The Economic Times

India is experiencing a pivotal shift in its financial markets as domestic investors take the lead over foreign entities, enduring a three-year trend of FPI sell-offs. This resilience results from a cultural embrace of SIPs for equity savings and a more sophisticated investor base. While global factors may still affect FPIs, the rising domestic wealth is now significantly influencing the market.

Central government employees and pensioners are eagerly awaiting the 8th Pay Commission's report, with discussions around the crucial fitment factor intensifying. While some experts predict a factor around 2.0, others, like AINPS President Manjeet Singh Patel, suggest it could reach 2.10. Patel's calculations, considering DA, HRA, TA, and family unit counts, illustrate potential scenarios for increased payouts, sparking anticipation for the final government decision.

Five small-cap mutual funds delivered over 25% annualised returns in the last three years, led by Bandhan Small Cap Fund and ITI Small Cap Fund. Passive index funds and Invesco India Smallcap also performed strongly, while several large schemes lagged with mid-teen returns. Investors are advised to focus on the risk profile.

Seeking stable returns? Fixed deposits offer a low-risk avenue for your savings. For a Rs 5 lakh investment in a one-year FD, explore top rates from public sector banks, private banks and small finance bank.

Five mutual funds and one SIF are open for subscription, covering hybrid, index, life cycle, multi-sector, FoF and multi-asset categories. Key offerings include Kotak Infinity Hybrid Long-Short SIF, Zerodha Life Cycle Funds 2036 and 2041, HDFC Nifty Auto Index Fund, Tata Multi Sector Passive FoF and JM Multi Asset Allocation

A WhiteOak Capital study highlights the benefits of a multi-asset strategy, showing that combining equity, debt and gold can improve risk-adjusted returns. The analysis suggests that adding gold reduces portfolio volatility due to its negative correlation with equities, supporting better diversification across market cycles.

As per the latest RBI guidelines, if you have lodged a complaint for the fraudulent transaction within 5 calendar days, you shall be compensated the lower of 85% of the net loss amount or Rs 25,000. These rules will come into effect from January 2027, and apply in cases of electronic banking transactions undertaken by customers on or after January 1, 2027.

Top SIP mutual fund performers over five years show strong wealth creation potential, with gold, infrastructure, midcap, and smallcap funds delivering XIRR up to 53%. However, investment decisions should consider risk profile, horizon, and financial goals.

An investor's query about active versus passive funds for long-term goals received expert advice. While index funds offer low costs, active management in India presents opportunities for outperformance due to information inefficiencies. A 10% annual SIP step-up is recommended to reach a Rs 7 crore corpus. The expert suggested replacing an index fund with a focused actively managed fund for better diversification and potential returns.

EPFO's online portal will be inaccessible for claim submissions and processing from June 26th to June 28th, 2026, due to a planned technology upgrade. Services on the Umang app will also be unavailable until July 2nd. This temporary shutdown aims to enhance service delivery and user experience.

Affordable housing finance companies are poised for a growth rebound from FY27, according to Kotak Institutional Securities. After a subdued period due to lending slowdowns and competition, industry trends are already showing improvement. Disbursement growth accelerated in the latter half of FY26, with managements expressing optimism. While healthy growth is expected in early FY27, macroeconomic factors like monsoon, inflation, and interest rates will shape the latter half of the year.

Gold prices and silver prices continued their descent on Thursday, June 25, 2026, offering a welcome respite for buyers after recent surges. IBJS 22k gold and leading jewelers like Tanishq, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Kalyan Jewellers, and Joyalukkas have all reported lower rates for 22K gold across major cities.

ETMutualFunds shortlisted midcap funds using rolling returns, consistency, downside risk, outperformance, and minimum Rs 50 crore assets. Axis, PGIM, Invesco, Kotak, and Tata delivered strong three-year returns, suitable for high-risk investors with seven-to-ten-year horizons.

Silver and gold ETFs plunged up to 8% on Thursday as precious metal prices extended losses for a second straight session on the MCX. The decline was driven by a stronger US dollar and rising expectations of US Federal Reserve rate hikes later this year. Silver ETFs led losses, with Tata Silver ETF falling the most, followed by broad-based declines across funds.

