The Economic Times

Bank holiday today for Basava Jayanti/Akshaya Tritiya: Banks across India will observe several holidays in April 2026, with closures varying by state due to regional festivals and observances.

If you are confused by personal finance terms, jargon and calculations, heres a series to simplify and deconstruct these for you. In the 99th part of this series, Riju Mehta explains the difference between the two types of taxes.

The annual returns are ranked for 6 key NSE factor indices, with a broad-based index, Nifty 500, thrown in for comparison. This map shows that no single-factor strategy consistently outperforms, making a strong case for diversification. By Sameer Bhardwaj.

The good thing is that you would be earning well in your 40s and 50s. Combine this with the fact that many of your other goals would have been by now largely (if not fully) managed. So you can invest more as the surplus is there.

The National Pension System's exit rule eased, allowing more flexibility with annuity purchases. Retirees must carefully decide how much to allocate to annuities, balancing essential expense coverage with potential market returns. While annuities offer stable income, Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWPs) provide tax advantages and flexibility, though they require discipline.

Salaried employees face uncertainty as new labor codes and tax rules loom. Companies are preparing for changes, but widespread implementation is delayed pending final government notifications. The shift towards a fixed-heavy salary structure, with higher basic pay, may reduce take-home salaries while boosting long-term retirement savings.

In situations of financial distress, parents may themselves need help and support. Many of us that live the good life can look out to help and support such families among our friends and relatives. Providing the children the hope that things will get better, and helping their parents clamber back on to their feet, without the blame-game might help immensely.

A health plan consists of a base plan and riders or add-ons. Earlier, the base plan comprised fixed features that could not be changed, and one could add only 2-3 ridersusually critical illness, personal accident, co-pay/ deductibleat the time of purchasing the policy.

Rate cuts are off the table, inflation is creeping up, and the Strait of Hormuz remains a wildcard. In a candid interview with ET Wealths Kayezad E. Adajania, Rahul Goswami of Franklin Templeton, sees a clear opportunity in long-dated bonds for investors who can stomach near-term volatility.

Over the past five years, the sector has delivered strong growth, with revenues rising about 15.5% annually between FY2019-20 and FY2024-25, while EBITDA (Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) grew faster at around 25%. This was driven by higher insurance-led payments ensuring steadier revenues, strong demand for profitable inpatient care, and aggressive expansion in beds and facilities.

Small-cap funds, which previously gated inflows due to stretched valuations and excessive liquidity, are now reopening. While some funds have lifted restrictions, others, particularly larger ones, maintain them, citing capacity constraints and liquidity risks. Investors should view these actions as risk management, not market timing signals.

Indian wealth is increasingly seeking global anchors, with GIFT City, Dubai's DIFC, and Singapore emerging as key contenders. Each hub offers distinct advantages in access, tax efficiency, and regulatory comfort, catering to different investor profiles from first-generation entrepreneurs to established family offices.

Akshaya Tritiya, April 19, 2026, is here. This auspicious day is ideal for gold purchases and new beginnings. Families traditionally invest in gold and start ventures. Check the latest gold rates from Tanishq, Joyalukkas, Kalyan Jewellers, and Malabar Gold & Diamonds. The Bureau of Indian Standards app helps verify gold authenticity.

Five mutual funds added 11 smallcap stocks to their portfolios in March, according to Nuvama Institutional Equities. SBI Mutual Fund and ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund led additions, while Axis, Nippon India and Quant Mutual Fund also picked select names, reflecting active portfolio management in the smallcap segment.

JioBlackRock Mutual Fund, a new entrant, reported an AUM of Rs 15,258 crore in March, with HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank as its top holdings. The portfolio also includes Bharti Airtel, Reliance Industries, Infosys and ITC, based on data from Prime Database.

Nine midcap stocks, including Physicswallah and Jubilant Foodworks, may be downgraded to smallcap in AMFIs H2 CY26 rejig, according to Nuvama Institutional Equities. Revised market capitalisation thresholds could trigger reclassification, impacting mutual fund portfolios and stock positioning across categories.

Gold ETFs have delivered significant returns, with some offering up to 59% since the last Akshaya Tritiya. Tata Gold ETF led with a 59.42% return. Experts suggest digital gold via ETFs or funds of funds is preferable for investment. Gold remains a crucial asset for portfolio diversification and hedging against inflation and economic uncertainty.

A Supreme Court ruling in 2025 favored a land buyer who was defrauded by a seller concealing an existing mortgage. The court affirmed that buyers are entitled to a full refund of their deposit when sellers fraudulently hide property encumbrances. This case underscores the importance of thorough due diligence for property buyers.

Akshaya Tritiya, a day for prosperity, now embraces digital gold. This modern investment allows easy online gold purchases, offering convenience and flexibility. Investors can start small, ensuring consistent savings. Digital gold blends tradition with smart financial planning for a secure future. It provides a safe and accessible way to honor this timeless gold tradition.

Gold prices in Dubai remained a key focus on Saturday, April 18, 2026, influenced by global market trends. Major jewelers like Joyalukkas, Kalyan Jewellers, Dubai Jewellery Group, and iGold updated their 18k, 22k, and 24k rates. Consumers can now check the latest prices for 24k gold around AED 582.25 per gram.

DA hike for central government employees: A 2% hike in DA will take it from its current rate of 58% to 60%. With this hike, dearness relief (DR) for pensioners has also been increased to 60%. The announcement is for January 2026 and central government employees and pensioners will get arrears from the back date.

