The Economic Times

Starting September 2026, a major shift in the EPFO wage ceiling will raise the limit from Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000 monthly. This increase will have different effects on various employees, especially those accustomed to the old ceiling as their deductions will change. Employers could face delays in updating their payroll systems, causing possible arrears and necessary adjustments for workers as they adapt to the new regulations.

New proposals by IRDAI aim to reform loan-linked insurance offerings from banks and NBFCs, ensuring transparency for borrowers. Key changes may prevent mandatory insurance bundling, allowing for better consumer choices and potential interest rate benefits, while still enabling some insurance package offers. Discover how these reforms could impact your next loan decision.

Builder promised specially enabled parking spaces; homebuyer paid Rs 1.03 crore for a 3BHK unit, but the builder failed to honour the parking promise; homebuyer wins case in Karnataka RERA. Read the article to know how did the homebuyer win the case.

Effective from October 1, 2026, the Reserve Bank of India will implement new rules concerning bulk fixed deposits. Every bank will be mandated to reveal their daily bulk deposit interest rates at 10 am. This regulation aims to ensure that interest rates for identical bulk deposits remain the same in all branches.

Nine equity mutual funds delivered over 30% returns on SIP investments in the last one year, with eight from the small-cap category and one focused fund. Bank of India Small Cap Fund topped the list with a 45.95% return, followed by TRUSTMF Small Cap Fund at 41.53%, according to ETMutualFunds.

IRDAI's proposed reforms could revolutionize motor insurance purchases, making them more transparent and customer-friendly. With direct digital buying options, increased awareness of alternatives, and safeguards against dealer biases, these changes aim to empower policyholders and enhance competition. Discover how these adjustments could impact your next car or two-wheeler insurance policy.

Gold rate today: Leading jewellery brands have reported a boost in gold prices today, including Tanishq, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Joyalukkas, and Kalyan Jewellers.

Canara Robeco Asset Management Company has entered the Asia Book of Records and India Book of Records for its year-long 'Nivesh Bus Yatra' campaign. Traveling over 28,000 km across 12 states, the mobile classroom initiative reached over 26,000 investors to promote awareness on SIPs, STPs, and SWPs.

As the nation prepares for a bank strike from September 28 to September 30, 2026, the State Bank of India has decided to eliminate ATM charges for transactions during this time. Although branches will continue to operate, customers should prioritize completing necessary transactions beforehand and consider using digital banking options.

Not disclosing your parents' medical conditions when buying health insurance can have serious repercussions, especially at the time of a claim. Discover why complete transparency is crucial and learn the recommended steps if you've missed important disclosures on the proposal form to safeguard your policy and maintain coverage.

Motilal Oswal Mutual Fund has launched the Nifty REITs & Realty Index Fund, which will be accepting subscriptions until October 9. This innovative fund seeks to give investors access to listed REITs and real estate firms using an index-focused strategy. Given the absence of historical performance data for new funds, experts suggest exercising caution.

According to the Sebi mandate, short duration funds can invest in debt instruments which have maturity between one and three years. That means these schemes are meant for short-term investments of up to three years or more. They are somewhat in the middle when it comes to interest rate risk. They are riskier than liquid, ultra short term, and low duration funds. However, they have a lower risk compared to medium duration and long-term funds.

Are you drowning in debt? Explore two effective strategies for repayment: the debt avalanche and debt snowball methods. The debt avalanche prioritizes high-interest debts to minimize costs, while the debt snowball method focuses on paying off the smallest debts first to enhance motivation.

The board of Sebi has sanctioned new regulations aimed at portfolio managers, paving the way for innovative investment avenues. These guidelines enable investments in mutual funds, international securities, and diverse commodity derivatives. Portfolio managers now have the flexibility to direct client funds towards mutual fund direct plans and initial public offerings.

The State Bank of India has announced that all its branches will be open on Sunday, September 27, 2026. Despite this, the All India Bank Officers Association has recommended that its members not show up for work that day. Meanwhile, the United Forum of Bank Unions is deliberating its response.

Mita Biswas has been unable to obtain her dependent family pension due to a missing death certificate. Her brother died during the COVID-19 pandemic, complicating the situation further. Bharat Pensioners Samaj has intervened multiple times to seek resolution for her claim. The pension authorities have not communicated any updates regarding the status of her application. BPS has outlined specific demands for the authorities to expedite the processing of Mita's claim.

8th Pay Commission salary calculator: The 8th Pay Commission is set to convene in Mumbai and Bengaluru to deliberate on salary structures and fitment factors. Key stakeholders will bring forward crucial topics during these meetings. The results of previous discussions in September have shaped aspirations for upcoming salary adjustments. Calculations for the current basic and gross salaries will consider multiple factors, particularly the dearness allowance, with the definitive outcomes awaiting

Motilal Oswal Mutual Fund is launching the Nifty REITs & Realty Index Fund, an open-ended scheme tracking the Nifty REITs & Realty TRI. The NFO opens September 25 and closes October 9, offering rules-based exposure to listed REITs and realty stocks.

Five midcap mutual funds delivered annualised returns of 18% or more over the past three years, with HSBC Midcap Fund topping the list at around 21.6%, according to ETWealth.

SIF assets under management surged 528% to Rs 31,175 crore by August 2026, supported by strong inflows and rising investor folios. Altiva led the segment, while three platforms held 70%.

WhiteOak Capital Mutual Fund is launching its first fund of funds, focused on actively managed small-cap mutual fund schemes. The NFO opens September 28 and closes October 12, offering diversified small-cap exposure through multiple managers for investors with long-term horizons.