Edelweiss Large Cap Fund has achieved a remarkable decade of positive returns, never dipping into negative territory. This consistency is attributed to its FACTOR investment strategy, emphasizing active risk management and a quality-focused stock selection process. While it has underperformed benchmarks in shorter periods, its long-term performance and strategic sector allocations, particularly in financial services and healthcare, highlight its resilience.

Conservative investors are steered towards safer, short-term debt funds, often overlooking medium to long duration options due to their inherent interest rate sensitivity. These longer-term funds, while potentially rewarding in falling rate environments, carry significant volatility and risk when rates rise. Advisors caution that predicting interest rate movements is challenging, making timing entry and exit crucial for those with a higher risk appetite and long investment horizon.

Aspiring to build a substantial retirement fund? The Public Provident Fund (PPF) offers a compelling avenue for low-risk investors. By consistently investing the maximum annual limit of Rs 1.5 lakh, individuals starting at age 30 can amass an impressive by age 60.

New Labour Codes, effective November 2025, redefine overtime eligibility and calculation. While standard working hours remain, employees working beyond 8 hours daily or 48 hours weekly are entitled to at least double their normal wage. Managerial and supervisory roles may still qualify based on actual duties, not just designation, potentially increasing payouts for many.

Understanding Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) on your salary is crucial. Employers calculate your annual tax liability based on declared income and deductions, then divide it to deduct tax monthly. This ensures smooth tax collection throughout the year. The article details TDS calculations for CTCs of Rs 15, 20, and 25 lakh under both old and new tax regimes, offering insights for salaried individuals.

Soaring medical costs, with surgery expenses up 250-300%, necessitate robust health insurance. Experts advise a minimum of Rs 10-15 lakh for individuals and Rs 15-25 lakh for families, with higher coverage for metro residents and seniors. Pairing a base policy with a super top-up plan offers cost-effective protection against escalating healthcare expenses.

The Income Tax Department has flagged 15,000-20,000 cases of individuals using a 'swapped provisions' trick to unfairly reduce their tax liability. This involves manipulating claims like House Rent Allowance (HRA) for undue benefits. Taxpayers who engaged in this practice are advised to voluntarily pay the correct tax and interest, or seek condonation from the department to avoid penalties and potential legal action.

Indias asset and wealth management industry is projected to reach US$1.7 trillion in AUM by 2030, driven by rising retail participation, growing institutional pools and expanding digital financial infrastructure, according to a PwC report.

Ionic Asset has launched the Global Asset Allocation Fund, a GIFT City-based, privately placed offering aimed at sophisticated investors, HNIs and UHNIs. The fund seeks to provide geography-agnostic multi-asset exposure through a mix of global equities, commodities and REITs, with allocations designed to capture long-term structural opportunities across markets and themes.

Binance is revolutionizing investing by consolidating crypto, stocks, and commodities into a single platform, mirroring Asia's 'super app' model. This move, particularly impactful in emerging markets, offers unprecedented access to global equities and pre-IPO opportunities. Fractional ownership and stablecoin settlements are breaking down traditional barriers, making diversified portfolios accessible via smartphones and promising to channel trillions into equity markets.

Taxpayers can breathe easy as the Income Tax Return (ITR) filing deadline for AY 2026-27 is unlikely to be extended. Unlike last year's technical glitches and delayed form releases, this year's process has been smooth, with utilities available on time. Experts advise against banking on an extension and urge prompt filing within the stipulated dates. Various deadlines exist for different taxpayer categories.

The Department of Posts has introduced Aadhaar-based e-KYC at Branch Post Offices, enabling eligible Post Office Savings Account, RD and SSY customers to make paperless deposits up to Rs 50,000 and savings account withdrawals up to Rs 20,000. Aadhaar-authenticated transactions can now be done at any branch, while mobile-linked accounts become mandatory from September 1, 2026.

Salaried individuals awaiting Form 16 for ITR filing can still proceed without it. Employers must issue this TDS certificate by June 15th. If delayed, taxpayers can use salary slips, bank statements, and crucial documents like AIS and Form 26AS to verify income and tax details. These online statements, accessible via the Income Tax portal, are vital for accurate filing and ensuring TDS credit.