Gold's strong appeal continues for Akshaya Tritiya 2026. Investors are showing interest in coins and small bars. Global economic concerns and geopolitical tensions are driving gold price volatility. Experts suggest this volatility is an opportunity to gradually build gold positions. Consumers are also exploring diamonds and silver alongside gold.

Gold rate today: Gold prices saw a rise on Saturday, April 18, 2026, as Akshaya Tritiya approaches on April 19, 2026. Consumers are closely watching these daily fluctuations to make informed purchase decisions for the auspicious occasion. IBJA rates for April 17, 2026, are also provided.

Gold continues its role as a trusted asset for Indian households, blending tradition with financial security. Investors are showing increased interest in flexible gold options alongside traditional purchases. Global factors like geopolitical tensions and economic growth concerns support gold's appeal. The outlook for gold remains constructive for medium to long-term investors, with a 'buy on dips' strategy recommended.

Gold ETFs and Gold Funds offer different advantages for investors. Gold ETFs are more cost-effective and tax-efficient. Gold Funds provide easier access for those without a demat account. Experts suggest Gold ETFs for first-time investors seeking direct exposure. Gold's outlook remains constructive, though near-term volatility is expected. Investors should view gold as a hedge, not a core portfolio allocation.

Sovereign Gold Bond: The Reserve Bank of India has set the premature redemption price for Sovereign Gold Bond SGB 2020-21 Series-VII. Investors can redeem these bonds from April 20, 2026. The redemption price is fixed at Rs 15,254 per unit.

Investors selling property face a choice: reinvest for tax savings or maximize long-term wealth. Financial expert Shweta Jain advises a balanced approach for a 10-year horizon, suggesting a mix of high-growth equities and stable instruments. While reinvesting in property offers tax benefits, it limits liquidity. Diversification is key for optimal returns and financial flexibility.

Senior citizens seeking stable returns and capital safety find fixed deposits a preferred investment. For a 3-year tenure, small finance banks like Jana and Utkarsh offer the highest rates at 8%. Private sector banks Bandhan and YES Bank provide 7.75%, while public sector banks like Bank of India lead with 7%.

Central government pensioners' rights are a key focus in the NC-JCM's 51-page memorandum for the 8th Pay Commission. Demands include a same fitment factor for employees and pensioners, increased gratuity to Rs 75 lakh, and the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme. The memorandum also calls for a reduced pension commutation period and expanded CGHS facilities.

Bank holiday today: According to the RBI holiday calendar, banks are closed only on the second and fourth Saturdays. While branch services may be limited, digital banking channels remain accessible for routine transactions.

Resigning from a job in FY 2025-26 and receiving salary arrears in FY 2026-27 can lead to a higher tax liability. To avoid this, taxpayers must now use the new Form 39 for Tax Year 2026-27, replacing the older Form 10E, to claim relief under Section 89(1) and ensure accurate tax calculation.

The increase in the tax-exempt limit for employer-provided meals to 200 per meal under Rule 15 of the Income-Tax Rules, 2026 marks a significant shift from the earlier 50 cap. However, the real issue lies not in the quantum of the benefit, but in the interpretation of the ruleparticularly the condition that meals must be provided during working hours.

State Bank of India customers are facing temporary disruptions with OTP and SMS services on the YONO platform. This issue is impacting transactions requiring authentication. SBI expects services to be fully restored by 5:45 PM on April 17, 2026. Users are advised to utilize other digital banking channels in the interim. Similar disruptions occurred on April 16, 2026.

Akshaya Tritiya 202: Akshaya Tritiya on April 19, 2026, sees a surge in digital gold purchases. Platforms like PhonePe, JioFinance, and Paytm offer convenient ways to invest in 24K gold, bypassing crowded stores and storage concerns. These apps allow easy buying, selling, and even physical gold delivery options.

PSU mutual funds saw Rs 4,498 crore in outflows in March, a mild improvement from February, according to Vallum Capital. While PSU funds posted strong long-term returns, sector trends were mixedconsumption saw withdrawals, but manufacturing, infrastructure, defence and pharma attracted fresh inflows, signalling a pivot toward domestic capex themes.

Generating a steady income from investments is a common goal for many investors, especially those looking to balance growth with regular cash flow.

In line with the larger national trend, gold prices in Chennai too recorded a slight drop on Friday (April 17, 2026). As per the prices quoted by leading jewellery retailers in the city, the price of 24 karat gold was around Rs 15,431 per gram, down from Rs 15,568 per gram levels on Thursday.

22k gold rate today: Gold prices saw a slight decrease across major jewellers on Friday, April 17, 2026, ahead of Akshaya Tritiya. This dip, influenced by geopolitical developments like a Lebanon-Israel ceasefire and potential US-Iran talks, offers a potential buying opportunity for consumers.

In most cases, income increase happens over time, but the expenses, goals, and lifestyles increase more than nullify this increase. Most people struggle throughout life with this income-expense mismatch, even though they are doing well by most metrics.

Akshaya Tritiya, a festival believed to bring wealth, sees a surge in gold purchases, with demand often rising a week prior. This year, the auspicious day falls on Sunday, April 19, 2026, with specific muhurat timings varying by city. Consumers are increasingly opting for investment-grade gold like coins and bars, alongside digital gold, while traditional jewellery remains popular.