The Economic Times

Bank holidays in November 2026 will vary across Indian states based on local festivals. Customers must check specific holiday schedules before visiting bank branches to avoid inconvenience. Some notable holidays include Diwali, Wangala festival, and Chhath Puja, affecting different states. The Reserve Bank of India has outlined specific closure dates for scheduled banks. Both scheduled and non-scheduled banks observe holidays on specific Saturdays as per the RBI calendar.

With the festive season nearing, its the perfect time for many to buy gold jewellery. However, ensuring the golds purity is crucial before investing. Methods like looking for a BIS hallmark and a unique HUID number are essential. Home tests such as the ceramic streak test and vinegar test can lend extra credibility, but nothing beats professional testing for confirming gold purity.

DA hike news: In a significant update for central government employees, a 63% dearness allowance will be implemented for the period of July to December 2026. This marks a 3% rise in the current allowance, providing enhanced financial assistance. Level 1 employees can expect an increase of Rs 540 in their monthly salary.

Employees' Provident Fund accounts continue to earn interest for three years after the age of 58. After that period, accounts become inoperative unless members withdraw their accrued corpus.

Following Smt Shanti Devi's passing in 2001, her grandson Gahlot faced challenges from relatives contesting her will, asserting it was fraudulent and that Devi was incapable of drafting it. In court, Gahlot showcased his mother's testimonial to affirm the will's authenticity. The Delhi High Court ruled in favor of the will, granting Gahlot the right to her properties, though it left the ownership of the mentioned agricultural land unresolved.

The ET Wealth Expo 2026, scheduled for October 30 and 31 at NESCO in Mumbai, will spotlight vital discussions and exhibitions centered on the shifting financial priorities of India's wealthy investors and wealth creators. This gathering will delve into crucial topics such as risk management and succession planning, featuring insights from financial experts and business leaders. It's an essential platform for fostering collaboration in India's dynamic wealth landscape.

Delhi circle rate update: Farmers in the national capital are demanding a circle rate of Rs 10 crore per acre, with the Delhi Panchayat Sangh urging the government to implement this circle rate for agricultural land. Current estimates suggest that land rates in the capital region could zoom by around 650%, causing prices to go over Rs 15 crore per acre from Rs 2 crore now.

Gold rate today: Gold prices have risen today, October 28, 2026, across major jewellers like Tanishq and Malabar Gold. Prices for 22k gold jewellery are detailed, with differences noted between major retailers. The India Bullion and Jewellers Association published their latest retail selling rates for various purities of gold and silver. A comparison with the previous day's rates indicates a noticeable increase in prices across the board.

Planning a festive getaway doesn't have to break the bank! Discover essential tips to save on flights, accommodation, and more while enjoying your holiday. From setting fare alerts to strategically using credit card rewards, learn how to effectively budget for your dream vacation without compromising your financial stability. Start saving smart today for a stress-free festive travel experience!

Several equity mutual funds delivered returns of more than 20% over the past three years, led by SBI Healthcare Fund at 23.11%. Healthcare, small-cap, mid-cap and infrastructure schemes feature prominently among the top performers.

The Ministry of Finance announced a revision in the Industrial Dearness Allowance rates for certain CPSE employees. This revision will be applicable starting from October 1, 2026, affecting various pay scales. Employees in board-level and supervisory roles will see an increase in their IDA rates. Different IDA rates will apply for those under distinct pay scales from 1987 to 2017.

Mutual fund experts posit that aggressive debt investors might want to consider gilt funds as a way to obtain superior returns. As interest rates decline, the prospect of double-digit returns from these funds becomes more plausible. Nevertheless, gilt funds carry risks linked to interest rate fluctuations, making them appropriate only for savvy investors. Aiming for a long-term horizon is crucial, and monitoring rate shifts is highly advised.

The Reserve Bank of India has announced the premature redemption price for the Sovereign Gold Bond 2020-21 Series I, permitting investors to redeem on October 28, 2026. The chosen redemption price stands at Rs 14,159 per unit, showcasing a notable return on investment.

Since last Diwali, investors in eight equity mutual funds have enjoyed impressive double-digit gains from their Systematic Investment Plans. The standout performer has been Samco Small Cap Fund, boasting a remarkable return of around 30.85 percent. Other significant contributors include the Motilal Oswal Focused Fund and Bank of India Small Cap Fund. However, with 255 funds experiencing negative returns, market volatility remains key.

Punjab National Bank has issued a notice to its customers regarding the closure of dormant accounts. Any account with no transaction activity for over three years and a zero balance is at risk. To prevent account closure, customers need to complete their Know Your Customer requirements by November 10, 2026.

Six homeowners filed case against society's managing committee for misappropriating Rs 3.08 crore; society selectively increased these six homebuyers maintenance amount; Maharashtra co-op appellate court gives relief to these six homeowners

Silver prices have witnessed a sharp decline in the Multi Commodity Exchange, resulting in considerable losses for investors. Experts believe that a price recovery may occur within the next 12 to 18 months. New investors are advised to adopt a gradual buying strategy, while existing investors should hold steady and resist the urge to sell in haste.

Ms Parves counsel argued in ITAT Pune that she is a housewife and never filed her income tax return (ITR) as she had no independent source of income. To support her claims, Ms Parve also filed Form 26AS, an affidavit, the husbands death certificate, computation sheet, bank statements between 24.08.2015 and 30.09.2015.

Dealing with a tax demand? It's essential to grasp how the Income Tax Department can seize dues from different assets, while your PPF account holds particular protections. Funds within a PPF account are shielded from attachment; yet, withdrawing them can put them at risk.

