The Economic Times

Abakkus Flexi Cap Fund, backed by Sunil Singhania, boosted its holdings in HDFC Bank and Reliance Industries in March. The fund also increased its stake in 28 other stocks, notably Tata Steel and Bank of Baroda. A new investment was made in Mahindra & Mahindra, while Bharat Petroleum Corporation was exited.

Debt mutual funds saw a massive Rs 3 lakh crore outflow in March. This sharp reversal followed inflows in February. Liquid funds and overnight funds faced the biggest redemptions. Experts attribute this to quarter-end institutional adjustments and profit booking. Assets under management for debt funds also declined significantly. This trend is seen as a temporary liquidity adjustment.

Mutual fund NFOs saw strong traction in March, with 24 launches collectively raising 3,985 crore, led by HDFC MFs index fund contributing the largest share.

A retired widow, Smt. Vanajakshi, mistakenly believed she wasn't receiving dearness allowance on her regular pension. Despite receiving DA on both her family and regular pensions, she filed a court case. The Madras High Court dismissed her claim, confirming she was already receiving DA on both pensions, as per company records and relevant rules.

An ITAT ruling clarified that stamp duty valuation doesn't define agricultural land status for income tax. The tribunal emphasized that official revenue records, actual cultivation, and lack of formal conversion are key factors. This decision protects buyers from tax additions based solely on higher urban land stamp duty rates.

In March, equity mutual fund inflows soared to their highest level in eight months, showcasing a resilient commitment from domestic investors even amid market turbulence. Their increased investments played a crucial role in balancing out the recent foreign fund exits. Moreover, contributions via Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) surged to unprecedented figures.

In India, many employees who laid-off by their respective companies remain unaware of their legal rights. The article clarifies notice periods, conditions for attending office post-layoff, and how severance packages are calculated for different employee categories. It also details entitled monetary benefits, bonus, variable pay, and ESOPs, advising employees to review settlement papers and understand their legal recourse if dues are denied.

The Income Tax Department has launched the new TRACES 2.0 portal, replacing the old system with an upgraded, user-friendly interface for streamlined TDS compliance. This platform centralizes Form 26AS, AIS, and TDS certificates, simplifying reporting with a single 'Tax Year' concept. While property buyers cannot deposit TDS here, they can use TRACES 2.0

Senior citizens can now secure fixed deposit interest rates as high as 8.05 percent for a five-year term. Several banks are offering this attractive rate. Tax deducted at source applies if FD interest exceeds one lakh rupees annually. However, eligible senior citizens can submit Form 15H to avoid TDS deductions. This offers a significant opportunity for enhanced returns on savings.

Bank holiday today: It is important to note that banks in India observe a standardised holiday schedule that includes all Sundays, the second and fourth Saturdays of each month, as well as regional and national holidays declared in the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) annual holiday calendar..

Policyholders facing rising premiums, slow claims, and opaque hospital pricing will soon see changes. IRDAI's new sub-committee aims to simplify health insurance, boost transparency, and improve claim processing. Key focus areas include streamlining digital systems, controlling fraud, and enhancing coordination between private and public health schemes for a better consumer experience.

Scalping is a high-speed trading style focused on capturing tiny price movements, demanding radical honesty, unbreakable discipline, and flawless execution. It requires a deep understanding of costs, including regulatory charges and the Tap Tax from trading apps, to achieve profitability. Success hinges on disciplined execution, managing risk ruthlessly, and knowing when to stop.

Gold prices in Dubai are drawing attention today, April 10, 2026. Geopolitical events, including the US-Iran ceasefire, are influencing the market. Investors are observing these developments closely. Various jewelers like Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Joyalukkas, Kalyan Jewellers, Dubai Jewellery Group, and iGold are reporting gold rates across different karats.

The Income Tax Department is hosting a quiz on the new Income Tax Act, 2025. This initiative aims to boost citizen awareness of the taxation system. Participants can win cash prizes, with the top ten winners receiving Rs 10,000 each. The quiz runs from March 20 to April 20, 2026.

