The Economic Times

The NSE and BSE will remain closed on October 20 for Dussehra. With 12 of the 16 scheduled stock market holidays for 2026 already passed, three more holidays remain after the October closure. These include Diwali-Balipratipada on November 10, Guru Nanak Jayanti on November 24 and Christmas on December 25.

Ixigo shares jumped after the travel platform reported a record Q2 profit of Rs 63.42 crore, partly boosted by the sale of its stake in Freshbus. Gross transaction value rose 22% year-on-year to Rs 5,304.47 crore, while revenue grew 13% to Rs 320.96 crore and contribution margin increased 14% to Rs 124.86 crore.

ICICI Bank shares rose after Q2FY27 net profit increased 20.1% year-on-year to Rs 14,843 crore, while net interest income grew 17.7% to Rs 25,339 crore. Jefferies maintained its Buy rating with a target price of Rs 1,750, implying 25% upside, citing improving margins and expectations of 16% core profit CAGR over FY26-29.

Foreign institutional investors have dramatically pulled back from Indian equities, reversing nearly nine years of consistent investment. A massive $63.6 billion in outflows occurred, particularly pronounced in 2026. Industries suffering the most include financial services, automobiles, and oil and gas. Although domestic investors have somewhat mitigated the foreign sell-off, the prospects for renewed foreign investments appear grim, with rising bond yields and energy costs dampening interest.

Uttar Pradesh is set to introduce revamped tenancy regulations designed to streamline the rental agreement process for landlords and tenants alike. This initiative includes lower stamp duty and registration fees to encourage formalized agreements instead of informal arrangements. With enhanced legal protections and clearer proof of residence for tenants, landlords will also gain improved documentation options. These reforms aim to lessen disputes and foster a more equitable rental market.

Bank holiday today: Several Indian states observe a bank holiday in celebration of various festivals, including Mahanavami. Nevertheless, banks may remain open in some regions, so it's prudent to verify local operations. Customers can still access digital banking for transaction needs, ensuring convenience despite the holiday closures.

Cutting through money jargon, one topic at a time. This week, Sanket Dhanorkar explains what is safe withdrawal rate and how you can ensure a smooth retired life.

For the best portfolio results, dont get swayed by any one asset class. Experts recommend diversification. While asset allocation is the way to go, the question remains: what is the best combination? Every investor has their own asset allocation. In this weeks TrendMap, we compare seven asset combinations. Portfolios with gold have delivered a notable return boost in recent years, while those with zero gold exposure have persistently lagged. By Sameer Bhardwaj

Keep managers reassurance and employers financials apart, says Devashish Chakravarty.

To mark its entry into the mutual fund arena, Carnelian Investment Managers has launched its debut scheme with an impressive cap of Rs. 5,000 crore. This innovative approach is designed to optimize the fund's capacity for yielding significant alpha returns. Interestingly, Systematic Investment Plans will remain an option for investors post-cap limit. However, there are apprehensions regarding possible artificial scarcity effects among investors.

The problem often is failing to update a will and a trust regularly to avoid conflicting provisions. A common situation is one where an individual executes a will and subsequently establishes a family trust, transferring some of the assets mentioned in the will to that trust, but never revisits the will.

The rising inclination toward systematic investment plans (SIPs) for Portfolio Management Services (PMS) is becoming increasingly visible among Indian investors. A notable percentage of PMS strategies are starting to incorporate SIPs for regular investments. Particularly, younger investors looking to build wealth are favouring this approach to mitigate market risks. With recent regulatory shifts regarding PRIM, advancements in technology and education for investors are essential for broader adop

People often get emotional about closing their home loan early and start using a majority of their funds to aggressively pay off this obligation.

The non-banking financial companies (NBFC) sector is set to enjoy robust earnings, thanks to strong credit demand and consistent asset quality. Nonetheless, the latter half of Financial Year 2026-27 could pose challenges with rising interest rates leading to higher funding costs. Analysts emphasize that successfully managing these costs will be key to sustaining growth, advising cautious investment in resilient NBFCs amid changing market dynamics.

