The Economic Times

Five equity funds held over 50% of their portfolios in cash in May, led by Samco Flexi Cap Fund at 62.4%, reflecting a cautious stance and liquidity preparedness.

The top seven mutual fund managers each oversee at least Rs 2 lakh crore in assets under management as of May 2026, according to ACE MF data. The list is led by managers from ICICI Prudential, SBI Mutual Fund and HDFC Mutual Fund, highlighting concentration among Indias largest fund houses.

Income Tax AY 2026-27: Salaried individuals earning up to Rs 12.75 lakh annually may enjoy zero tax liability due to enhanced Section 87A rebate and standard deduction, but filing an ITR is crucial. However, this rebate doesn't apply to special incomes like capital gains, Virtual Digital Assets (VDAs), and lottery winnings, which are taxed at specific rates.

IPO investing is gaining traction, but picking winning stocks is tough for individuals. Edelweiss Mutual Fund CEO Radhika Gupta suggests their Recently Listed IPO Fund as a solution. This professionally managed portfolio focuses on new listings, offering diversification and potential post-listing gains. While acknowledging potential volatility due to mid-to-micro cap exposure, Gupta recommends SIPs for smoother navigation of market ups and downs.

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is making email address updates via the Aadhaar mobile app free for six months, from July 1 to December 31, 2026. This move aims to encourage users to keep their contact information current for important notifications. Currently, a Rs 75 fee applies for this service. The waiver is exclusively for updates made through the Aadhaar mobile application.

Tata Mutual Fund has launched the Tata Multi-sector Passive FoF, an open-ended scheme investing in passive equity funds across various sectors. Aiming for long-term capital appreciation, it uses a rules-based approach with fund manager discretion to dynamically allocate to leading sectors, mitigating emotional bias and timing challenges for investors. The NFO is open until July 6, with a minimum investment of Rs 5,000.

8th Pay Commission news: Central government employees are anticipating the 8th Pay Commission's report, with some associations suggesting an early submission by January 2027 and potential salary hikes from April. Despite a November 2025 formation and an 18-month deadline ending May 2027, the commission's swift pace, aided by online processes, fuels optimism for a quicker payout. However, some experts believe a second-half 2027 submission is more probable.

Gold rate today: Gold prices saw a slight uptick today, June 22, 2026, with 22k gold jewellery at Tanishq priced at Rs13,475 per gram. Major retailers like Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Kalyan Jewellers, and Joyalukkas also reflect similar rates.

Vedanta Aluminium is likely to be upgraded to the large-cap category in AMFIs H2 CY26 semi-annual reshuffle, while Vedanta Power, Oil & Gas, and Iron & Steel may be classified as smallcaps after the demerger, according to Nuvama Institutional Equities. AMFI may also revise market-cap cut-offs, raising the large-cap threshold and adjusting mid-cap limits based on prevailing valuations.

A husband's attempt to offset substantial stock market losses against his income was initially rejected by tax authorities. Despite trading using his wife's demat account and gifting her Rs 1.15 crore, the tax department argued the Rs 1.95 crore loss, including Rs 80 lakh from her own funds, was hers alone.

Five smallcap stocks, including MRPL, Kaynes Technology, Wockhardt, GE Shipping and Physicswallah, saw the highest mutual fund net selling in May, according to Motilal Oswal Financial Services data, reflecting notable institutional exit trends.

A Delhi High Court ruling has affirmed a woman's eviction from her sister-in-law's inherited property. The court stated that once a husband loses his right to reside in his sister's house, his wife cannot claim a right to stay there. The sister-in-law, the sole owner via her mother's will, had permitted her brother and his wife to live there.

Smallcap funds have emerged as the best-performing equity mutual fund category over the last three months, delivering an average return of 16.94%, according to ETMutualFunds. The rally follows an earlier correction and has been supported by improving earnings, strong liquidity, and renewed investor interest. However, the sharp gains have also sparked debate on whether investors should buy, hold, or book profits at current levels.

