The Economic Times

Overall, the new Codes signify a shift toward a more structured, transparent, and streamlined regulatory ecosystem. While strengthening worker protection and enhancing governance clarity, they also heighten compliance obligations and cost considerations for employers.

If you are confused by personal finance terms, jargon and calculations, heres a series to simplify and deconstruct these for you. In the 95th part of this series, Riju Mehta explains the difference between the different investor categories.

Indian taxpayers will transition to the new Income Tax Act, 2025, from April 1st. While the new regime offers lower rates, revised allowance exemptions under the old regime, particularly for HRA, may make it more attractive for some. Taxpayers must now recalculate to determine their optimal tax strategy.

For best results, its best not to get swayed by any one asset class. Experts recommend diversification. While asset allocation is the way to go, whats the best combination? Every investor has their own asset allocation. This week, we compare seven portfolio combinations. Portfolios with gold have delivered a notable returns boost in recent years, while those with zero gold exposure have lagged. By Sameer Bhardwaj.

Global uncertainties are making Non-Resident Indians rethink their investments. Many are now considering moving wealth back to India, seeing it as a stable, high-growth destination. This reassessment involves strategic choices about asset allocation, balancing domestic and international holdings. The decision hinges on individual goals and future plans, with experts advising a diversified approach.

New investment funds, Specialised Investment Funds or SIFs, are undergoing a crucial test. Launched last year, these funds offer flexible strategies. They can profit from both rising and falling markets. Current market volatility is a key indicator of their performance. Experts are watching closely to see if SIFs deliver on their promise of risk-adjusted returns.

As with any geopolitical conflict, the element of surprise caught everyone off guard, but the first to get back home were the people with balances in their mileage accounts. They booked tickets on other carriers using their balances as a backup in case their original flights routing through West Asia were not operating.

The H-1B program now operates within a highdemand environment, where the desire for the visa consistently outpaces the annual statutory caps. For students graduating into this ecosystem, the transition to long-term residency is increasingly defined by statistical variables and administrative timelines.

Indian students abroad face unexpected travel disruptions. University insurance primarily covers medical needs. However, Indian student travel policies provide essential financial protection for issues like study interruptions, lost baggage, and passport loss. These policies act as a vital supplement, offering comprehensive coverage for academic, emotional, and legal risks. They are a smart investment for students navigating unfamiliar environments.

Indian students are increasingly seeking study abroad options beyond the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. New visa policies and rising expenses in these popular destinations are driving this shift. European nations like Germany and the Netherlands, along with countries in Southeast Asia, are emerging as attractive alternatives.

Indian students are increasingly returning home after studying abroad. Visa policies in countries like the US and UK have become uncertain. Rising living costs and fewer job prospects are major concerns. Many students are now reconsidering their overseas education plans, opting for shorter courses or exploring alternative destinations.

Several non-life insurers have suspended the issuance of new travel insurance for travellers planning to visit countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Qatar.

JioBlackRock Mutual Fund has launched its Large Cap Fund, opening for subscription on March 24 and closing on April 7. The fund aims for long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily in large-cap equities, benchmarked against the BSE 100 Index. It offers a direct plan with a growth option and a minimum investment of Rs 500.

Amidst global uncertainties, fixed deposits offer stable returns. Small finance banks lead with rates up to 8.50%, while private banks like SBM Bank India offer 8.35%. Public sector banks provide competitive rates, with Punjab & Sind Bank at 7.25% for specific tenures.

Six new passive mutual fund NFOs have opened for subscription, offering investors fresh low-cost index-based investment options.

Bank locker charges: HDFC Bank has increased its locker charges effective April 1, 2026. The article compares these new charges with those of ICICI Bank, SBI, Canara Bank, and Axis Bank across various locker sizes and locations.

Silver has emerged as the top-performing asset class over the past decade, outperforming gold, equities and bonds. While mid- and small-cap stocks delivered strong returns, precious metals led the chart. Fixed-income and real estate lagged, highlighting the importance of asset allocation for long-term wealth creation across market cycles.

Amid rising geopolitical tensions and market volatility, investors are reassessing sectoral allocations. Mutual fund experts suggest focusing on domestic cyclicals, financials, and defensives like pharma, while remaining cautious on IT, metals, and oil and gas. They also highlight valuation risks and stress the importance of resilient businesses in uncertain conditions.

Several mutual funds have delivered strong returns over the past three years, with some posting CAGRs of up to 25%. The list includes a mix of flexi cap, focused, and passive funds. However, category inconsistencies raise questions, even as investors look at performance-driven fund selection.

Metal stocks have plunged recently due to geopolitical tensions and hawkish Fed commentary. However, experts anticipate a near-term surge in metal prices, driven by the Iran-US conflict and rising oil costs. Supply disruptions in the Middle East are particularly impacting steel and aluminum markets, with potential implications for Indian producers.

New Labour Law Salary Structure: Effective November 21, 2025, redefine wages, impacting overtime, gratuity, and retirement benefits. The Code on Wages clarifies that overtime allowance is part of the 50% wage calculation, while statutory contributions and gratuity are excluded.

A 37-year-old investor seeks guidance on structuring her mutual fund portfolio for her childrens education. Expert Harshvardhan Roongta recommends rebalancing allocations by reducing small-cap exposure and strengthening large- and mid-cap holdings. The advice focuses on disciplined investing, clear fund categorisation, and maintaining a balanced portfolio aligned with long-term financial goals.

