The Economic Times

Interest rates may vary. If we talk about the post office, it offers a 6.7% interest rate on its RD, while its rate for the 5-year FD is 7.5%. Using both post office FD and RD for financial planning, you can create a nearly Rs 1 crore retirement corpus in 20 years even if you invest Rs 10 lakh in the FD and invest Rs 10,000 monthly in the RD.

Homeowners in Uttar Pradesh can now file online complaints against builders for illegal transfer charges. UP-RERA has activated a new mechanism allowing successors of deceased allottees to challenge unlawful demands. This move, following a regulatory amendment, caps processing fees for family transfers at Rs 1,000 and for non-family transfers at Rs 25,000.

A Will has always been optionally registrable under Section 18 of the Registration Act, 1908, and registration is not mandatory for validity. What Maharashtra has now done, by extending its One District One Registration framework to testamentary instruments, is two-fold: it has decoupled the act of registration from territorial jurisdiction, and reaffirmed the nominal Rs 100 fee with no statutory deadline for presenting the will.

The Rule of 72 helps investors estimate investment doubling time by dividing 72 with annual return rate. It simplifies compound interest calculations, though results remain approximate for extreme interest rates.

ETMutualFunds has shortlisted top midcap mutual funds based on rolling returns, consistency, downside risk, outperformance and asset size. Funds from Axis, PGIM India, Invesco, Kotak and Tata featured in the list. Experts suggest midcap funds are suitable only for investors with high risk tolerance and long investment horizons.

The Patna High Court has issued comprehensive directions for the National Lok Adalat on May 9, 2026, aimed at facilitating the smooth settlement of pending traffic challans under Bihar's One-Time Settlement Scheme. Authorities are instructed to ensure accessible locations, online payment options, and adequate security and parking to manage anticipated large crowds and prevent interference from external agents.

Quant Small Cap Fund reshuffled its portfolio in April, exiting seven stocks including HDFC Bank and Jio Financial Services while adding new names and trimming exposure in select counters. The fund maintained a defensive stance with higher large-cap allocation, aiming to manage volatility and improve liquidity amid broader market uncertainty.

Gold and silver prices remained largely unchanged on May 8, 2026, following an uptick driven by easing inflation concerns and potential US-Iran peace talks. Experts predict gold could reach $4,800-$4,850, while silver eyes $85, with markets awaiting key economic data.

Investors seeking high returns on 5-year fixed deposits can explore options beyond public sector banks. DCB Bank leads private banks with a 7.25% interest rate, offering an approximate maturity of Rs 1.43 lakh on a Rs 1 lakh investment. IDFC FIRST Bank follows closely, while other private and small finance banks also present competitive rates.

Invesco Mutual Fund has resumed subscriptions for three international funds, including Global Equity Income, Pan European Equity, and Global Consumer Trends, effective May 8. Subscriptions will be permitted up to available headroom without breaching overseas investment limits as of February 1, 2022. The fund house reserves the right to temporarily suspend subscriptions if limits are approached.

Hyderabad's luxury real estate market saw a significant surge, with High Net Worth Individuals (HNIs) and Ultra HNIs investing Rs 8,562 crore in FY2026. The report highlights Kokapet, Nanakramguda, and Manchirevula as prime locations, indicating a shift in investment focus towards the city's growing luxury ecosystem.

Motilal Oswal Mutual Fund has launched its Contra Fund, open for subscription until May 22. The fund aims for long-term capital appreciation by investing in fundamentally sound but undervalued stocks. Experts suggest this strategy suits patient investors with a 3-5 year horizon, especially during market volatility.

Salaried employees are yet to see benefits from the new labour codes due to delayed state-level implementation. While some aspects like ESI coverage are changing, the full impact on in-hand salary, particularly PF contributions, is pending. Employers are strategizing transitions, with changes often linked to annual reviews rather than immediate pay slips.