Investors seeking relatively safe debt options for near-term or three-year-plus goals can consider corporate bond funds in June 2026. These funds invest primarily in top-rated corporate papers, offering greater safety than credit risk or gilt funds. While interest rate sensitivity and past defaults warrant caution, these recommended funds provide a stable avenue for investment. The article highlights key funds and the methodology behind their selection.

Axis Asset Management Company has navigated turbulent weather in the past few years, coming under regulatory scrutiny over a controversy involving some of its key ex-personnel, and facing an extended period of underperformance in its equity funds. As it emerges out of the storm, its MD and CEO, B. Gopkumar, tells Sanket Dhanorkar how the fund house is putting things in order and why he believes the worst is behind them for their equity strategies.

If you are confused by personal finance terms, jargon and calculations, heres a series to simplify and deconstruct these for you. In the 108th part of this series, Riju Mehta explains how the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement helps taxpayers.

The deadline for filing income tax returns for FY2025-26 has arrived, with new rules and forms in effect. Notably, ITR 3 and ITR 4 filings now have a staggered deadline of August 31st, offering some relief. Significant changes include updated disclosure requirements for Futures & Options trading and revised capital gains tax reporting, signaling a move towards more data-driven scrutiny by the tax department.

Ashish Mishra is currently focussing on two primary financial goals his childs education and an early retirement at 51. Heres what the doctor has advised him.

Welcome to TrendMap, your quick guide to the performance of different investment segments. No single segment always leads. In this edition, we present a 10-year equity performance tracker, ranking annual returns across market-cap segments. Investors risk appetite has turned more selective in 2026 so far. By Sameer Bhardwaj.

Policybazaar's latest Health Claims Experience Index reveals that while cashless claims are preferred, the overall process needs significant enhancement. Many policyholders opt for reimbursement due to perceived delays in cashless approvals, leading to financial strain. Key pain points in reimbursement include delays and rejections, with customers seeking simpler forms and readily available hospital lists for a smoother experience.

Travellers should also remember that loyalty program transfers are generally irreversible. Before moving points to an airline or a hotel program, it is advisable to confirm award availability and understand the redemption rules. Airline miles can also expire or lose value over time if loyalty programs change their award charts. Besides, there are taxes and fuel surcharges, which could be expensive.

For the first time in years, the math is actually working for non-resident Indians to invest dollar savings in India.

You cant pick the manager, but he could decide your career, says Devashish Chakravarty.

Rising electricity demand and a strong investment cycle lift outlook for power companies.

Investors must weigh extreme volatility, uncertain cycles and Indias harsh tax rules before adding exposure.

Axis Asset Management Company has navigated turbulent weather in the past few years, coming under regulatory scrutiny over a controversy involving some of its key ex-personnel, and facing an extended period of underperformance in its equity funds. As it emerges out of the storm, its MD and CEO, B. Gopkumar, tells Sanket Dhanorkar how the fund house is putting things in order and why he believes the worst is behind them for their equity strategies.

The I-T Departments growing scrutiny, using AI and data analytics tools, leaves little room for omissions and errors, making accurate tax return filing more important than ever.

The Reserve Bank of India has revamped the Lead Bank Scheme to boost district-level credit planning and financial inclusion. New guidelines, released on June 19, aim to enhance credit flow to priority sectors and improve access to financial services. A three-tier committee structure has been introduced to strengthen coordination between banks and government agencies, with Lead Banks now appointing dedicated managers to oversee scheme implementation across all districts.

Mutual funds showed significant interest in midcap stocks during May, with Lenskart Solution leading the pack in net buying. JSW Energy, Billionbrains, Yes Bank, and Premier Energies also saw substantial inflows. This trend highlights a strategic shift by fund managers towards these growing companies, indicating potential investment opportunities for the broader market.

Fathers can build financial independence and generational wealth through strategic mutual fund investments, experts advise. Starting early, ideally in the late 20s or early 30s, leverages compounding for a robust retirement corpus. For legacy wealth, a higher equity allocation is recommended, focusing on long-term growth. Avoiding common mistakes like delaying retirement planning and keeping too much in low-yield fixed deposits is crucial.

