFs saw relatively muted inflows, while the lone large and mid cap fund also contributed modestly. The data reflects selective investor participation in new fund launches amid evolving market conditions.

SIF inflows surged in June, led by hybrid long-short funds, which dominated with over Rs 11,900 crore in AUM. Total inflows rose sharply month-on-month, with most strategies witnessing traction, while sector rotation funds remained negligible. Data highlights growing investor preference for hybrid long-short strategies within the evolving SIF landscape in India.

Taxpayers must review their Annual Information Statement before filing their Income Tax Return. This statement details financial transactions linked to a taxpayer's PAN for a specific year. Information is dynamically updated throughout the year as reports are processed by various entities.

Shriram Finance Limited has revised its fixed deposit interest rates starting July 2, 2026. Regular depositors will now earn up to 7.50% annually on specific tenures. Senior citizens will receive an enhanced rate of 8% on these fixed deposits.

Investor interest in midcap and smallcap mutual funds saw a strong comeback in June. These funds attracted significant inflows, becoming major contributors to equity mutual fund recovery. Broader market stock performance encouraged investors to increase allocations to these segments. Midcap and smallcap funds delivered notable returns, reflecting renewed investor confidence. The net assets under management for these categories also experienced substantial growth.

Gold jewellery rates saw a slight decrease across major brands today. Tanishq's 22-carat gold price dropped to Rs 13,275 per gram. Malabar Gold & Diamonds and Joyalukkas also listed 22-carat gold at Rs 13,230. Kalyan Jewellers has yet to update its prices for the day. IBJA's indicative rates serve as a benchmark for the country.

Sovereign Gold Bonds offer investors a chance for early redemption after five years. Specific tranches are eligible for premature exit in July 2026. Investors must submit redemption requests within strict official timelines. These requests are processed through banks, post offices, and other designated channels. Missing the submission window may result in the rejection of redemption requests.

Equity mutual fund inflows climbed 26% in June to Rs 28,973 crore, led by strong investments in midcap, smallcap and flexicap funds, while ELSS and dividend yield funds continued witnessing net outflows.

Anand Vardarajan will become Tata Asset Management's Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director. He takes over from Prathit Bhobe, who steps down in July 2026. Vardarajan has been with the company since 2018, serving as Chief Business Officer. Hemant Kumar is appointed Chief Business Officer, overseeing various business functions. These appointments ensure a smooth leadership transition for future growth.

The mutual fund SIP stoppage ratio eased in June, falling below 100% for the first time in months. More new SIPs were registered than those discontinued or completed their tenures. SIP contributions reached a record Rs 31,781 crore, showing investor confidence in long-term investing. Retail mutual fund assets and folios also saw an increase during the month. This trend reinforces disciplined investor participation in India's growth story.

Sebi has issued revised norms for mutual fund intraday borrowing. These new rules will become effective from September 1, 2026. Mutual funds can now borrow temporarily to manage liquidity mismatches. This allows them to meet unit holder payouts and investment pay-ins. The borrowing quantum will be linked to expected daily receivables.

Sold property for Rs 2.63 crore and reported Rs 16.33 lakh LTCG, claimed home loan interest, travel, water, electricity and brokerage as expenses; Tax dept denied the expenses; ITAT Bangalore allows partly allows his expenses claim. Know why did the NRI win the tax case in ITAT Bangalore.

Equity mutual fund inflows increased significantly in June, reaching 28,973 crore. Retail investors returned to mid- and small-cap segments, allocating substantial funds to these categories. Systematic investment plan collections also saw a modest rise during the month. The mutual fund industry's assets under management edged up slightly, aided by market gains. Sectoral and thematic funds also experienced renewed investor interest and recovered inflows.

Karnataka RERA ordered a builder to provide promised amenities within ninety days. The builder failed to deliver Cauvery water and electricity meters for six years. He must now transfer land Khata and common facilities to the homeowners' association. The RERA Act protects homebuyers and ensures developers fulfill past promises. This ruling mandates builders adhere to agreed amenities and their maintenance.

Banks will remain closed on Saturday, July 11, 2026? Digital banking services will continue to be available for customers even if banks are closed. Routine transactions can be performed using mobile and internet banking applications.

Starting September 1, 2026, SEBI allows mutual funds to use intraday borrowing to manage short-term liquidity mismatches for payouts. Asset management companies must cover all borrowing costs, ensuring no financial risk is passed on to the scheme investors.

The Employees' Pension Scheme, 2026, introduces significant changes for EPF members. Withdrawal benefits now require a 36-month waiting period after exit. Existing members will seamlessly continue their coverage under the new scheme.

Global stablecoin market value exceeds three hundred billion dollars, dominated by US dollar denominations. The United Kingdom faces a strategic challenge to increase its presence in this evolving financial architecture. Stablecoins offer efficiency in cross-border payments and programmability for the AI economy. Risks exist but are manageable with appropriate regulatory frameworks and clarity. India must also develop a clear stablecoin policy to avoid falling behind global trends.

You must know certain things about your money, growing it, making it work hard for you to see the growth on a practical level. Being financially rich and having the ability to live like a millionaire are fundamentally two very different things, Ferriss states in his book The 4-Hour Workweek.