Indian markets witnessed a broad-based sell-off amid escalating Middle East tensions and rising crude oil prices. Several stocks, including IDBI Bank and SpiceJet, declined sharply during the week. Geopolitical risks, inflation concerns, and regulatory developments weighed on investor sentiment, dragging multiple sectors lower despite selective resilience in parts of the market.

Starting investments early offers a significant advantage, as demonstrated by a chartered accountant's comparison. Investing Rs 12,000 monthly at age 26 yielded Rs 3.68 crore, while a higher Rs 22,000 monthly SIP starting 10 years later resulted in only Rs 1.98 crore, highlighting the power of compounding over time.

A new diesel car owner won Rs 4 lakh compensation after his vehicle developed persistent electrical and battery issues within four months of purchase. Despite multiple service center visits and part replacements, the problems recurred. The consumer commission ruled that repeated starting issues within the warranty period constituted a deficiency in service, causing significant harassment.

Banks across many Indian states are closed on Saturday, March 21, 2026, for the observance of Ramzan-Id (Id-Ul-Fitr). Despite it being the third Saturday of the month, when banks are typically open, widespread closures occurred due to the religious celebrations.

Beware of fake investment schemes promising huge monthly returns. Fraudsters are using misleading websites and AI-generated content, falsely associating Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman with these scams.

Several major fund houses are holding substantial cash reserves, with SBI Mutual Fund leading with over Rs 34,000 crore. PPFAS Mutual Fund also stands out with a significant 21.19% of its assets in cash. This trend highlights a cautious approach by some of India's largest asset managers, with over Rs 13,000 crore held by just six entities in February.

Five major AMCs, including HDFC and SBI Mutual Fund, received over Rs 10,000 crore inflows each from top 30 cities in February, driving growth in monthly AAUM. ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund led the inflow chart, reflecting continued investor preference for large fund houses amid steady market participation.

Gold prices are experiencing a dip in India. This is happening even as geopolitical tensions between Israel and Iran continue. Major jewellery brands like Tanishq, Kalyan Jewellers, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, and Joyalukkas are showing lower rates.

Amidst West Asian conflict-induced market volatility, experts offer varied perspectives on investment strategies. While some see improved earnings-valuation for mid- and smallcaps, others advise caution due to elevated valuations, recommending diversified or staggered approaches. Focus remains on quality businesses as geopolitical clarity emerges.

ET Wealth Reader's Query: I am 34, a doctor, married with an infant daughter. Is this the right time to buy term insurance? If so, what cover and amount should I consider?

NRIs can purchase term insurance in India to financially secure their families back home, with simplified processes and lower premiums compared to overseas options. While eligibility depends on residency and risk profile, claim settlement for overseas deaths is streamlined. Read on to learn about claim settlement process and whether NRIs should opt for term insurance in India or in their country of residence.

The Income Tax Rules, 2026 have been notified, introducing significant changes for salaried taxpayers. Key updates include revised motor car perquisite valuations, an increased tax-free loan limit to Rs 2 lakh, and enhanced meal voucher exemptions under the old tax regime. HRA benefits now extend to more major cities, with new disclosure requirements for landlords.

State Bank of India is raising interest rates on bulk fixed deposits above Rs 3 crore. Effective March 15, 2026, these rates will see a 25 basis points increase. Rates for smaller deposits remain unchanged.

New Income Tax Rules, 2026, offer higher HRA tax exemptions for salaried individuals in eight major cities, including Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru. A key change requires disclosing relationships with landlords in Form 124, especially for family rentals, to ensure genuine transactions and enhance transparency for tax authorities.

Choosing the right mix of mutual funds and rebalancing at the right time is essential for long-term wealth creation. Experts suggest reviewing allocation across large-cap, midcap, and small-cap categories, booking profits where required, and shifting to diversified schemes to maintain balance, reduce risk, and strengthen overall portfolio health.

A husband's sale of a Noida house for Rs 95 lakh has been upheld by the Allahabad High Court. The court ordered the wife to vacate the property and pay Rs 60,000 monthly damages to the new owner for her illegal occupation since 2011. Her claim of contributing stridhan to the purchase was rejected due to lack of proof.

Homebuyers can now recover interest for delayed property possession from builders as Arrears of Land Revenue under RERA. This classification, upheld by Punjab RERA and the Supreme Court, allows recovery through the state's revenue machinery, bypassing lengthy civil court processes. Builders face stringent recovery actions, including asset attachment and potential arrest, for non-compliance.

If you are planning to invest in balanced advantage schemes, here are our recommended schemes you can consider investing. There are no changes in the list this month. Follow our monthly updates to know how your schemes performed in the previous month.

Gold and silver ETFs rebounded up to 4% after a two-day decline, tracking a recovery in MCX prices. Experts view the rise as a short-term relief rally amid persistent bearish sentiment driven by strong dollar, hawkish Fed stance, and rising oil prices linked to Middle East tensions.

New rules for National Highways Fee are now in effect. An e-notice system will track unpaid toll charges. Vehicle owners will receive electronic notices for missed payments. Failure to pay can lead to vehicle service restrictions.

HSBC Flexi Cap Fund has demonstrated impressive long-term performance, turning a Rs 10,000 monthly SIP into Rs 1.35 crore over 22 years. Despite recent market dips and some negative calendar year returns, the fund has consistently outperformed its benchmark and category average across various timeframes, showcasing its wealth creation potential.