The Economic Times

Motor insurance is undergoing a transformation! Bajaj General Insurance introduces ProShield, specifically designed for defence personnel to assist with relocation and travel emergencies. Meanwhile, VPAY 2.0 is here to safeguard connected, electric, and hybrid vehicles from cyber threats, breakdowns, and fuel-related challenges. Explore how these innovative policies provide extensive protection that extends well beyond conventional accident coverage.

ICICI Prudential Life Insurance has unveiled the ICICI Pru iProtect Smart Her, a dedicated term plan tailored for women. This plan features a 15% lifetime discount on premiums, an option for a pregnancy break to enhance financial management, and various health benefits specifically for women.

Credit cards aren't the only way to unlock free airport lounge access. Discover 7 debit cards from ICICI, HDFC, SBI, PNB, IDFC First and Bank of Baroda offering complimentary domestic and international lounge visits, with some having no minimum spend criteria. Check out these 7 debit cards that offer lounge access.

FCNR (B) interest rate: Government backing for FCNR (B) deposits greatly boosts returns for investors. Presently, banks are providing enticing interest rates for foreign currency fixed deposits. These deposit options are particularly advantageous for Non-Resident Indians and Overseas Citizens.

ET Wealth Reader's Query: I am 52 and have been investing Rs 40,000 a month through SIPs in diversified equity mutual funds for the past 10 years. My daughters wedding is expected in about four years, and I estimate the expense at around Rs 40 lakh. Should I continue investing entirely in equity funds, or should I gradually start shifting part of my corpus to debt funds to protect it from market volatility? If so, when should I begin the transition and what would be an appropriate strategy?

Mutual funds boosted cash holdings by over Rs 7,856 crore in July. PPFAS Mutual Fund held the largest cash reserve at Rs 25,291 crore. This fund house has three equity-oriented funds in its portfolio. Rajeev Thakkar noted cash levels have fallen from a peak of 25%. Other fund houses like SBI and HDFC also maintained significant cash reserves.

The Reserve Bank of India has proposed a new framework for loan interest rates. This framework aims to bring more uniformity and transparency to lending practices. Floating rate loans will see increased transparency and stricter reset periods. Personal and MSME loans from commercial banks must link to external benchmarks. These proposed changes are expected to take effect from April 1, 2027.

Mutual funds increased their exposure to technology, automobiles, e-commerce, healthcare, NBFC-lending and telecom sectors in July, while reducing weights in private banks, capital goods, utilities, oil & gas and other sectors.

FCNR(B) deposits have become attractive to investors looking for significant returns in US dollars, largely thanks to government hedging strategies. However, experts warn that investors must be aware of currency and liquidity risks. While leverage can enhance profits, it can also lead to considerable financial losses. Additionally, taxation can bite into returns, so a careful assessment of post-tax returns and risks is essential before investing.

Mutual funds bought Rs 15,900 crore of stocks in July while FIIs sold Rs 11,000 crore. Axis Bank, INDO-MIM and Kotak Mahindra Bank saw major buying, while ICICI Bank, Eternal and Reliance Industries faced selling. Buying remained strong across large, mid and smallcap segments, reflecting active portfolio repositioning by fund managers.

SIF assets under management rose 30% month-on-month to Rs 23,177 crore in July 2026, while inflows also jumped 30% to Rs 4,922 crore. Hybrid Long-Short Funds dominated the segment, accounting for 66% of total SIF AUM.

Gold rates today:Here is a look at the latest 22k gold jewellery prices at Tanishq, Joyalukkas, Malabar Gold & Diamonds and Kalyan Jewellers across major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Thiruvananthapuram.

Mutual fund SIP stoppage ratio fell to 81.87% in July from 91.23% in June, marking the third consecutive monthly decline. New SIP registrations outpaced discontinued or completed SIPs, while monthly inflows rose 12% year-on-year to Rs 31,961 crore, signalling continued investor preference for systematic and disciplined investing.

Builder used coercive bargaining and paid Rs 18 lakh less as refund to homebuyers for cancellation of allotment under full and final settlement; HC rejects settlement and orders full refund with interest to homebuyers

Indias economy is showing resilience five months after the Iran war sparked fears of inflation and a downturn. Inflation remains within the RBIs tolerance band, while vehicle sales, credit growth and GST receipts point to firm demand. Strong corporate balance sheets and festive-season spending are further bolstering optimism despite renewed oil and currency risks.

Property buyers gave Rs 54 lakh to property dealer who deposited it in his own bank a/c; dealer gets tax notice, he fights and wins case in ITAT Delhi; Know why

Retirement is not synonymous with tax freedom. Your pensions, interest income, rental earnings, and capital gains may still incur taxes. It's crucial to identify which income streams are subject to taxation and which advantages remain untaxed to prevent errors and manage your finances wisely. Learn strategies to legally minimize your tax responsibilities after retirement and bolster your financial stability.

An investment advisor recommends a tailored strategy for a surplus of Rs 1.31 crore, focusing on balancing risk and stability for retirement aspirations. This plan involves a staggered investment approach via a systematic transfer plan (STP) spanning four to seven years. The proposed portfolio diversifies into equity, hybrid funds, arbitrage, and gold investments, aiming for capital growth while safeguarding assets as retirement approaches.

According to Sebi norms, focused equity mutual fund schemes must invest in a portfolio of maximum 30 stocks. These schemes have no other restrictions when it comes to investing- like flexi cap schemes they can invest in any market capitalisations and sectors. If that investment strategy appeals to you, you can get to know more about focused equity schemes.

Missing a single loan EMI doesn't lead to immediate bank intervention; instead, lenders often issue reminder calls and formal notices first. For secured loans, repossession of assets follows legal procedure, while unsecured loans depend on collection efforts. Recovery agents must uphold borrower dignity, refraining from harassment. Engaging proactively with lenders can facilitate loan restructuring and help preserve your credit score from significant damage.

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.