Large and mid-cap mutual funds offer a mix of large and mid-cap stocks. These funds suit aggressive investors with a long-term view. Fund managers adjust allocations based on market outlook. Investors can choose funds tilted towards large caps for safety or mid caps for growth. Performance updates for recommended schemes are provided.

A new Income-tax Act arrives on April 1, 2026. It brings fresh income tax forms and replaces many old ones. Taxpayers will use these new forms for various reporting needs. Key changes include updated PAN application forms and new TDS certificates. This marks a significant shift in tax compliance procedures for individuals and businesses.

Arun received Rs 20,000 compensation for a new bike with multiple defects. The vehicle developed issues with its meter, engine overheating, and fuel tank within two years of purchase. Despite multiple services, the problems persisted. The Thrissur district consumer commission ruled in Arun's favor, ordering the dealer to pay compensation and costs for the deficiency in service.

A 10,000 instant personal loan may look small on paper, but that doesnt mean you should choose a lender casually.

Augmont Enterprises has quietly established India's most comprehensive gold platform. Unlike well-funded rivals that faltered, Augmont focused on building infrastructure and integrating its operations. This Mumbai-based company's sustainable approach contrasts with the 'growth-at-all-costs' model. As Augmont prepares to go public, its success highlights a different path to building a durable business in India's gold market.

Federal Bank now allows customers to pay Employee Provident Fund dues through its net-banking platform. This new facility offers a convenient and secure way to make EPFO payments. Individuals and businesses can now settle their EPF dues quickly online, saving time and effort. The service enhances digital convenience and supports organizations in meeting their statutory compliance needs.

NRIs managing finances abroad often face OTP issues with their Indian mobile numbers. While banks are increasingly supporting international numbers and app-based authentication, maintaining an active Indian SIM remains crucial for many transactions. Read the article to know how NRIs can keep their Indian mobile number active, handle OTP issues overseas and avoid common banking access problems

HDFC Bank has adjusted its lending rates. Effective May 7, 2026, some loan tenures will see a reduction of up to 5 basis points. However, one tenure will experience a 5 basis point increase. These changes impact borrowers with loans linked to the MCLR regime. The bank's MCLR rates now range from 8.05% to 8.60%.

IDFC FIRST Bank's FIRST EARN and Hello Cashback credit cards offer straightforward cashback on daily transactions, maximizing savings without altering spending habits. These cards provide an interest-free period and fee reversals on spending, enhancing value beyond just cashback with added protection benefits.

Maharashtra's Revised NPS scheme offers assured pensions for state employees joining by December 2026. Those with 20 years' service get 50% of last salary, while a minimum Rs 7,500 monthly pension is guaranteed for 10 years.

Motilal Oswal Mutual Fund has launched the Motilal Oswal Contra Fund, an open-ended equity scheme based on a contrarian investment strategy. The NFO opens on May 8 and closes on May 22. The fund aims for long-term capital appreciation by investing in undervalued companies with turnaround potential across market cycles.

Gold and silver prices surged on Thursday, May 7, 2026, driven by easing global inflation concerns and positive diplomatic signals between the US and Iran. This de-escalation prospect led to a significant rally in both precious metals, with gold and silver rising 3% and 6% respectively.

The All India Defence Employees Federation (AIDEF) has submitted a memorandum to the 8th Pay Commission, demanding a Rs 69,000 minimum pay and a 3.833 fitment factor for defence civilian employees. The federation also seeks higher risk and hardship allowances, along with revised cadre structures and pay scales for various technical and clerical positions.

Kotak International has launched its first UCITS ETF focused on the Indo-Pacific defence sector, offering exposure to rising military spending across key Asian markets. Developed with HANetf, the fund includes nearly 30% allocation to Indian companies, aligning with Kotaks strategy to expand global, theme-based investment offerings.

