The Economic Times

Beware of fake investment schemes promising huge monthly returns. Fraudsters are using misleading websites and AI-generated content, falsely associating Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman with these scams.

Several major fund houses are holding substantial cash reserves, with SBI Mutual Fund leading with over Rs 34,000 crore. PPFAS Mutual Fund also stands out with a significant 21.19% of its assets in cash. This trend highlights a cautious approach by some of India's largest asset managers, with over Rs 13,000 crore held by just six entities in February.

Five major AMCs, including HDFC and SBI Mutual Fund, received over Rs 10,000 crore inflows each from top 30 cities in February, driving growth in monthly AAUM. ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund led the inflow chart, reflecting continued investor preference for large fund houses amid steady market participation.

Gold prices are experiencing a dip in India. This is happening even as geopolitical tensions between Israel and Iran continue. Major jewellery brands like Tanishq, Kalyan Jewellers, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, and Joyalukkas are showing lower rates.

Amidst West Asian conflict-induced market volatility, experts offer varied perspectives on investment strategies. While some see improved earnings-valuation for mid- and smallcaps, others advise caution due to elevated valuations, recommending diversified or staggered approaches. Focus remains on quality businesses as geopolitical clarity emerges.

ET Wealth Reader's Query: I am 34, a doctor, married with an infant daughter. Is this the right time to buy term insurance? If so, what cover and amount should I consider?

NRIs can purchase term insurance in India to financially secure their families back home, with simplified processes and lower premiums compared to overseas options. While eligibility depends on residency and risk profile, claim settlement for overseas deaths is streamlined. Read on to learn about claim settlement process and whether NRIs should opt for term insurance in India or in their country of residence.

The Income Tax Rules, 2026 have been notified, introducing significant changes for salaried taxpayers. Key updates include revised motor car perquisite valuations, an increased tax-free loan limit to Rs 2 lakh, and enhanced meal voucher exemptions under the old tax regime. HRA benefits now extend to more major cities, with new disclosure requirements for landlords.

State Bank of India is raising interest rates on bulk fixed deposits above Rs 3 crore. Effective March 15, 2026, these rates will see a 25 basis points increase. Rates for smaller deposits remain unchanged.

New Income Tax Rules, 2026, offer higher HRA tax exemptions for salaried individuals in eight major cities, including Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru. A key change requires disclosing relationships with landlords in Form 124, especially for family rentals, to ensure genuine transactions and enhance transparency for tax authorities.

Choosing the right mix of mutual funds and rebalancing at the right time is essential for long-term wealth creation. Experts suggest reviewing allocation across large-cap, midcap, and small-cap categories, booking profits where required, and shifting to diversified schemes to maintain balance, reduce risk, and strengthen overall portfolio health.

A husband's sale of a Noida house for Rs 95 lakh has been upheld by the Allahabad High Court. The court ordered the wife to vacate the property and pay Rs 60,000 monthly damages to the new owner for her illegal occupation since 2011. Her claim of contributing stridhan to the purchase was rejected due to lack of proof.

Homebuyers can now recover interest for delayed property possession from builders as Arrears of Land Revenue under RERA. This classification, upheld by Punjab RERA and the Supreme Court, allows recovery through the state's revenue machinery, bypassing lengthy civil court processes. Builders face stringent recovery actions, including asset attachment and potential arrest, for non-compliance.

If you are planning to invest in balanced advantage schemes, here are our recommended schemes you can consider investing. There are no changes in the list this month. Follow our monthly updates to know how your schemes performed in the previous month.

Gold and silver ETFs rebounded up to 4% after a two-day decline, tracking a recovery in MCX prices. Experts view the rise as a short-term relief rally amid persistent bearish sentiment driven by strong dollar, hawkish Fed stance, and rising oil prices linked to Middle East tensions.

New rules for National Highways Fee are now in effect. An e-notice system will track unpaid toll charges. Vehicle owners will receive electronic notices for missed payments. Failure to pay can lead to vehicle service restrictions.

HSBC Flexi Cap Fund has demonstrated impressive long-term performance, turning a Rs 10,000 monthly SIP into Rs 1.35 crore over 22 years. Despite recent market dips and some negative calendar year returns, the fund has consistently outperformed its benchmark and category average across various timeframes, showcasing its wealth creation potential.