Nuvama Institutional Equities expects AMFIs H2 CY26 semi-annual rejig to trigger changes in market-cap classifications, with around nine stocks potentially moving from large-cap to midcap status. Rising cut-off thresholds could affect names across real estate, hospitality, healthcare, industrials and consumer sectors.

Retirees often face a dilemma investing their corpus, balancing safety with growth. Expert Abhijit Chokshi advises a diversified approach for a Rs 1 crore investment, suggesting balanced advantage funds, quality debt funds for emergencies, and a cautious entry into equity via Systematic Transfer Plans (STPs). This strategy aims to manage risk and ensure peace of mind during market volatility, emphasizing a long-term perspective.

Tata AIA Life Insurance has launched the Tata AIA Multifactor Index Fund, a ULIP-based offering designed to combine equity market participation with life insurance protection. Built on a low-volatility multifactor strategy, the fund aims to provide diversified exposure and steadier long-term wealth creation through a rules-based investment approach.

Edelweiss Mutual Fund has launched a unique technology fund, blending Indian IT stocks with global tech giants. This fund aims for long-term capital appreciation by taking a contrarian view on Indian IT while investing in innovative global companies. It offers investors a single avenue to tap into both domestic and international technology growth opportunities, differentiating itself from single-focus funds.

Gold prices saw a mixed trend on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, with Tanishq holding steady while other major jewellers like Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Kalyan Jewellers, and Joyalukkas lowered their 22K gold rates. This comes as IBJA's Tuesday evening rates indicated a slight dip. Consumers can check specific rates across various purities and brands for informed decisions.

HDFC Mutual Fund has launched the HDFC Nifty Auto Index Fund, an open-ended scheme offering passive exposure to Indias automobile and auto ancillary sector. The NFO is open for subscription and will close on July 3. The scheme will reopen for continuous sale and repurchase within five working days after allotment of units under the NFO.

JM Financial Mutual Fund has launched the JM Multi Asset Allocation Fund, aiming to provide long-term capital appreciation and income by investing across equity, debt, and commodities. The fund employs a structured, model-guided approach to dynamically allocate assets, seeking to navigate market cycles and offer risk-adjusted growth. Experts suggest such funds can offer diversification and stability, potentially outperforming pure equity funds in uncertain times, and may suit first-time investor

Investment advisors are increasingly recommending medium duration funds, anticipating superior returns as interest rates decline. These debt funds, mandated by SEBI to hold instruments with a Macaulay duration of three to four years, suit investors with similar horizons. While sensitive to rate hikes, they offer potential for those willing to accept some volatility for longer-term parking of funds.

Facing vehicle repossession in India? Understand your rights: lenders can't seize your vehicle after just one or two missed EMIs without due process. Recovery agents must not use force or intimidation. You're entitled to notices and can reclaim your vehicle before sale if you regularize your loan. Any surplus from a sale after clearing dues belongs to you. Know the rules to protect your asset.

Investment options for senior citizens: Senior citizens seeking steady retirement income can choose between Senior Citizens Savings Scheme (SCSS), Fixed Deposits (FDs), and RBI Floating Rate Bonds.

A man will receive Rs 4,000 in compensation after an e-commerce company failed to deliver his grandmother's birthday cake, despite charging extra for delivery. The consumer commission found the company guilty of deficiency in service, ordering a refund of the cake and delivery charges with interest, plus compensation for harassment and litigation costs. The company's claim that the recipient refused the order was disproven by audio evidence.

Indian professionals holding US ESOPs and RSUs face a significant risk of up to 40% US estate tax on assets exceeding $60,000 after their death. This applies even if they are non-residents. Experts suggest strategies like routing shares through GIFT City, investing in UCITS ETFs, or lifetime gifting to mitigate this substantial tax burden for legal heirs.

Understanding mutual fund performance goes beyond just returns. A benchmark, like Nifty 50 or Sensex, acts as a crucial yardstick to gauge a fund's success. Investors should look for funds consistently outperforming their benchmark, even by a small margin, over extended periods and across market cycles. This comparison is vital for making informed investment decisions.