The Economic Times

A 38-year-old investor with a 20-year horizon is considering a Rs 30 lakh lump sum investment alongside her existing SIPs. Financial expert Harshvardhan Roongta advises careful evaluation of market conditions and risk appetite before deploying the lump sum, suggesting either equity or hybrid fund strategies for wealth creation.

Leading jewellery retailers across the city quoted nearly identical rates for 24k, 22k, and 18k gold. As per the latest trends, the price of 24 karat gold was over Rs 15,500 per gram while 22 karat gold was largely priced between Rs 14,230 to Rs 14,300 per gram.

ET Wealth Reader's Query: I am 38, a salaried professional earning Rs 22 lakh annually. My family includes a spouse and a 5-year-old child. I currently have a Rs 75 lakh term insurance policy and a Rs 10 lakh family floater health cover. Is my term cover adequate, or should it be increased considering inflation and long-term goals such as childs education? I want to ensure my coverage is adequate but not excessive.

Gold prices held steady on Tuesday, April 21, 2026. Investors are watching for potential peace talks between the United States and Iran. Geopolitical tensions and inflation fears are influencing the precious metals market. Consumers can check gold rates at leading brands like Tanishq and Malabar Gold & Diamonds.

Pensioner groups Bharat Pensioners Samaj (BPS) and NCCPA have raised concerns with the 8th Pay Commission regarding its memorandum submission portal. BPS highlighted technical glitches and requested alternative submission methods and an extended deadline, while NCCPA seeks more sub-questions to address diverse issues comprehensively.

Indian Railways has permitted Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) holding valid UDID cards to travel in unreserved Divyangjan coaches on mail/express trains. This facility allows PwDs to be treated as bona fide passengers in designated compartments. Strict action will be taken against unauthorized travelers in these coaches.

Nippon India Taiwan Equity Fund, the top-performing mutual fund of FY26 with over 171% returns, has temporarily halted fresh subscriptions. This move aims to prevent breaching overseas investment limits. The fund house also suspended subscriptions for Nippon India Japan Equity Fund for similar reasons.

Launched in May 2013, the fund has delivered around 25% returns over the last three years on a rolling basis.

GSTN has launched a new offline Excel utility for its Invoice Management System (IMS), aiming to boost accuracy in Input Tax Credit (ITC) claims. This tool allows taxpayers to process and upload IMS data offline, enabling bulk actions like accepting or rejecting invoices. Experts believe this will simplify compliance and encourage wider adoption of the IMS.

Small-cap mutual funds have surged, delivering double-digit returns in the past month, outperforming mid and large caps. Experts caution this is a sharp recovery post-correction, not a sustained rally, with high valuations and investor greed posing risks. Long-term investors with a high-risk appetite might consider SIPs, but large caps currently offer better risk-reward.

Navigating income tax deadlines for FY 2025-26 (AY 2026-27) is crucial to avoid penalties. The Income Tax Department has set specific due dates based on taxpayer categories, with options for belated, revised, and updated returns to ensure compliance and correct any oversights.

Indian students on F1 US education visas face strict work limitations. Off-campus jobs in gas stations, restaurants, or retail are generally illegal unless directly tied to their field of study through CPT or OPT. On-campus work is permitted up to 20 hours weekly. Unauthorized employment risks visa revocation.

The GST Network has apologised for technical difficulties hindering GSTR-3B filings for the March 2026 tax period. Many chartered accountants reported portal issues, leading the government to consider a one-day extension for the April 20th deadline to April 21st. Taxpayers faced payment reflection delays and potential late fees and interest due to these persistent glitches.

Gold ETFs witnessed a record surge in net inflows of 68,867 crore in FY26, driven by geopolitical risks and stock market volatility. This exceptional growth, a 364% year-on-year jump, saw gold ETFs capture nearly 10% of total mutual fund inflows, significantly outperforming other categories like equity and debt.

Jio BlackRock Asset Management is shifting its sales strategy, embracing distributors less than a year after its launch. Initially bypassing intermediaries, the joint venture will now offer specialized investment funds through distributors, with plans to extend this to mutual fund schemes. This move aims to cater to a segment of the market requiring additional guidance for investment decisions.

Tax professionals are struggling to file GSTR-3B for March 2026. The GST portal is experiencing significant slowdowns, preventing logins and filings. This is causing concern as missed deadlines can lead to severe consequences, including the suspension of GST numbers. An interim fix was previously suggested for a similar issue in February 2026.

Checking your CIBIL score is now easier. The BHIM App, developed by NPCI BHIM Services Limited, has integrated TransUnion CIBIL's consumer CIBIL Score and Credit Information Report. Users can now access and track their credit information directly within the app. This facility operates on customer consent. The article also outlines how to check your score and raise disputes for inaccuracies.

Chartered accountants and tax professionals are demanding an extension for the GSTR-3B filing deadline, citing persistent issues with the GST portal. Many reported being unable to log in, save returns, or make payments, leading to significant frustration on the last day to file for March 2026. Urgent resolution is requested.

As per the prices quoted by leading jewellery retailers in the city, the price of 24 karat gold was over Rs 15,500 per gram, down from Rs 15,400 per gram levels on Friday. 22 karat gold was largely priced between Rs 13,980 to Rs 14,235 per gram.

