The Economic Times

Gold and silver prices are soaring, prompting investors to consider ETFs. Experts advise prioritizing gold over silver for diversification, with a recommended commodity allocation of 8-10%. Multi-asset funds are also suggested for balanced rebalancing across asset classes. Investors should approach new investments cautiously, favoring SIPs over lump sums.

According to Sebi norms, medium to long term funds have a mandate to invest in debt and money market instruments in such a way that the Macaulay's duration of the portfolio is four to seven years. Since these schemes invest in long-term debt instruments, they are considered risky.

The Delhi High Court has stayed a property sale linked to a tenant, questioning an unregistered will that excluded the landlord's only son. The court found the will suspicious, citing only one attesting witness and a false claim of no children. This has led to a freeze on property transfers until the ownership dispute is resolved through trial.

Income-plus arbitrage fund of funds offer a stable, tax-efficient fixed-income option for investors seeking to avoid equity and recent precious metal volatility. These schemes blend debt and arbitrage strategies, providing stability from debt and low-risk, tax-advantaged returns from arbitrage opportunities.

The Department of Public Enterprises has clarified gratuity rules for Central Public Sector Enterprise employees. A Rs 20 lakh gratuity payment is now mandatory for all CPSEs from March 29, 2018, regardless of their financial capacity. This change follows an amendment to the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972. Earlier, affordability was a condition for certain employees.

Indian markets ended higher as buying in financials, IT and metals offset weakness in auto and FMCG stocks. Adani Enterprises, Axis Bank, BPCL and Apex Frozen Foods gained, while Asian Paints, auto stocks and Sula Vineyards declined.

Indian households are returning to gold and silver, not out of tradition, but as part of a more structured approach to financial stability. As income becomes less predictable, these metals are finding a new role within diversified portfolios, alongside market-linked assets and passive income strategies that together support long-term financial freedom.

The JioBlackRock Sector Rotation Fund uses AI, big data, and BlackRocks SAE approach to dynamically adjust sector exposures. Designed to complement core equity funds, it aims to enhance diversification, manage risk, and capture sectoral opportunities, offering Indian investors a top-down, sector-focused investment strategy. Investors can subscribe to the scheme until February 9.

Baroda BNP Paribas Money Market Fund has crossed Rs 4,500 crore in assets under management after completing six years. The fund has delivered steady returns, maintained high credit quality and liquidity, and outperformed its benchmark amid a declining interest rate environment.

Gold prices are surging, with a significant jump expected in January 2026. Consumers planning to buy gold jewellery should monitor rates from leading brands like Tanishq, Kalyan Jewellers, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, and Joyalukkas.

SBI Mutual Fund has launched SBI Quality Fund, an open-ended equity scheme focused on the quality factor, aiming long-term capital appreciation by investing in fundamentally strong companies, with the NFO opening January 28 and closing February 11 for retail investors.

Edelweiss Mid Cap Fund posted CAGRs of 24.58%, 22.85%, and 21.95% over the last three, five, and seven years, respectively. It was followed by HDFC Mid Cap Fundthe largest mid-cap scheme by assets under managementwhich also delivered over 20% CAGR across all three periods.

State Bank of India has urged the government to cut the lock-in period for tax-saving fixed deposits to three years in Budget 2026, align interest taxation with capital gains, and remove TDS to boost bank deposit mobilisation.

Silver-based ETF FoFs have emerged as a low cost investment option, delivering over 62% returns in three years. Here is a comparison of the top five silver ETF funds based on returns, expense ratios, and assets under management.

Axis Securities expects a weak Nifty trend this week and recommends buying APL Apollo while advising sells on IEX and Hero MotoCorp based on bearish technical signals.

Edelweiss Mutual Fund has launched a new financial services equity fund, open for subscription until February 10. This scheme aims for long-term growth by investing in high-quality companies across India's expanding financial sector, driven by rising consumption and digital adoption. Managed by experienced professionals, it targets investors comfortable with sector-specific risks for potential capital appreciation.