Three new mutual funds are set to open for subscription this week, offering investors fresh options across passive and active strategies. The launches include Tata Multi Sector Passive FoF, HDFC Nifty Auto Index Fund and JM Multi Asset Allocation Fund. Investors should align fund selection with financial goals.

Equity mutual funds experienced a downturn last week, with some correcting up to 6%. International funds were particularly hard hit, with the DSP World Mining Overseas Equity Omni FoF leading the decline at nearly 5.81%.

New labour code rules mandate employers to issue detailed appointment letters, ensuring clarity on job roles, wages, and social security benefits. This standardized format, previously limited to certain sectors, now extends to all, reducing ambiguity and disputes. Employees in informal sectors stand to gain significantly from this move towards greater transparency and formalization of employment terms.

Gold rate today: Gold prices have seen a dip this week following a de-escalation in global tensions. As of June 20, 2026, 22k gold rates at major retailers like Tanishq, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Kalyan Jewellers, and Joyalukkas remain stable.

Career breaks, common for women, can impact retirement savings. Experts advise accepting the situation and implementing a catch-up plan by temporarily increasing investments. Utilizing bonuses and reviewing portfolios for better returns are key. While aiming for higher gains, avoid excessive risk. Disciplined investing and strategic cash-flow management can help bridge the gap and secure financial independence.

The Telangana High Court gave relief to a wife by granting her divorce after it was found that her husband had misrepresented his age which resulted in her parents incorrectly matching their horoscope. The high court observed that due to this false fact about his date of birth and also the horoscope matching, she mistakenly believed that both of them were compatible with each other.

A Mumbai tenant received tax relief after selling a property he obtained for surrendering his tenancy rights. The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal ruled that the fair market value of the surrendered tenancy rights should be considered the cost of acquisition, not nil. This decision significantly reduced the tenant's capital gains tax liability on the Rs 38.62 lakh sale, recognizing the economic value of his original rights.

Senior citizens can now secure fixed deposit rates as high as 8.05% for a five-year term with select small finance banks. While these attractive rates are available, investors should be aware of the DICGC insurance limit of Rs 5 lakh. The article also clarifies TDS rules on FD interest, explaining how senior citizens can avoid deductions by submitting Form 15H if their total income falls below taxable limits.

Bank holiday: Indian banks operate on a mixed schedule, with closures on Sundays and the second/fourth Saturdays. While many services are digital, certain transactions like account opening, signature updates, and large cash movements still necessitate a branch visit.

For Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), an Indian credit card offers significant benefits beyond convenience, including building a crucial CIBIL score for future borrowing and simplifying rupee-denominated expenses. While unsecured cards are increasingly available, understanding forex charges, repayment mechanisms, and FEMA compliance is vital before applying.

Home loan insurance is emerging as an important financial safeguard for Indian homebuyers, helping families manage outstanding loan liabilities in unforeseen circumstances. With rising homeownership and larger loan sizes, more borrowers are actively seeking protection solutions that offer both affordability and flexibility. The article explores the benefits of home loan insurance, evolving consumer preferences, and the growing importance of transparency and choice. It also highlights recent regu

EPF subscribers can expect their 8.25% interest for FY2025-26 to be credited this month, as the government has officially ratified the rate. This annual interest is calculated on a monthly running balance, ensuring no loss for members even with delayed crediting. Subscribers can easily check their updated balances through the EPFO portal or the Umang app.

Gold and silver prices have dropped sharply this month as easing Iran-US tensions dampened safe-haven demand. Experts advise existing investors to avoid panic selling, as the long-term outlook remains positive. New investors can use the correction to invest gradually through SIPs in ETFs, while maintaining a 10-15% portfolio allocation to precious metals.

Sunil Singhania-backed Abakkus Flexi Cap Fund significantly increased its holdings in HDFC Bank and Reliance Industries during May. The fund also added substantial stakes in Edelweiss Financial Services, The Federal Bank, Tata Steel, and Urban Company, among 29 other stocks. No stocks were reduced or exited, maintaining a portfolio of 49 scrips across 23 sectors.