The Income Tax Tribunal ruled that property purchase discounts are not taxable as income. A homebuyer received a Rs 9.82 crore discount on a Rs 32.95 crore flat, which the IT department tried to tax. The tribunal also allowed a Rs 9.65 crore capital gains exemption, reversing the lower authority's decision.

Central government employees are keenly awaiting the 8th Pay Commission's recommendations. Calculations show potential salary hikes and arrears for employees with basic pay under Rs 50,000. Different fitment factors are being considered. Arrears could be substantial, impacting lifestyle and purchasing power. The government's final decision is expected in over a year.

A decade after closing his credit card and receiving confirmation, a customer was shocked to receive a Rs 33 lakh demand notice from his bank. After the bank continued to harass him, he filed a complaint. The Karnataka State Consumer Commission has now ordered the bank to pay him Rs 5 lakh in compensation for unfair trade practices and harassment.

Bank holiday today: Bank customers can note upcoming closures for Ramzan Eid in March 2026. The Reserve Bank of India has confirmed specific dates for bank holidays.

India's largest asset manager SBI Funds Management filed for an initial public offering, where its existing investors State Bank of India and Amundi will together offload a 10% stake, its draft prospectus showed on Thursday.

Depositors can now access a simplified refund process through the CRCS-Sahara refund portal for claims up to Rs 10 lakh. This Supreme Court-monitored initiative allows resubmission for those with previous deficiencies or payment failures, with claims processed within 45 working days.

Indian stock markets experienced a significant downturn on Thursday. The benchmark Sensex dropped by 2,497 points, closing at 74,207. Amid this sharp decline, five prominent stocks within the BSE Sensex index reached their 52-week lows.

Indian stock markets experienced their worst single-day fall since the June 2024 election crash, with Sensex and Nifty plunging over 3% on Thursday. Soaring crude prices and hawkish US Federal Reserve commentary triggered the selloff, wiping out over Rs 11.5 lakh crore in market capitalisation. The decline mirrored the post-election panic, though markets historically show resilience.

Jairam Ramesh, who held different ministries during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, came down heavily on the current government, saying during the Modi governments nearly 12-year tenure, several social security schemes have gradually weakened, or have been deliberately made weakened.

South Mumbai home prices are set to rise. The ongoing Gulf war is increasing construction costs for builders. This could lead to a 5% price hike for luxury apartments. Steel and aluminium prices have surged. Imported fittings also cost more. Buyers may face an additional Rs 50-150 per square foot.

Auto stocks led the market decline as the Nifty plunged 600 points, with the sector falling up to 4% amid rising crude oil prices and Fed-driven macro concerns. Weak sentiment was compounded by geopolitical tensions, while banks and IT also dragged indices lower despite broader sectoral pressure.

FD investors often overlook bank failure risks, as only 5 lakh per depositor per bank is insured by DICGC. Spreading funds across multiple banks and legal owners, including joint accounts and family members, is crucial to maximize insurance coverage and protect principal beyond the 5 lakh limit.

Festive occasions like Ugadi and Gudi Padwa see many people buying gold. Today, March 19, 2026, gold prices have dropped. Major jewellers like Tanishq, Kalyan Jewellers, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, and Joyalukkas are offering 22k gold at competitive rates. IBJA data also shows a dip in gold and silver prices compared to yesterday.

Many taxpayers who filed ITRs for FY 202425 (AY 202526) are still waiting for refunds. However, such delays are not uncommon and do not always indicate an issue with the return.

Foreign selling in Indian equities surged in the first half of March, led by financials, marking the heaviest fortnightly selling in 17 months and dragging the Nifty 50 to its worst fortnight since the COVID-19-led rout in March 2020.

HDFC Bank shares fell nearly 9% after the resignation of Chairman Atanu Chakraborty triggered leadership concerns. Mutual funds held 359 crore shares worth Rs 3.19 lakh crore before the fall, with SBI Mutual Fund leading exposure. The data highlights significant institutional holding in the stock despite recent volatility.

Karnataka's new excise policy is set to benefit United Breweries significantly. The state is shifting to a global taxation standard, deregulating alcohol pricing. This move is expected to lead to price corrections in the economy beer segment, where United Breweries holds a substantial market share. Analysts predict a positive impact on the company's revenue and earnings.