Union Asset Management Company has launched 'Arthaya SIF', a Specialized Investment Fund platform offering purpose-led, actively managed strategies across equity, hybrid, and fixed income. This move expands their product suite, providing agile and tailored solutions for investors seeking strategic, outcome-oriented portfolios. The platform aims to deliver value through clarity, adaptability, and alignment with long-term goals.

The House Rent Allowance (HRA) continues to offer an advantage to the old tax regime, despite the new regime's lower tax liability in some scenarios. Budget 2026 should consider expanding the definition of metro cities and linking HRA limits to objective housing cost indicators to address regional disparities and inflation.

JioBlackRock Mutual Fund has launched the JioBlackRock Sector Rotation Fund, an open-ended equity scheme that dynamically shifts sector weightages based on market cycles. The NFO is open for subscription until Feb 9 and follows BlackRocks Systematic Active Equities (SAE) approach.

A husband has won a divorce case, avoiding maintenance payments. The Kerala High Court ruled that a wife living in continuous adultery is not entitled to maintenance. Evidence included psychiatric records, witness testimony, and call data. The court emphasized that proof of habitual adulterous behavior, not just a single instance, is required. This decision sets a precedent for similar cases.

Jefferies has cut its price target on Paytm to Rs 1,450 after removing PIDF incentives from estimates, trimming EBITDA forecasts for FY27 and FY28. Despite the downgrade, the brokerage maintained its Buy rating, citing strong core business traction.

Individuals and HUFs can get tax exemption on selling urban agricultural land. This benefit applies if the capital gains are reinvested in new agricultural land within two years. The exemption amount is capped by the capital gain or the reinvestment cost. The new Income Tax Act, 2025, continues this provision.

Auto stocks fell sharply as investors reacted to reports that the India EU free trade agreement could significantly lower import tariffs on European cars. Concerns over increased competition weighed on shares of Mahindra, Tata Motors, Hyundai and Maruti Suzuki.

Medium duration mutual funds are extremely sensitive to changes in the interest rate environment. They suffer when the rates go up. Mutual fund advisors say many conservative investors would find it difficult to handle the volatility faced by these schemes.

Gold and silver prices hit fresh lifetime highs on the MCX amid strong safe haven demand, geopolitical tensions and a weaker dollar. Analysts see continued volatility, with bullion expected to remain firm and buying on dips advised.

Citi has upgraded Axis Bank to Buy from Neutral and raised its target price to Rs 1,463 from Rs 1,323, citing strong core earnings and improved return metrics, with RoA at 1.5%.

Waaree Renewable Technologies shares are in focus after its board approved acquiring a 55% stake in Associated Power Structures Limited for Rs 1,225 crore, a move expected to strengthen its power infrastructure presence and act as a near term stock trigger.

Bank holiday today? The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) has called for an all-India bank strike today, January 27, 2026, potentially disrupting services at major banks like SBI and PNB. While not an official holiday, the strike is organized by unions advocating for a five-day work week for employees.

We have collated a list of recommendations from top brokerage firms from ETNow and other sources.

As Budget 2026 approaches, taxpayers anticipate a more consistent capital gains tax framework. Experts suggest aligning holding periods for different assets, clarifying taxation on contingent considerations, and potentially reducing long-term capital gains rates to encourage wealth creation and simplify tax planning.

Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) in mutual funds are widely promoted as a simple and disciplined way to build long-term wealth. However, when markets turn volatile or portfolios show short-term losses, many investors begin to question whether SIPs would work in all conditions.

An Economic Times survey reveals that a majority of taxpayers ask for lower tax rates and higher exemption limits. Experts advocate for expanding income slabs over rate cuts to benefit more people. They also suggest increasing the standard deduction and allowing NPS self-investment deductions in the new tax regime.

Mutual fund AUM and investor folios saw multi-year low growth in 2025 due to subdued stock market performance and a high base from previous years. Equity AUM growth halved, while overall AUM increased by 20% and folios by 16%, reflecting cautious investor sentiment.

ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund has announced the grandfathering of two fund-of-funds schemes, the Passive Multi Asset FoF and Global Advantage Fund, effective January 27. This move bars new investments while allowing existing investors to remain. The decision stems from the schemes not fitting Sebi's classification for multi-underlying fund-of-funds.