The PFRDA has now pushed back the implementation date for updated PoP charges that impact NPS and NPS Lite subscribers to December 1, 2026. This extension provides extra time for subscribers to prepare.

UAE property owners have received communication from the income tax department regarding undisclosed assets. Taxpayers are prompted to assess their foreign assets in relation to their tax status. Those eligible can use the FAST-DS 2026 scheme before the deadline. Failure to disclose such assets may result in severe penalties or taxation. It is important to review and act upon this nudge to avoid repercussions.

Starting from November 1, 2026, vehicle owners residing within a 20 km radius of toll plazas can apply for a discounted local FASTag pass. The yearly fee is set at Rs 1,500 for locations outside city limits and Rs 3,000 for those within.

No equity mutual fund delivered negative SIP returns over five- and seven-year periods, an ETMutualFunds analysis found. Quant Small Cap Fund topped the seven-year list with 24.59% returns, while Bandhan Small Cap Fund led the five-year category at 18.08%. Shriram Flexi Cap Fund recorded the lowest returns across both periods.

Gold rate: Gold prices for 22k jewellery rose today in various showrooms across cities like Delhi and Mumbai. In contrast, the IBJA indicated a decline in gold and silver rates compared to yesterday's evening rates.

Gold price: Gold prices have recently experienced significant volatility, opening doors for savvy investors. Experts advocate for a methodical approachspreading out investments across multiple months. Current financial dynamics, including rising US interest rates and forthcoming Federal Reserve discussions, are poised to affect gold valuations. Gold exchange-traded funds stand out as a practical investment choice due to their affordability and liquidity. Careful planning and strategy are essenti

Housing societies looking to redevelop must qualify under Development Control Regulations and pass a resolution during a meeting. After the resolution, a development agreement can be signed with a builder, and a Power of Attorney can be issued. The society must ensure transparency and due diligence in the redevelopment process to protect member interests. Legal aspects, such as compensation for delays and entitlement, should be clearly outlined in agreements.

Sharpe ratio is a risk-adjusted return measure. It measures the excess return over the risk-free rate per unit of risk, measured in terms of standard deviation. Here are the top 5 flexi-cap funds with the highest risk-adjusted returns (Source: MF Screener).

ET Wealth Reader's Query: I just started my first job. My salary is modest, but I would like to invest a small amount in gold every month as a long-term investment. What are the safest and most secure ways to invest in gold through monthly investments? Which option is suitable for someone starting out with a limited budget?

DA news: More than 55 lakh central government employees are anticipating a dearness allowance hike announcement soon. The hike is expected to be announced following the cabinet meeting scheduled for October 28, 2026. If approved, the DA rate may increase from 60% to an estimated 63%, resulting in salary increases. Employees are hopeful for the announcement after delayed expectations in previous meetings this month.

The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation may discuss increasing the minimum monthly pension under the Employees' Pension Scheme. A proposal to raise the pension from Rs 1,000 is anticipated during the next Central Board of Trustees meeting.

Small cap mutual funds have proven to be the top performers in the market, offering impressive returns as high as 16%. The Bank of India Small Cap Fund took the lead with a notable return of 15.51%. However, investment experts emphasize a cautious approach to valuations, despite an optimistic long-term outlook for small caps.

Gift deed or Will? Learn the tax, stamp duty, control and safety rules for passing your home to your children in India, including Section 23 protection for senior citizens.

The Karnataka High Court ruled against retired employees challenging amendments to the Employees' Pension Scheme, 1995. The court found the government's power to amend the scheme was legitimate and did not violate vested rights. Retired employees argued that their pension entitlements were reduced by the 2007 amendments. The EPFO clarified that the amendments corrected existing anomalies and did not take away benefits.

No EPF, no pension. Learn how Indian freelancers can save tax and build a retirement corpus in 2026-27 using NPS, PPF, ELSS and the right tax regime.

The Karnataka High Court has dismissed the criminal charges against homebuyer Mr. Bari, who stopped repaying his loan EMIs after learning that the builder had sold his booked flat to another buyer. The State Bank of India accused Bari of misusing the loan funds, but the court determined that the bank mishandled the situation by pursuing criminal charges. The fate of Bari's initial flat booking and investment remains unclear.

Should you continue investing in equities in the age of AI? Is your retirement plan on track? And have you considered how your wealth will be passed on to the next generation? The ET Wealth Expo 2026 will address these and other financial questions on October 30 and 31 in Mumbai.

ITC Hotels reported strong second-quarter growth, with revenue rising 26% and net profit increasing 52% year on year, supported by higher room rates, occupancy and demand from business events. The company also expanded its portfolio through new hotel signings, the Welcomhotel Ahmedabad acquisition and a land allotment in Lucknow.

JioBlackRock has launched the Advantage World Equity Fund through GIFT City, offering eligible Indian investors access to global developed-market equities. The feeder fund invests primarily in BlackRocks actively managed strategy spanning the US, Europe and Japan.

Gold purchasing sees a significant rise during Dhanteras and Diwali, celebrated for their cultural relevance. Investors can explore various avenues like physical gold, ETFs, and digital gold options.

JioBlackRock Mutual Fund is set to unveil two new investment opportunities tailored for Indian investors. The JioBlackRock Life Cycle Fund 2056 aims to achieve long-term capital appreciation through strategic and diversified asset allocation. On the other hand, the JioBlackRock Ultra Short Term Fund prioritizes income generation while ensuring liquidity in the short term. Investors can start with a minimum commitment of Rs 500 for both lump-sum and SIP options.

Gold funds with the highest Sharpe ratios offer strong risk-adjusted returns, with UTI Gold ETF FoF leading the list at 1.50. Seven gold funds recorded three-year returns above 30%, according to MF Screener data.