The Economic Times

22k gold rate today: Gold prices saw a slight dip on April 2, 2026, bringing welcome news for shoppers. Leading brands like Tanishq, Kalyan Jewellers, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, and Joyalukkas reported lower rates for 22-karat gold.

Quant Mutual Fund believes the current market situation presents a major buying chance. The fund house is increasing its investments in stocks, seeing attractive valuations. They are focusing on opportunities during market panic and euphoria. India is seen as a relative outlier amid global economic slowdown concerns.

Indian Railways has updated its rules, allowing passengers to change their boarding station up to 30 minutes before train departure. This new flexibility can be accessed online via IRCTC or offline at reservation counters. Additionally, fare deduction for cancellations has been adjusted, with a 25% deduction for cancellations between 24 and 72 hours before departure.

Central government employee unions, under NC-JCM, have urged the 8th Pay Commission to expand its questionnaire. They seek to include provisions for reviewing NPS/UPS, restoring the Old Pension Scheme, addressing pensioners' and women employees' welfare, and extending submission deadlines and word limits for comprehensive feedback.

Bank customers are confused about operations on April 2, 2026. Banks are open nationwide for Hanuman Jayanti. Closures are limited to Keralam for Maundy Thursday. This information clarifies bank availability for the public. Many regional holidays affect bank schedules in April 2026.

SBI has increased fixed deposit rates. However, many debt mutual funds are providing better returns. Investors are now comparing these options. Experts advise choosing based on risk appetite and investment goals. Debt funds can offer higher returns but involve some volatility. Fixed deposits offer guaranteed returns and stability.

The government has stated it has not received formal requests from labour unions to raise the Employees Provident Fund interest rate to 10%. The current EPF interest rate stands at 8.25%, last revised in FY 2022-23. The Labour and Employment Minister clarified the interest rate determination process.

ETMutualFunds presents a curated list of ten top mutual fund schemes. These selections span five key equity categories, offering guidance for regular investors. The article emphasizes understanding fund categories and aligning choices with personal investment goals and risk tolerance. Investors are advised to consider their objectives and risk profile before investing.

Silver and gold ETFs experienced significant drops of up to 4% on Thursday following U.S. President Trump's indication of continued military action in Iran. This geopolitical tension, coupled with rising crude oil prices and a stronger dollar, pressured precious metal prices on the MCX, with several ETFs seeing substantial declines.

The Andhra Pradesh High Court denied an ancestral land claim despite possession and mutation, emphasizing that revenue records like mutation and bank loans do not prove ownership. The court ruled that establishing lawful title through registered deeds or legally recognized documents is crucial, not just lineage or long-term possession.

A homeowner's plea for a better parking spot was dismissed by Punjab RERA. The complainant argued his allotted space was too small and far from his apartment. He also claimed unequal distribution of parking. RERA ruled against him, stating he accepted possession without protest and the builder followed approved plans. Certificates were issued.

Government Securities (G-Secs) offer retirees a safe, predictable income, but a G-Sec-heavy strategy alone can be eroded by inflation. Experts advise a balanced approach, with allocation varying by retirement age. Bond laddering and selective diversification can enhance returns and manage risks effectively.

Salaried employees face new Tax Deducted at Source rules from April 1, 2026. The new financial year brings revised tax calculations and compliance requirements. Employees must inform employers if they wish to opt for the old tax regime. Higher standard deductions and increased tax-free benefits are introduced. Choosing between tax regimes depends on individual deductions and salary structure.

Mutual funds deployed an estimated Rs 80,000 crore into equities during the March market crash, significantly reducing their cash holdings, as they stepped in to counter heavy FII selling. The buying came amid an over 11% market correction and rising crude oil prices linked to the Gulf crisis, highlighting a strong inverse relationship between oil prices and Indian equities.

Gold prices experienced unusual volatility during the Iran-Israel conflict. Initially surging, gold later dropped significantly as geopolitical tensions eased and inflation fears rose. Axis Mutual Fund decoded this behavior, citing unwinding leveraged positions, Middle Eastern surplus shifts, and liquidity concerns as key drivers.

New PAN card application forms are now in effect under the Income-ax Act, 2025, with category-specific forms replacing the Aadhaar-only option. Mandatory PAN quoting has expanded for high-value transactions, including significant cash deposits and property deals, making compliance crucial for taxpayers.

Form 16 will be renumbered as Form 130 under the Income Tax Rules, 2026, effective from April 1, 2026. This change introduces a Tax Year concept, enhances taxpayer and employer details for digitized reporting, and requires disclosure of tax deduction rates. The shift is primarily structural, aligning with the new Income-tax Act, 2025.

Around 13 equity mutual funds delivered losses exceeding 15% over the past six months, with small-cap and mid-cap categories leading the decline. Tata Small Cap Fund topped the list with a 23% drop, reflecting broader market weakness and volatility impacting high-risk fund segments.