From October 1, 2026, all domestic LPG consumers will need to undergo Biometric Aadhaar Authentication to access subsidies. This process is designed to ensure that subsidies are provided solely to qualifying households. Authentication can be done through delivery personnel, distributor outlets, or mobile apps provided by oil marketing firms.

As of September 17, 2026, the EPF wage ceiling is set to increase from Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000. This adjustment does not affect employees whose earnings exceed Rs 25,000. Those earning between Rs 15,000 and Rs 25,000 will experience negligible changes to their contributions. Notably, EPS contributions will rise for employees hired prior to September 2014. Employers are responsible for managing increased contributions while keeping their salary structures intact.

Attesting brothers sale deed has major legal consequences in proving oral partition of ancestral land; How children lost 3.5 acre land dispute case in Madras HC because of this. Read this article to know more.

Mutual fund SIP AUM rose 23% YoY to Rs 18.62 lakh crore in August 2026, while SIP flows as a share of gross equity flows hit a two-year high of 43%. Aggregate SIP flows for the 12 months ended August grew 17% YoY to Rs 3.7 lakh crore, the Franklin Templeton report said.

The IRDAI has proposed transformative reforms to enhance insurance distribution in India, focusing on affordability and transparency. Key changes include limits on insurer expenses, greater disclosure of commissions, and measures to reduce mis-selling. While these reforms aim to empower consumers, concerns about the impact on market competition and the viability of low-premium policies remain.

Gold prices dropped across major jewellery brands in India. Tanishq's price for 22k gold jewellery fell to Rs 14,040 per gram in various cities. Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Kalyan Jewellers, and Joyalukkas offered 22k gold at Rs 13,995 per gram in their showrooms. The India Bullion and Jewellers Association reported a decline in gold and silver rates as well.

Gold continues to strengthen despite higher US real yields and a Federal Reserve rate hike, with central-bank buying, inflation risks and energy uncertainty supporting demand for the precious metal.

The central government is taking steps to ensure that employees and pensioners are not affected by the upcoming nationwide bank strike. Salaries and pensions for September 2026 will be disbursed early on September 25. The Department of Expenditure has mandated relevant offices to submit drawals promptly to facilitate this. Any necessary adjustments from the advance payments will be reflected in October's payroll.

Can children from a void second marriage claim fathers property? Know their inheritance rights under Hindu law. HC says Section 16 of the Hindu Marriage Act, can mean that a child born from a second marriage which was proved as void can still inherit the fathers property.

Homebuyer wins as MahaRERA orders builder to pay stamp duty and registration charges and also Rs 5.4 lakh interest to homebuyer. Read this article to know why the homebuyer won the case in MahaRERA real estate tribunal.

Even a minor upward movement in interest rates could make these schemes extremely risky and volatile. In simple terms, investors might lose money in such a scenario. That explains why advisors do not speak about these schemes often. Needless to say investors should be extremely cautious about these schemes in the current scenario.

SBI Card has introduced the Advantage SBI Card through the SBI YONO app, making it simpler than ever for customers to apply. This innovative offering features four variants of secured credit cards linked to fixed deposits. With a fully paperless application process, it's designed to enhance accessibility, particularly for those with limited credit histories seeking a means to build financial profiles.

With small-cap valuations turning more reasonable and earnings growth improving, Pratik Dharmshi, Fund Manager Equity at Union AMC, remains constructive on the segment. He recommends focusing on quality businesses with sustainable earnings potential, avoiding the chase for recent outperformers, and maintaining a 5-7 year investment horizon while staying mindful of liquidity and volatility risks.

Motilal Oswal Nasdaq Q50 ETF faced a sharp decline of nearly 49% in just three trading sessions. This drop followed a dramatic price surge that raised concerns about valuation and investor behavior. Several other international ETFs are also trading well above their net asset values, creating a potential risk for investors. Limited supply of ETFs relative to demand has further intensified these trading conditions.

From October 1, 2026, Indian property buyers can buy properties from non-residents without getting a TAN. Instead a new system has been launched by the Finance Ministry under which the buyer needs to file Form 141 and fill Schedule E and then issue the TDS certificate in Form 132 to the non-resident. Earlier this system was very complicated, now it has been made comparatively easier.

In a proactive measure, the Reserve Bank of India has granted approval for banks to remain open on Sunday, September 27, 2026. This strategic decision aims to support customers anticipating a three-day strike from September 28 through September 30, organized by the United Forum of Bank Unions. Although it remains unclear if banks will operate on Saturday, customers can secure essential services on September 27.

8th Pay Commission news: AIDEF has put forth demands regarding family units and pay calculations for the 8th Pay Commission. They request a minimum salary of Rs 69,000 and a higher fitment factor. The federation seeks to restore the Old Pension Scheme and change the commuted pension duration to 11 years. Additionally, they want amendments for pension-related issues covering pensioners before 2026.

Rs 30 lakh income tax demand notice and India-US DTAA benefit denied to US citizen; she fights and wins case in ITAT Delhi; Know how

The wage ceiling for the Employees Provident Fund has officially increased to Rs 25,000, effective September 17, 2026. This much-needed revision is the first change in wage limits since 2014 and directly impacts mandatory EPF contributions for employees in the organized sector. Those earning up to the new wage ceiling can expect elevated contributions, which will aid in bolstering their retirement plans.

A Will plays a crucial role in outlining how assets will be allocated following an individual's death, which can lead to family disputes if disagreements arise about the testator's intentions. To facilitate property transfers, it is wise to gather important documents such as a no-objection affidavit and release deed. Keeping mutation records up to date and securing an encumbrance certificate is vital for tax purposes.