The career change of Sumit Aggarwal to a mutual fund distributor illustrates a notable trend within the financial advisory realm in India. With a vast number of investors, there's a growing necessity for certified financial planners. Educational institutes are responding by launching targeted courses, promoting credentialing opportunities like CFP and QPFP for finance professionals. As demand for expert guidance escalates, the financial planning sector is expected to experience notable expansion

In recent times, small and mid-cap stocks have proven to outperform their large-cap counterparts. Despite experiencing market volatility, these smaller equities have continued to attract investor attention and capital inflow. As a result, their valuation levels have surged. Analysts warn, however, that for this trend to sustain, earnings expectations must be fulfilled. Therefore, investors should consider careful portfolio adjustments in response to shifting market conditions.

In todays competitive lending environment, many homeowners are successfully reducing their mortgage rates thanks to improved credit scores. A higher credit score signals a reliable repayment history, empowering borrowers to negotiate better terms with lenders. Financial experts stress the importance of maintaining a robust credit profile, particularly as interest rates climb. However, some borrowers may be unaware of their negotiating leverage, missing out on substantial savings.

Indian mutual funds decreased their investment in Information Technology stocks amid worries about artificial intelligence disruption and reduced client spending. The sector's weight in equity assets dropped significantly, affecting major companies like Infosys and TCS. While some fund managers reduced holdings, others increased their investments in select stocks such as Infosys and TCS. The Nifty IT index experienced substantial losses but saw a rebound recently, improving investor sentiment.

DIIs increased their holdings in several NSE midcap stocks during the September 2026 quarter. Swiggy, One97 Communications, Meesho, Cochin Shipyard, Lenskart Solutions, Piramal Finance, APL Apollo Tubes and SBI Cards and Payment Services saw DII shareholding rise by more than 200 basis points quarter-on-quarter, based on StockEdges shareholding scan.

Hailing from Raipur and having spent formative years in Mumbai, this finance enthusiast embarked on a journey in equity markets after earning an MBA. Currently directing multiple funds at Abakkus AMC, they emphasize thorough research and strategic equity investments aimed at sustainable growth. The thrill of navigating the ever-evolving equity landscape fuels their dedication, showcasing a deep passion for the world of finance and investment.

Jio Platforms has achieved a significant milestone by entering the global top 20 patent filers as of March 2026. The company has filed over 7,220 patents, focused primarily on next-generation technology areas like 5G and AI. Jio Platforms has also made advancements in satellite communications, which were showcased to India's communications minister.

Jio Platforms is preparing to launch its IPO, poised to enhance its market presence substantially. This listing will disclose critical metrics like its subscriber figures and independent data usage rates. With substantial growth in its customer base and revenue, Reliance Jio Infocomm is on course for what is anticipated to be India's largest IPO.

The central government has unveiled a Performance Linked Bonus for postal employees for the fiscal year 2025-26. This bonus will be equivalent to 60 days' emoluments, capped at Rs 7,000. Those eligible include Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS), Group C workers, and non-gazetted Group B members. Additionally, Gramin Dak Sevaks who meet certain criteria will be entitled to an ex-gratia bonus, as detailed by the Department of Posts.

ICICI Bank Q2 Results: Private lender ICICI Bank reported a net profit of Rs 14,843 crore in the second quarter of financial year 2027, marking 20.1% year-on-year increase from Rs 12,359 crore posted in the same period last year.

The Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana supports first-time employees enrolled with EPFO through financial aid of up to Rs 15,000. Disbursed in two instalments, the first payment occurs after six months of steady employment, while the second is contingent on completing a financial literacy course.

PL Capital remains cautious after the Niftys eight-week losing streak, warning against expectations of a V-shaped recovery. Despite market uncertainty, the brokerage favours eight small and midcap stocks, including CESC, Amber Enterprises and Healthcare Global, citing potential upside of 13-50%.