Indian companies showed strong financial health in 2025-26. Rating upgrades outnumbered downgrades, indicating robust balance sheets and steady demand. Policy support also played a key role. While external risks have eased, the West Asia crisis poses new challenges. Geopolitical events and global trade will be closely watched for credit quality in the upcoming fiscal year.

Gold prices are on the rise as the new financial year begins. Major jewellery brands and the IBJA reported higher rates for 22K and 24K gold on April 1, 2026. Tanishq, Kalyan Jewellers, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, and Joyalukkas have all seen an uptick in their gold prices. Silver prices have also experienced a significant increase.

Zerodha Mutual Fund has launched the Nifty LargeMidcap250 Plus 813 Yr G-Sec 70:30 Index Fund, a hybrid index fund offering exposure to Indias top 250 equities and government securities in a single, passively managed vehicle. The NFO is open until April 15, after which the scheme will reopen for continuous sale and repurchase within five business days of allotment.

SBI UPI down: Downdetector shows a steep jump in the number of complaints, including over 500 payment issue-related complaints reports for State Bank of India.

The Central Board of Direct Taxes has introduced new forms for correcting PAN card details. These forms, PAN CR-01 for individuals and PAN CR-02 for non-individuals, will be effective from April 1, 2026. Both online and offline submissions are permitted. Applicants must provide correct PAN details and a copy of their PAN card. Aadhaar is mandatory for most applicants.

The Income Tax Department has launched a revamped e-filing portal to support the transition to the new Income Tax Act, 2025. Taxpayers can now make payments and file forms under both old and new tax laws from a single platform, with new forms and challans available from April 1, 2026.

Financial tasks: Proactive financial planning, from retirement savings to KYC updates and nominee details, ensures a smoother year ahead.. The new financial year offers a prime opportunity to organize your finances.

New financial year brings significant mutual fund reforms. Expect revised GST, introduction of life cycle funds, and discontinuation of children's and retirement schemes. Equity funds can now invest in gold and silver, while stricter rules apply to thematic funds. These changes aim to boost transparency and investor protection.

Mirae Asset Large Cap Fund has a strong history of positive returns. However, recent performance indicates a slowdown. The fund has struggled to consistently outperform its peers and benchmark over shorter periods. Experts suggest large-cap funds remain a core part of equity portfolios for stability. Investors should consider their risk appetite and goals.

Silver and gold ETFs saw significant gains on Wednesday. A weaker dollar and easing geopolitical tensions boosted investor sentiment. Gold prices edged up, while silver experienced a slight dip. Experts suggest this consolidation offers an attractive entry point for long-term investors. Rising fuel prices and gold rates create an inflationary environment.

ETMutualFunds' best mutual fund SIP portfolios are meant for three different individual risk profiles: conservative, moderate and aggressive. We have also considered three SIP baskets between Rs 2,000-5,000, between Rs 5,000-10,000 and above Rs 10,000 while creating these portfolios. Take a look at our recommended portfolios.

New income tax rules: Significant income tax changes are coming from April 1, 2026, with the Income Tax Act of 2025 replacing the 1961 act. Expect revised TDS/TCS rules, updated ITR filing deadlines, and changes to buyback taxation. Key benefits include expanded HRA exemptions and increased meal card tax benefits, aiming for a simpler tax regime.

Feeling let down by your health insurance? Portability allows you to switch providers without losing benefits like waiting period credits and no-claim bonuses. Understand the rules and benefits to ensure a smooth transition to a better policy when it's time for renewal.

The Income Tax Department has clarified a new 12% surcharge on capital gains from share buybacks, specifically for promoters. This change, part of the Finance Bill 2026, impacts promoters' additional income tax. Non-promoter shareholders will continue to be taxed under normal surcharge provisions based on their income. This move standardizes tax treatment for buyback transactions.

Banks across India will observe closures on April 1 for annual account closing. While branches may be shut, digital banking services like ATMs and UPI will operate normally. Several other holidays are also scheduled for April 2026, impacting banking operations in various states. Customers are advised to check specific bank schedules.

Geopolitical tensions are driving up crude oil prices, impacting India's bond yields and weakening the rupee. This inflationary pressure is causing mark-to-market losses, especially in long-duration debt funds. Investors with longer horizons can weather short-term dips, while those with shorter goals should opt for less volatile funds. Patience is advised before increasing gilt fund exposure.

Equity mutual fund returns have faced significant pressure over the last year, with most categories experiencing value erosion. Large-Cap, Flexi-Cap, and Focused Funds saw category averages decline between 3.5% and 4.3%. While Small-Cap funds struggled, Mid-Cap funds demonstrated relative resilience.