Nuvama Institutional Equities expects a reshuffle in AMFIs H2 CY26 categorisation, with several stocks at risk of moving between segments. Changes in market capitalisation thresholds could push select largecap names into midcap and midcaps into smallcap, reflecting shifting valuations and evolving market dynamics across Indias equity landscape.

Gold rate today: Gold and silver prices are seeing movement ahead of Akshaya Tritiya. Geopolitical events are influencing market trends. Consumers can check rates from Tanishq, Joyalukkas, Kalyan Jewellers, and Malabar Gold & Diamonds. IBJA also provides indicative retail selling rates. These prices are for April 20, 2026.

Building long-term wealth through mutual funds requires a prudent mix of asset allocation, disciplined investing, and regular portfolio reviews.

The Income Tax Department has introduced a new Form 97, replacing Form 60, for individuals without a PAN card undertaking specific transactions. This includes buying property above the specified value, opening bank accounts, and making certain cash payments. The revamped forms aim to simplify compliance, with reduced reporting expected for these declarations.

Shriram Finance Limited has revised its fixed deposit interest rates effective May 6, 2026, with reductions across various tenures for deposits up to Rs. 10 crore. This follows the company's upgrade to a AAA (Stable) credit rating by major agencies, signifying the highest degree of safety for investors and depositors.

Five mutual funds added eight midcap stocks to their portfolios in March, signaling selective accumulation as valuations turned attractive after the recent correction.

The introduction of Form 157 and Form 159 under the Income-Tax Rules, 2026 has sparked confusion over whether tax clearance is now mandatory for all Indians travelling abroad. However, a closer reading of Section 420 of the Income-Tax Act, 2025read with Section 536 and CBDT Instruction No. 1/2004makes it clear that no such blanket requirement exists.

Nippon India Mutual Fund demonstrated strong performance in Gold and Silver ETFs during Akshaya Tritiya 2026. The fund house secured a significant market share in combined volumes and investor base. This leadership highlights its consistent performance and superior liquidity, making it a preferred choice for Gold and Silver ETF investments in India.

Social media claims about the Reserve Bank of India allowing exchange of old Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes are false. The official website of the RBI remains the most reliable place to check for any announcements related to currency, banking regulations or exchange facilities. People are advised to rely only on official sources for such updates.

Motilal Oswal Nasdaq 100 FOF has delivered exceptional returns, outperforming equity mutual funds over seven years, driven by US tech giants and a weakening rupee. However, experts caution against chasing sector-specific rallies, advocating for diversified domestic equity exposure for long-term wealth creation.

Homebuyers often face parking disputes after taking possession of their homes. Experts advise checking parking space dimensions, legal terms, and local bylaws before buying. Developers may squeeze parking areas due to utility spaces. Verify actual basement parking size and contractual agreements to prevent future conflicts. Parking is a legal and technical due diligence matter.

Bank holiday today for Basava Jayanti/Akshaya Tritiya: Banks across India will observe several holidays in April 2026, with closures varying by state due to regional festivals and observances.

Small-cap funds, which previously gated inflows due to stretched valuations and excessive liquidity, are now reopening. While some funds have lifted restrictions, others, particularly larger ones, maintain them, citing capacity constraints and liquidity risks. Investors should view these actions as risk management, not market timing signals.

Indian wealth is increasingly seeking global anchors, with GIFT City, Dubai's DIFC, and Singapore emerging as key contenders. Each hub offers distinct advantages in access, tax efficiency, and regulatory comfort, catering to different investor profiles from first-generation entrepreneurs to established family offices.

Over the past five years, the sector has delivered strong growth, with revenues rising about 15.5% annually between FY2019-20 and FY2024-25, while EBITDA (Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) grew faster at around 25%. This was driven by higher insurance-led payments ensuring steadier revenues, strong demand for profitable inpatient care, and aggressive expansion in beds and facilities.

Rate cuts are off the table, inflation is creeping up, and the Strait of Hormuz remains a wildcard. In a candid interview with ET Wealths Kayezad E. Adajania, Rahul Goswami of Franklin Templeton, sees a clear opportunity in long-dated bonds for investors who can stomach near-term volatility.

A health plan consists of a base plan and riders or add-ons. Earlier, the base plan comprised fixed features that could not be changed, and one could add only 2-3 ridersusually critical illness, personal accident, co-pay/ deductibleat the time of purchasing the policy.

In situations of financial distress, parents may themselves need help and support. Many of us that live the good life can look out to help and support such families among our friends and relatives. Providing the children the hope that things will get better, and helping their parents clamber back on to their feet, without the blame-game might help immensely.

The National Pension System's exit rule eased, allowing more flexibility with annuity purchases. Retirees must carefully decide how much to allocate to annuities, balancing essential expense coverage with potential market returns. While annuities offer stable income, Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWPs) provide tax advantages and flexibility, though they require discipline.

Salaried employees face uncertainty as new labor codes and tax rules loom. Companies are preparing for changes, but widespread implementation is delayed pending final government notifications. The shift towards a fixed-heavy salary structure, with higher basic pay, may reduce take-home salaries while boosting long-term retirement savings.