An investor investing Rs 85,000 monthly may not reach Rs 2 crore in seven years. Experts suggest increasing monthly SIPs by Rs 68,000 to Rs 1.53 lakh. The portfolio strategy needs adjustment as the goal nears. Reducing exposure to volatile small and midcap funds is advised. Shifting to largecap or index funds will stabilize returns and protect the corpus.

Telangana's Registration and Stamp department is set to significantly increase property registration values, with hikes ranging from 20% to 100% across the state. This move aims to bridge the substantial gap between government valuations and current market rates, particularly in high-growth western Hyderabad areas. The revision is expected to boost government revenue from property registrations.

The 8th Central Pay Commission will meet with Defence and Railway employee and pensioner bodies in New Delhi on May 13 and 14, 2026. Stakeholders must request appointments online by May 10, 2026. The Commission will also visit Hyderabad, Srinagar, Jammu, and Ladakh in May and June 2026. Railway technical employees are demanding a minimum basic salary of Rs 52,600.

ICRA Analytics said investors should blend active and passive mutual fund strategies to navigate volatile markets driven by geopolitical tensions and global uncertainty. The report highlighted that balanced portfolio allocation based on risk appetite, goals and investment horizon can help investors stay resilient through market cycles while pursuing long-term wealth creation.

Motilal Oswal Asset Management Company has received PFRDA approval to operate as a Pension Fund Sponsor under the National Pension System. The company will establish a separate pension fund entity to manage NPS assets and retirement investments, aiming to strengthen its presence in Indias long-term retirement planning and pension management ecosystem.

Top largecap mutual funds were shortlisted using rolling returns, consistency, downside risk, outperformance, and asset size, with select schemes delivering around 1516% returns over the last five years.

The BSE Sensex has seen a significant drop this year. Experts recommend investors continue their Systematic Investment Plans. This strategy allows for acquiring more mutual fund units at lower prices. For those with extra funds, staggered lump sum investments are also suggested. Market corrections are viewed as normal and beneficial for long-term wealth creation.

A UPSRTC bus conductor lost his government job after ferrying 59 passengers without issuing tickets. The Allahabad High Court upheld the termination, citing dishonesty and financial loss to the government. The conductor had filled paybills but failed to distribute tickets. The court found no reason to interfere with the disciplinary action.

Fairfax India is set to increase its ownership in IIFL Capital to 51 percent. This move involves an investment of 20 billion rupees. The capital infusion will bolster IIFL Capital's financial standing. It will also support the company's expansion across various financial services. This strategic investment comes amid a competitive market landscape for brokerages and wealth managers.

Frequent travelers can enhance their journeys with the right credit cards. Cards like Federal Bank Scapia and Ixigo AU offer lounge access and rewards. Some provide zero forex markup on international spending. These cards aim to reduce expenses and improve travel experiences for regular flyers. Explore options for better travel.

The NC-JCM will hold its 49th annual meeting on May 11, 2026, to discuss key issues impacting central government employees and pensioners. Major proposals include enhanced pension benefits, higher family pension, expanded medical facilities, and full reimbursement of treatment costs. It will also raise concerns over regional recruitment, promotion delays, and career stagnation, among other issues.

A divorced daughter, deserted by her husband, can claim her late father's family pension if dependency existed during his lifetime, even if divorce was finalized later. The Calcutta High Court ruled that a government memo allows this, emphasizing the beneficial object of pension rules. Dependency and marital breakdown prior to the father's death are key.

Buying a home in Indian metros is an emotional decision, but financial realities are shifting. Renting and investing the difference between rent and EMI can build substantial wealth over two decades. Equities offer higher long-term returns than property appreciation. The choice hinges on prioritizing financial optimization or personal stability.

PFRDA has launched NPS Sanchay, a simplified National Pension System variant, to serve India's informal sector employees. This scheme aims to reduce investment complexities and asset allocation challenges for nearly 90% of the workforce lacking formal pension coverage. Eligibility extends to Indian citizens aged 18-85, with rules aligning to existing NPS schemes.