The Economic Times

Zerodha Fund House has launched its Arbitrage Fund, an open-ended scheme targeting equity and derivatives price gaps. The NFO closes August 14, with the fund designed for relatively low-volatility, tax-efficient short-term cash parking and conservative investors.

Bank customers in Karanata may be wondering whether the statewide bandh will affect their offline banking services. Pro-Kannada organisations have called for a Karnataka bandh over the Cauvery water dispute, while also demanding progress on some projects in Karnataka.

For Non-Resident Indians, establishing a retirement corpus back home is simplified with the National Pension System. NRIs can open a Tier-I account, the essential foundation for retirement savings. Contributions are permitted from NRE and NRO accounts, facilitating smooth repatriation. Subscribers enjoy a range of investment choices, spanning equity, corporate bonds, and government securities, and can opt for either active or automated investment management in line with their risk appetite.

Five largecap mutual funds delivered strong three-year annualised returns of 13.414.5%, led by Taurus and Invesco. Meanwhile, five laggards posted single-digit annualised gains ranging from 7.7% to 9%.

The circulation of plastic currency notes is set to begin in the next financial year, as confirmed by the Reserve Bank of India's governor following a recent policy meeting. The government has greenlit the RBI's proposal for field trials, with the procurement of these polymer banknotes currently underway. However, specific details regarding the launch date and associated costs remain undisclosed.

India is considering sweeping health insurance reforms to standardise treatment rates, coverage and billing, while expanding a nationwide claims exchange, sources said. A regulatory panel is expected to submit recommendations by year-end as authorities seek to curb medical inflation, reduce fraudulent claims and encourage greater insurance coverage across the country.

Overseas pensioners encounter challenges when submitting digital life certificates due to issues with authentication and internet connectivity. Bharat Pensioners Samaj suggests that the government accept verified life certificates through registered email IDs, aiming to make the process easier for elderly pensioners living abroad. They point out that a similar digital solution works for Defence pensioners, urging the implementation of this additional option ahead of the upcoming submission deadl

8th Pay Commission news: The 8th Pay Commission is currently engaging with various stakeholders regarding issues related to pay and pensions. The findings are expected to be submitted within 18 months of its formation. Led by chairperson Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, this initiative aims to benefit nearly 35.77 lakh civilian employees and 33.76 lakh pensioners. Modifications to guidelines for consultant involvement have been introduced by the commission.

Gold rates today: If you are planning to buy gold jewellery, here is a look at the latest 22K gold rates at Tanishq, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Joyalukkas and Kalyan Jewellers across major cities.

JioBlackRock Flexi Cap Fund added 15 stocks and exited 18 in July, with Bandhan Bank and Punjab National Bank among its key additions. The fund also increased exposure to 29 stocks while reducing its stake in 29 others. Its portfolio stood at 133 stocks, with an AUM of Rs 3,270 crore.

SGB premature redemption date: The Reserve Bank of India has announced the premature redemption price for the SGB 2018-19 Series VI, allowing investors to redeem their bonds starting August 12, 2026, after a five-year term. Investors stand to gain substantial returns on their initial capital.

Husband claims Rs 20 lakh debt and lost his earning capacity due to the hostile atmosphere and false complaints by wife; HC rejects wifes higher maintenance claim but orders him to pay Rs 46 lakh for daughters education. Know why he lost the case in Madhya Pradesh High Court.

Bank of Baroda and Canara Bank have raised their lending rates. These banks increased their Marginal Cost of Funds Based Lending Rates by up to ten basis points. The revised rates for both banks become effective from August 12, 2026. Borrowers with loans linked to MCLR may see their interest payments rise. This decision follows the Reserve Bank of India's recent repo rate maintenance.

Employees working in manufacturing sector can clarity on what benefits they are entitled to and what their employer must provide, under new labour code rules. Read the article to know more.

The 50% presumptive taxation rule for professionals largely continues under the new Income-tax Act. However, Section 58(4) introduces a wider restriction on deductions and losses against presumptive income. Here is what professionals need to know before filing their returns.

Are you an NRI looking to sell your property in India after relocating abroad? It's essential to understand the process of repatriating your funds. Discover the differences between NRE and NRO accounts, along with FEMA regulations and repatriation limits. Selecting the right bank account is critical for ensuring a hassle-free transfer of your sale proceeds overseas.

Dubai connection: Man claimed friend sent money to Dubai Emirates NBD bank a/c to start business but didn't disclose foreign assets in Schedule FA of ITR; ITAT Delhi upholds Rs 1.86 lakh penalty under Black Money Act, 2015. Know why did he lose the case.

In July, there was a notable drop in inflows for gold and silver ETFs, despite high prices for precious metals. Analysts attribute this downturn to profit-taking following a robust rally. Nevertheless, ongoing positive inflows suggest that investor interest in gold remains strong. It is recommended that investors reassess their portfolios and adjust new investments accordingly.

Fixed deposit interest rates: Union Bank of India, DCB Bank and Indian Bank have revised their fixed deposit (FD) interest rates. These revised rates are effective from early August 2026.