Mutual fund SIP stoppage ratio surged to 100% in March as discontinued SIPs outpaced new registrations, even though monthly SIP contributions hit a record Rs 32,087 crore. Overall investor participation remained strong, with equity inflows extending their multi-year positive streak and SIP accounts nearing 9.72 crore, reflecting sustained long-term investment appetite.

State Bank of India (SBI) has alerted customers to potential disruptions in OTP-based services on April 11, 2026, between 02:30 and 02:50 hrs IST due to scheduled maintenance. During this brief window, internet banking, YONO Lite, and YONO services may experience intermittent issues.

Gold rates today: Gold prices have seen a decline across major Indian jewelry brands following a US-Iran ceasefire and a subsequent drop in crude oil. This easing of geopolitical tensions has led traders to reassess inflation risks and demand for safe-haven assets.

Gold ETF inflows fell 57% to Rs 2,265 crore in March, while silver ETFs posted outflows for the second consecutive month, AMFI data showed. Commodity ETFs had a rough month, with all 43 ending in the red and silver-heavy schemes leading declines amid a global selloff in precious and industrial metals.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised the 7th Pay Commission for West Bengal state government employees if the BJP wins the upcoming assembly elections. This announcement comes amid anticipation for the 8th Central Pay Commission salary hike, highlighting the divergence in pay commission timelines between the Centre and various states, with some states like West Bengal still operating under the 6th Pay Commission.

Amidst rising online fraud, the RBI proposes enhanced digital payment security. Key measures include a one-hour wait for new payees and high-value transfers, an optional 'trusted person' approval for vulnerable users, and an emergency 'kill switch' to block all digital transactions.

New ITR forms for AY 2026-27 mandate Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) opting for the presumptive income scheme to separately disclose gross receipts and presumptive income. This change aims to enhance transparency and facilitate cross-verification of reported income with tax data. The updated forms specifically cater to presumptive taxation provisions under Sections 44B, 44BB, 44BBA, 44BBC, and 44BBD.

Mutual fund SIP inflows reached a record Rs 32,087 crore in March. Equity fund inflows surged by 56%. Flexi cap funds led the equity category. Conversely, debt mutual funds experienced a significant outflow of Rs 2.94 lakh crore. Liquid funds saw the largest redemptions. This marks a notable shift in investor sentiment.

Indian equity mutual funds saw a significant surge in March, with inflows climbing 56% to Rs 40,450 crore, driven by strong performance in flexicap, smallcap, and midcap categories. Conversely, debt funds experienced a substantial outflow of Rs 2.94 lakh crore, while hybrid funds also saw a net outflow.

Quant Small Cap Fund saw focused buying in financials and smallcaps in March, adding Safari Industries and avoiding any portfolio exits.

The Ministry of Finance has announced the General Provident Fund (GPF) interest rate for the April-June 2026 quarter will remain at 7.1%. This rate applies to GPF, CPF, and other similar government funds. The Public Provident Fund (PPF) and other small savings schemes also retain their interest rates.

A government servant is entitled to claim reimbursement for the amount paid towards the education of their children. The amount for reimbursement of CEA is Rs 2,812.5 per month (fixed) while the hostel subsidy is specified at Rs 8,437.5 per month (fixed), irrespective of actual expenses incurred.

A government servant is entitled to claim reimbursement for the amount paid towards the education of their children. The amount for reimbursement of CEA is Rs 2,812.5 per month (fixed) while the hostel subsidy is specified at Rs 8,437.5 per month (fixed), irrespective of actual expenses incurred.

Samir Arora-backed Helios Flexi Cap Fund significantly increased its stake in HDFC Bank, adding nearly 13 lakh shares amidst a price decline. The fund also made a complete exit from Indian Oil Corporation and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation. Additionally, it boosted holdings in eight other stocks and introduced new ones like BSE and Solar Industries India.

