The Economic Times

Prime Minister Modi will release the 22nd instalment of the PM Kisan scheme today. Over 9.32 crore farmer families will receive more than Rs 18,640 crore directly into their bank accounts. This number is slightly lower than the previous instalment. The government is verifying eligibility to ensure benefits reach genuine farmers. Farmers can check their status online.

A Vallum Capital report shows that domestic and global investors followed sharply different strategies during the recent silver rally. While global institutional investors largely sold during the surge and bought during corrections, Indian retail investors increased buying near the peak and exited during declines, highlighting behavioural differences and timing gaps in ETF investing.

CoinEx dual investment offers a structured approach to crypto trading, generating yield while automating buy-low or sell-high strategies. This product allows users to define target prices and tenors, receiving principal plus yield in one of two assets based on market conditions at settlement. It's ideal for disciplined entry/exit plans and monetizing sideways markets, with opportunity cost being the primary trade-off.

Sharp market fluctuations can significantly deplete retirement savings, especially for those heavily invested in equities. Experts advise a 'protect and grow' approach for retirement-bound investors, balancing growth assets like equities with safer options like debt. This strategy aims to mitigate losses while ensuring long-term corpus preservation.

Amid market volatility, risk-averse investors are exploring special fixed deposits offering higher interest rates. Punjab & Sind Bank leads PSU banks with a 6.75% rate for a 666-day FD for general citizens, while senior citizens can earn up to 7.25%. IDBI Bank's Utsav FD, with a March 31, 2026 deadline, offers competitive rates for both.

The HDFC Defence Fund has sold its entire stake in Cummins India, a large-cap stock that saw substantial growth. The fund has also adjusted its holdings in other companies, increasing its investment in Bosch, Eicher Motors, and Hindustan Aeronautics. This strategic move reflects the fund's active management within the defence sector, aiming for continued capital appreciation for investors.

Jefferies has updated its analyst top ideas, adding seven new stock recommendations across various sectors. These picks include State Bank of India, Groww, Star Health & Allied Insurance, Bharat Forge, JSW Steel, Eternal, and Max Healthcare, with significant upside potential highlighted for each.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will release the 22nd PM Kisan instalment today. Over 9.32 crore farmer families will receive more than Rs 18,640 crore directly. This transfer will bring the total disbursed amount to Rs 4.27 lakh crore. Women farmers will also receive financial assistance. e-KYC is mandatory for all beneficiaries.

A recent court ruling clarifies property rights. A son does not automatically inherit a father's self-acquired property. Birthrights only apply to ancestral property. Fathers can freely sell, gift, or bequeath their self-acquired assets. This distinction prevents disputes arising from mistaken beliefs about joint family property. Clear documentation of property origin is crucial for families.

A woman's Rs 50 lakh insurance policy purchase was deemed an unexplained investment. She claimed HUF funding from agricultural income. The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal Chandigarh rejected this. Lack of documentary proof for the HUF's funds and a questionable Memorandum of Understanding led to the decision. The tax department's action was upheld.

Equity mutual funds saw a significant surge in inflows during February, with large, mid, and small-cap categories experiencing notable increases. This rise, driven by lower redemptions, suggests a potential return of investor confidence in equities, though experts advise against chasing trends and emphasize aligning investments with personal risk profiles and long-term goals.

Flexi cap mutual funds offer the fund managers the freedom to invest across market capitalisations and sectors/themes. It means the fund managers can invest anywhere based on his outlook on the market.

Gold and silver ETFs saw a dip on Friday. This decline occurred as surging energy prices lowered expectations for early U.S. interest rate cuts. Higher oil prices fueled inflation concerns, creating uncertainty about the Federal Reserve's rate cut plans. This situation has somewhat diminished gold's safe-haven appeal. Experts advise investors to buy on dips and hold for long-term diversification.

Investors are flocking to income plus arbitrage fund of funds, a hybrid product offering safety and tax efficiency, as equity market returns falter. This category, which blends fixed income with equity arbitrage, has seen significant asset growth.

Beginners can navigate the stock market by first opening a demat account and understanding associated costs. Utilizing tools like a brokerage calculator is crucial for evaluating fees, comparing brokers, and ensuring long-term profitability. Smart investing combines cost-effectiveness, discipline, and a long-term perspective for sustainable wealth creation.

Taxpayers must act now. Make tax-saving investments under Section 80C. Submit investment proofs to employers. Pay advance tax by March 15, 2026. Claim health insurance deductions under Section 80D. Home loan borrowers can claim interest benefits under Section 24b. Complete these tasks to save money and avoid penalties.

Income from assets gifted by a spouseinterest, dividends, or capital gainsis generally clubbed with the donors income, except for reinvested earnings, which are taxable in the recipients hands.