The Economic Times

In what can be termed as a shocking theft, armed robbers boarded train number 5610 in 2004 and looted for about 1 hour 15 minutes then pulled the chain and managed to vanish without trace. Police are yet to find the actual robbers since the persons whom the police caught have been acquitted in court.

In October 2026, significant changes to banking and finance regulations will take effect, impacting numerous services. Furthermore, the Reserve Bank of India will introduce new disclosure protocols regarding bulk fixed deposits, and UPI transaction fees will be revised for amounts exceeding Rs 2,000 starting October 15.

HDFC Mutual Fund has reopened its HDFC BSE REITS and Commercial Real Estate Index Fund after its September 1517 NFO period. The passive fund tracks the BSE REITs and Commercial Real Estate Index, offering diversified exposure to listed REITs and commercial real estate companies.

The Central Government has extended the deadline for filing Income Tax Returns for the Assessment Year 2026-27. Taxpayers subject to audit now have until November 21, 2026 to file their returns. Additionally, the tax audit deadline has been shifted to October 21, 2026, providing more time for compliance. Chartered Accountants must upload the tax audit report on behalf of their clients through the e-filing portal.

The ET Wealth Expo 2026 is set to unite diverse wealth builders across India, focusing on the dynamic financial landscape. The event will spotlight unique paths to wealth creation and management for family decision-makers, affluent professionals, and new high net worth individuals. Throughout this two-day experience, participants will join expert-led sessions and masterclasses, designed to enhance financial strategies for growth and security.

ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund launched a contra fund focused on research-driven, non-consensus opportunities in underperforming assets. The NFO closes October 12, with minimum investment of Rs 1,000. The open-ended equity scheme targets long-term investors and can invest across market capitalisations, alongside limited exposure to debt, commodities and InvITs.

Navigating overseas property purchases for NRI/OCI children can be complex for Indian parents, entangled in regulations like FEMA and RBI's Liberalised Remittance Scheme. From understanding allowable remittance limits to distinguishing between gifts and loans, families must carefully plan to avoid potential tax and compliance issues. Learn the critical steps to streamline the funding process.

Mirae Asset Mutual Fund launched the Life Cycle Fund 2056, an open-ended scheme with a predetermined maturity and mandatory glide path. The NFO closes October 12, with investments starting at Rs 5,000. The fund dynamically shifts allocations from equity toward debt, arbitrage and commodities as the 2056 maturity approaches.

India's GDP growth in the second quarter of FY26 surpassed the Reserve Bank of India's forecast of 7 percent. The growth prompted forecasts of gradual rate hikes, with expectations of a 25 basis points increase twice in FY27. Additionally, inflation is projected to hover above 5 percent due to various economic pressures. Rising oil prices are expected to widen the current account deficit to 1.3 percent of GDP in FY27.

Hybrid mutual funds are gaining investor attention, with assets under management rising sharply in recent years. Five hybrid schemes feature among the top 10 funds by AUM, offering diversification and lower portfolio volatility.

An analysis of 189 equity mutual funds found 19 schemes delivering over 15% CAGR across three, five and seven years. The group comprised nine midcap, seven smallcap, two largecap and midcap and one ELSS fund, highlighting sustained long-term performance across multiple equity categories, though the exercise is not an investment recommendation.

WhiteOak Capital Mutual Fund has launched an innovative Fund of Funds that focuses on small-cap mutual funds. This initiative seeks to achieve long-term capital growth by diversifying investments across a variety of active small-cap funds. Skilled fund managers will oversee the portfolio, adjusting investments according to performance and risk dynamics.

As per Sebi mandate, medium duration funds must invest in debt and money market instruments with Macaulay duration of three to four years. As you can see, these schemes are suitable for investors looking to invest for three to four years or more. However, you should check the portfolio duration of the scheme to ensure that the scheme is in line with your investment horizon.

When Mr Kumar, a grain trader from Rampur deposited Rs 5.2 crore cash in his bank account and filed an Income Tax Return (ITR) declaring Rs 7.65 lakh income, this raised many red flags within the income tax systems. He wins case in ITAT Delhi.

In a recent meeting held on September 27, the Indian Banks' Association and the United Forum of Bank Unions engaged in crucial talks about an impending bank strike. While the three-day nationwide strike was postponed rather than cancelled, both parties have committed to establishing a high-level committee.

Welcome to TrendMap, your guide to the performance of different investment segments. In this edition, we present a 10-year performance tracker of factor-based investment strategies. 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.

Inflated bills, delayed approvals, arbitrary deductions. As hospitals and insurers trade charges, policyholders are left footing the bill. What will it take to fix the system?

Beginning 1 October 2026, resident Indian buyers will enjoy simplified compliance when purchasing property from non-resident sellers. They will be able to use their Permanent Account Number instead of obtaining a Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number. This amendment aims to reduce the burden of compliance on individual buyers. Buyers will also be required to provide the seller's contact information and overseas address.

Tax efficiency and stability win some advisers over, but others fear giving up returns and control.

A bank can afford to give an affluent customer a highly rewarding credit card if that card helps persuade the customer to consolidate assets with the lender. The other advantage is that a credit card is one of the most visible products a bank gives a customer. Every transaction reinforces the relationship with the bank.

Tax residency, bank accounts, Dubai property and gratuity all need sorting before and after you fly home.

Two funds, both averaging 5%. One left you Rs.11,000 richer. Heres why

A status match essentially allows one loyalty programme to recognise your credentials from another. Instead of spending 50 nights at a hotel chain or flying dozens of sectors with an airline to reach elite status, you show that another company already considers you a valuable customer. The new programme may then grant you equivalent status, usually for a limited period.

The customer-centric proposals aim to increase transparency, cut distribution costs and reduce insurer expenses.

Cutting through money jargon, one topic at a time. This week Abhinav Kaul explains why US interest-rate hikes can affect gold prices, and what it means for Indian investors.

India remains committed to its diesel export contracts, as stated by Oil Minister Hardeep Puri. The global diesel market faces challenges due to geopolitical conflicts impacting supply. Pump prices in the US have surged, leading to speculation about an export ban on diesel. India has overtaken Russia as a top diesel supplier, accounting for significant global shipments.

According to the M3M Hurun India Rich List 2026, India's wealth has soared to an impressive Rs. 187.5 lakh crore, with Gautam Adani now eclipsing Mukesh Ambani in the wealth hierarchy. LN Mittal also reports major financial gains.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India has launched the Portfolio Managers Route for Investing in Mutual Fund units (PRIM), enabling portfolio managers to handle clients' investments in direct mutual fund plans starting from a minimum amount of Rs.25 lakh. This initiative seeks to boost investor access and flexibility, offering a wider array of investment choices.

Cheap, quick and no credit check needed, yet your jewellery could be at risk.

Six new mutual funds and one Specialized Investment Fund (SIF) are opening for subscription this week, according to ACE MF data. The NFO lineup includes ICICI Prudential Contra Fund, Aditya Birla SL BSE Total Market ETF, Mirae Asset Life Cycle Fund, and Mahindra Manulife's MSIF Equity Long-Short Fund.