Taxpayers looking to save income tax under Section 80C can consider Equity Linked Savings Schemes (ELSS). These tax-saving mutual funds offer potential for higher returns over the long term and have the shortest lock-in period of three years among 80C investments. However, ELSSs carry higher risk as they invest in stocks and do not guarantee returns.

SB Yadav, secretary general, Confederation of Central Govt Employees & Workers, in a letter dated April 8, 2026, wrote to the Finance Minister to step in announce the dearness allowance (DA) and dearness relief (DR) for employees and pensioners, respectively. The confederation wrote that the delay in announcement is triggering severe discontent and apprehensions amongst employees and pensioners

The Allahabad High Court ruled a husband can sell his sole-owned apartment even during a matrimonial dispute. A wife was ordered to vacate her husband's flat, sold amidst their divorce case, as she failed to prove co-ownership with documentary evidence. The court found the transfer valid as the husband was the exclusive owner.

Tenants receiving compensation for surrendering tenancy rights can avoid income tax if they reinvest the funds into a residential property. A recent ITAT Mumbai ruling confirmed that tenancy rights are capital assets, and their surrender constitutes a transfer, making the compensation eligible for Section 54F exemption under specific conditions.

Rising bond yields, influenced by elevated oil prices and West Asia tensions, present investment opportunities in debt schemes. Money managers suggest short-term debt funds and long-term government securities are best positioned to benefit. The Reserve Bank of India's stance on interest rates and inflation is expected to keep yields elevated, favoring shorter-maturity investments.

Gold prices in Dubai remained a key focus on April 9, 2026, reflecting global trends and local market dynamics. Major retailers like Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Joyalukkas, Kalyan Jewellers, Dubai Jewellery Group, and iGold reported competitive rates across various karats. These prices fluctuated amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions, with 24KT gold generally priced around AED 569.75 per gram.

By streamlining the old laws, the government has signalled its intent to align Indias regulatory framework with the demands of a $5 trillion economy embedded with the needs of a modern, expanding and increasingly diverse workforce. The new Labour Codes seek to create both a ready workforce and a more predictable environment for business.

Kotak Mutual Fund on Thursday announced the launch of the Kotak Multi Asset Active FOF, an open-ended fund of fund scheme investing in units of equity-oriented schemes, debt-oriented schemes and commodity-based schemes.

Gold prices saw a dip today, April 9, 2026, after a sharp rise yesterday. This shift follows developments in the global bullion market, specifically the Iran-US ceasefire. Major Indian jewellery brands like Tanishq, Kalyan Jewellers, Joyalukkas, and Malabar Gold & Diamonds reported lower rates for 22k gold. The Indian Bullion and Jewellers Association also noted this downward trend.

The Income Tax Department has launched Kar Saathi, an AI chatbot on its revamped portal to simplify tax filing. This tool offers 24/7 assistance, clear explanations of complex tax rules, and step-by-step guidance, aiming to reduce errors and taxpayer reliance on experts. It marks a move towards proactive compliance.

The Department of Posts has issued new FAQs clarifying child education allowance rules for central government employees. These clarifications address admissibility for pre-primary classes, including repetitions under NEP-2020, and situations like leave, suspension, retirement, and termination. The aim is to ensure uniform implementation and avoid confusion for postal staff.

Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund increased stakes in Tata Consultancy Services, ITC and 14 other stocks in March, while trimming only Balkrishna Industries. The fund raised holdings in HDFC Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Coal India and others, maintaining a diversified portfolio across 21 sectors.

New guidelines for NPS Swasthya Pension Scheme PoC 2 are now in effect. Health insurance benefits are mandatory for subscribers. The scheme allows partial withdrawals for medical expenses and a 100% lump sum exit for emergencies. Any Indian citizen can join this voluntary, contributory pension scheme. Contributions are invested for retirement while providing immediate medical support.