Gold rate today: On October 17, 2026, a rise in gold prices marked a significant shift for leading jewellery retailers, including Tanishq and Malabar Gold.

The Indian government has approved the continuation of the National Social Assistance Programme with significant financial outlay. Changes will be made to pension schemes, including eligibility criteria and assistance rates. The eligibility for disability pension will now depend on 40% disability against the previous 80%. This initiative aims to benefit 3.20 crore individuals across all states and Union Territories.

Rule 114 helps investors estimate how long mutual fund investments may take to triple based on expected annual returns. Dividing 114 by the return rate gives the approximate timeframe, supporting long-term financial planning. However, the formula provides only an estimate, as mutual fund returns fluctuate and are never guaranteed.

Mrs. Khanwani, a Dubai resident, faced tax notices for unexplained money linked to her FCNR deposits. The ITAT Jaipur ruled in her favor, highlighting the funds' clear origin from bank records. The Income Tax Department could not dispute the source of funds provided by her husband, Mr. Chand.

These top five midcap stocks witnessed the highest net selling by mutual funds in September. Here is a detailed breakup, according to a report by Motilal Oswal Financial Services.

Uttar Pradesh and Kerala will observe public holidays on October 19 and 20, 2026, for Mahanavami and Vijaya Dashmi. Banks will remain closed for three days in Uttar Pradesh and four days in Kerala. Customers should complete any important banking tasks before the holidays begin on October 18. Digital banking services will still be available during these holidays for customer convenience.

Sovereign Gold Bond: The Reserve Bank of India has announced the redemption price for Sovereign Gold Bonds 2020-21 Series VII, allowing investors to redeem on October 19, 2026. Priced at Rs 14,614 per unit, this reflects an impressive total return of approximately 192% since its launch.

Bank holiday today: Today, banks will function as usual across most parts of India, with Tripura being the exception due to the Maha Saptami festivities. The Reserve Bank of India has outlined specific holidays for various October festivals, particularly affecting operations on the second and fourth Saturdays.

Leading mutual fund houses such as Tata Mutual Fund and HDFC Mutual Fund have suspended fresh investments in their gold fund-of-funds. The halt comes as a response to macroeconomic factors affecting gold imports and the value of the rupee. Existing investments in these funds remain unaffected, allowing ongoing systematic plans to continue. New investors now have alternative options for gold exposure, including direct investments in Gold ETFs.

EPFO has introduced a new WhatsApp channel to keep subscribers informed about its schemes and services, attracting around two lakh users so far. The channel provides insights into the Employees Provident Fund, Employees Pension Scheme, and Employees Deposit Linked Insurance.

A Rs 10,000 monthly mutual fund SIP could build a Rs 2 crore corpus in 25 years and six months at 12% annual returns. Increasing contributions annually by 5% or 10% could shorten the timeline to 22 years and nine months or 20 years and one month, respectively.

Motilal Oswal Mutual Fund held an AUM of Rs 1.70 lakh crore across 93 funds as of September 30, 2026. According to a report by Motilal Oswal Financial Services, One 97 Communications, Eternal, Kalyan Jewellers, MCX, and Sterlite Technologies featured among the fund house's top 10 equity portfolio holdings.

Sunil Singhania-founded Abakkus Flexi Cap Fund increased holdings in Reliance Industries, HDFC Bank, Groww and 32 other stocks in September. The fund also added Zydus Lifesciences, exited Cyient DLM and trimmed stakes in two stocks.

For non-resident Indians, leveraging the basic exemption limit can help mitigate normal slab rate taxes on capital gains. However, it's important to note that this exemption does not apply to capital gains taxed at special rates, such as short-term capital gains derived from listed bonds. This stipulation is clearly defined in the Income Tax law, and tax treaties may additionally offer advantages depending on the NRI's country of residence.