Thematic funds focus on investing in firms associated with particular long-term trends, aiming for potential alpha returns. They entail a greater concentration risk when compared to traditional diversified equity mutual funds. Therefore, investors must carefully time their entries and exits. It

Retail investor activity in equity funds dipped by almost fifteen percent in July, indicating a cautious approach towards market trends. Conversely, systematic investment plans enjoyed positive growth, affirming their importance in the investment landscape. Debt funds welcomed impressive inflows, bolstering overall industry assets. Additionally, liquid and overnight funds attracted major corporate treasury allocations at the quarter's start, with mid- and small-cap equity categories still favore

Effective tax rate of 34.94% under old and 28.60% under new tax regime; know how REIT, InvIT unitholders can benefit if trusts' switch tax regime. REIT, InvIT unitholders can gain from new tax regime.

The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has made it easier for members to access their savings by modifying withdrawal regulations. Now, individuals can withdraw up to seventy-five percent of their accumulated balance twice a year. In cases of unemployment, members can access seventy-five percent of their provident fund immediately.

Mutual funds launched 25 new open-ended schemes in July, mobilising 2,022 crore. Equity funds raised the most at 768 crore, followed by overnight, hybrid and index funds, while ETFs and lifecycle funds attracted comparatively smaller inflows.

Family bought reservation ticket to travel to Tirupati but due to overcrowding manyunreserved, waiting list and ticketless passengers occupied their seats; family files case and wins Rs 50,000 compensation. Know how they won the case in consumer commission

Buyer purchased Rs 8.85 crore worth property by paying Rs 6.5 crore; Tax dept sent notice for unexplained property investment u/s 69B; Know how the buyer won case in ITAT Mumbai. Read the article

APMI appointed Vikas Khemani as Chairman and Sandeep Jethwani as Vice-Chairman following its August 10 board meeting. The new leadership will focus on transparency, governance, investor education, technology adoption and industry best practices. Indias PMS industry had Rs 43.3 lakh crore in AUM as of June 2026, highlighting its growing importance.

Man sentenced to three years jail for using aluminum foil in Kaju Katli instead of silver foil; he wins case in Gujarat HC due to food inspector's error in collecting samples under Rule 14 of the Prevention of Food Adulteration Rules, 1955. Know how he won case in Gujarat High Court.

EPS 95 latest news: The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has received over fifteen lakh applications for higher EPS pensions. As of August 5th, 2026, there remain eleven thousand five hundred ninety-five applications still pending. In response to a Supreme Court ruling granting access to higher pension options, the government has instructed regional EPFO offices and employers to hasten the application verification process.

Gold prices saw an increase today across major Indian jewellery brands. Retail rates for 22K gold jewellery climbed at Tanishq and other stores. The India Bullion and Jewellers Association also reported higher gold and silver prices.

On a year-on-year basis, SIP inflows increased 12% from Rs 28,464 crore in July 2025.

Employee denied compensation as he lost his left leg due to accident at workplace during lunch-break; Delhi HC orders insurance company to pay Rs 7.86 lakh with 12% interest under Employee's Compensation Act, 1923. Know how he won the case in high court.

Quant Small Cap Fund added 13 stocks and exited four in July. The fund increased exposure to 10 stocks while reducing holdings in seven, taking its portfolio to 106 stocks.

Equity mutual fund inflows fell 15% month-on-month to Rs 24,697 crore in July, with small-cap funds attracting a record Rs 7,767 crore. Debt funds saw a sharp turnaround, recording Rs 1.87 lakh crore in inflows after two months of outflows. Hybrid fund inflows declined 11%, while passive fund inflows fell 25% during the month.

ET Wealth Reader's Query: My two NRI children are unable to find a field in ITR-2 to disclose gifts received from relatives. The Income Tax department has also not responded to the grievance lodged on its portal regarding this issue. Kindly guide us on how such gifts should be reported in the ITR so that they can file their returns.

Man purchased flat from PNB in auction but got only 1 parking spot for his 6 vehicles; housing society used wheel jammer to clamp wrongly parked vehicles; Maharashtra co-op appellate court rules society needs to give 48 hour notice with reasons to clamp wrongly parked vehicle. Know what happened in this case.

Sovereign Gold Bond: The Reserve Bank of India has revealed the redemption prices for select gold bond series, which can be redeemed prematurely after a five-year period from their issuance. The redemption amount is determined by taking a three-day average of gold prices.

Planning an international trip? A 'zero forex markup' credit card promises savings, but hidden charges and fluctuating exchange rates can still impact your costs. Discover what this popular travel perk truly means, when it saves you money, and if a prepaid forex card might be the smarter choice for your next adventure.

FCNR(B) deposits serve as a reliable investment option for NRIs wishing to secure foreign earnings in India. Penalties can differ across institutions, so it's essential to consult individual bank policies before considering any withdrawals.

Tax -saving mutual funds or Equity Linked Savings Schemes (ELSSs) helps you to save income tax under Section 80C of the IT Act. You can invest a maximum of Rs 1.5 lakh in ELSSs and claim tax deductions on your investments every financial year. Are you interested?

Minimum EPS pension: Pensioners are advocating for a boost in the minimum EPS pension. The government reassured them that existing pensions are backed by appropriate budget allocations. A considerable number of pensioners benefit from the EPS scheme, and recent Supreme Court rulings have enabled many employees to qualify for increased pensions. While the government is dedicated to enhancing social security, it prioritizes the sustainability of funds.

Can EPF contributions secure a comfortable retirement for those with higher salaries. With an annual income of 15 lakh, one can potentially accumulate a significant retirement fund corpus. However, rising inflation and healthcare expenses highlight the urgent need for a diversified investment strategy to ensure a financially stable future.