The Economic Times

ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund launched a contra fund focused on research-driven, non-consensus opportunities in underperforming assets. The NFO closes October 12, with minimum investment of Rs 1,000. The open-ended equity scheme targets long-term investors and can invest across market capitalisations, alongside limited exposure to debt, commodities and InvITs.

Navigating overseas property purchases for NRI/OCI children can be complex for Indian parents, entangled in regulations like FEMA and RBI's Liberalised Remittance Scheme. From understanding allowable remittance limits to distinguishing between gifts and loans, families must carefully plan to avoid potential tax and compliance issues. Learn the critical steps to streamline the funding process.

Mirae Asset Mutual Fund launched the Life Cycle Fund 2056, an open-ended scheme with a predetermined maturity and mandatory glide path. The NFO closes October 12, with investments starting at Rs 5,000. The fund dynamically shifts allocations from equity toward debt, arbitrage and commodities as the 2056 maturity approaches.

India's GDP growth in the second quarter of FY26 surpassed the Reserve Bank of India's forecast of 7 percent. The growth prompted forecasts of gradual rate hikes, with expectations of a 25 basis points increase twice in FY27. Additionally, inflation is projected to hover above 5 percent due to various economic pressures. Rising oil prices are expected to widen the current account deficit to 1.3 percent of GDP in FY27.

Hybrid mutual funds are gaining investor attention, with assets under management rising sharply in recent years. Five hybrid schemes feature among the top 10 funds by AUM, offering diversification and lower portfolio volatility.

An analysis of 189 equity mutual funds found 19 schemes delivering over 15% CAGR across three, five and seven years. The group comprised nine midcap, seven smallcap, two largecap and midcap and one ELSS fund, highlighting sustained long-term performance across multiple equity categories, though the exercise is not an investment recommendation.

WhiteOak Capital Mutual Fund has launched an innovative Fund of Funds that focuses on small-cap mutual funds. This initiative seeks to achieve long-term capital growth by diversifying investments across a variety of active small-cap funds. Skilled fund managers will oversee the portfolio, adjusting investments according to performance and risk dynamics.

As per Sebi mandate, medium duration funds must invest in debt and money market instruments with Macaulay duration of three to four years. As you can see, these schemes are suitable for investors looking to invest for three to four years or more. However, you should check the portfolio duration of the scheme to ensure that the scheme is in line with your investment horizon.

When Mr Kumar, a grain trader from Rampur deposited Rs 5.2 crore cash in his bank account and filed an Income Tax Return (ITR) declaring Rs 7.65 lakh income, this raised many red flags within the income tax systems. He wins case in ITAT Delhi.

In a recent meeting held on September 27, the Indian Banks' Association and the United Forum of Bank Unions engaged in crucial talks about an impending bank strike. While the three-day nationwide strike was postponed rather than cancelled, both parties have committed to establishing a high-level committee.

Cutting through money jargon, one topic at a time. This week Abhinav Kaul explains why US interest-rate hikes can affect gold prices, and what it means for Indian investors.

India remains committed to its diesel export contracts, as stated by Oil Minister Hardeep Puri. The global diesel market faces challenges due to geopolitical conflicts impacting supply. Pump prices in the US have surged, leading to speculation about an export ban on diesel. India has overtaken Russia as a top diesel supplier, accounting for significant global shipments.

According to the M3M Hurun India Rich List 2026, India's wealth has soared to an impressive Rs. 187.5 lakh crore, with Gautam Adani now eclipsing Mukesh Ambani in the wealth hierarchy. LN Mittal also reports major financial gains.

Welcome to TrendMap, your guide to the performance of different investment segments. In this edition, we present a 10-year performance tracker of factor-based investment strategies. The annual returns are ranked for 6 key NSE Factor indices, with a broad-based index, Nifty 500, thrown in for comparison. This map shows that no single-factor strategy consistently outperforms, making a strong case for diversification.By Sameer Bhardwaj.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India has launched the Portfolio Managers Route for Investing in Mutual Fund units (PRIM), enabling portfolio managers to handle clients' investments in direct mutual fund plans starting from a minimum amount of Rs.25 lakh. This initiative seeks to boost investor access and flexibility, offering a wider array of investment choices.

The customer-centric proposals aim to increase transparency, cut distribution costs and reduce insurer expenses.

Cheap, quick and no credit check needed, yet your jewellery could be at risk.

A status match essentially allows one loyalty programme to recognise your credentials from another. Instead of spending 50 nights at a hotel chain or flying dozens of sectors with an airline to reach elite status, you show that another company already considers you a valuable customer. The new programme may then grant you equivalent status, usually for a limited period.

Two funds, both averaging 5%. One left you Rs.11,000 richer. Heres why

Tax residency, bank accounts, Dubai property and gratuity all need sorting before and after you fly home.

A bank can afford to give an affluent customer a highly rewarding credit card if that card helps persuade the customer to consolidate assets with the lender. The other advantage is that a credit card is one of the most visible products a bank gives a customer. Every transaction reinforces the relationship with the bank.

Tax efficiency and stability win some advisers over, but others fear giving up returns and control.

Beginning 1 October 2026, resident Indian buyers will enjoy simplified compliance when purchasing property from non-resident sellers. They will be able to use their Permanent Account Number instead of obtaining a Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number. This amendment aims to reduce the burden of compliance on individual buyers. Buyers will also be required to provide the seller's contact information and overseas address.

Inflated bills, delayed approvals, arbitrary deductions. As hospitals and insurers trade charges, policyholders are left footing the bill. What will it take to fix the system?

Six new mutual funds and one Specialized Investment Fund (SIF) are opening for subscription this week, according to ACE MF data. The NFO lineup includes ICICI Prudential Contra Fund, Aditya Birla SL BSE Total Market ETF, Mirae Asset Life Cycle Fund, and Mahindra Manulife's MSIF Equity Long-Short Fund.

Five flexi-cap mutual funds delivered single-digit returns over a three-year period, with SBI Flexicap Fund and UTI Flexi Cap Fund returning 6.4% to 7.8%, according to ETWealth data. Samco Flexi Cap Fund was the worst performer with a 5.5% loss, while Bank of India Flexi Cap led gains at 16.5%.

Equity mutual funds dropped up to 13% last week as sectoral and thematic offerings led weekly losses, according to ACE MF data. Mirae Asset S&P 500 Top 50 ETF FoF saw the steepest fall of 13.09%, while technology and banking funds also registered negative returns alongside broader market declines.

Banks open today? Public sector banks and Regional Rural Banks are set to be open on Sunday, September 27, 2026. This decision follows the Reserve Bank of Indias request ahead of a three-day bank strike.

Flat possession delayed; MahaRERA rejects builders jurisdiction excuse, awards Rs 7.1 lakh interest to homebuyer. Even though the builder tried to put the blame on PMC-PMRDA jurisdiction issue, the homebuyer managed to prove that his area (Wagholi) came under PMC jurisdiction and the builder knew this before signing the agreement.

Five SIFs have delivered double-digit returns since inception, led by Quant Mutual Fund