The Economic Times

Eight new mutual fund NFOs are currently open for subscription, spanning ETFs, flexicap, large & midcap, midcap, sectoral, FoF and fixed maturity categories, offering investors diverse investment options.

Parliament heard that the government has no minimum pension scheme plans. The Code on Social Security, 2020, aims to extend benefits to unorganized workers. This code also provides for setting up a Social Security Fund. The Employees' Pension Scheme, 2026, is a pooled fund for eligible workers. Unclaimed EPF amounts in inoperative accounts totaled over Rs 9330 crores.

Traditional finance markets are transforming through digital ledger technology. Tokenized stocks offer continuous trading and instant settlement globally. This innovation eliminates traditional market access barriers and high entry costs. Investors can now trade assets even when traditional markets are closed. Binance is leading this shift with its integrated TradFi Stack ecosystem.

Mutual funds were net sellers in several large-cap stocks in June, with Reliance Industries topping the list, followed by Hindalco Industries, NTPC, BSE and Tata Steel, according to Dolat Capital.

Five smallcap mutual funds delivered annualised returns of up to 26.7% over the last three years, with Bandhan Small Cap Fund leading the pack, according to ETWealth data as of July 15, 2026.

Husband working in wife's father's company says she got his signatures on marriage documents without consent; Gujarat HC rules marriage invalid as no Hindu marriage ceremonies including 'Saptapadi' were performed. Know what Gujarat High Court said about Hindu marriage and how the husband won this case.

8th Pay Commission latest news: Central government employee bodies are demanding the Old Pension Scheme's restoration from the 8th Pay Commission. However, the government has stated no such proposal is currently under consideration. Employee unions argue the New Pension Scheme offers insufficient retirement security for many workers. They advocate for the OPS to provide a respectable and sustainable pension for all employees. Several states have previously reverted to the OPS after implementing

As much as Rs 9,330.56 crore lies in inoperative Employees Provident Fund accounts. This unclaimed amount is as of March 31, 2026, according to government data. The Employees Provident Fund Organisation is conducting outreach initiatives to inform members. Inoperative accounts are those with no contributions for three years after retirement. Workers can claim their inoperative EPF funds by transferring or withdrawing them.

SEBI has proposed a major revamp of the Portfolio Management Services (PMS) framework, including the launch of a new mutual fund-only PMS (MF-PMS) category. The proposal aims to widen investment options for portfolio managers, improve investor access to professionally managed portfolios, and create new business opportunities for PMS providers and mutual fund distributors.

The 8th Pay Commission will hold new meetings in Delhi on August 7 and 10. Employee unions and federations can present their demands and recommendations during these sessions. Stakeholders who submitted memorandums can request appointments by July 31.

The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation has begun crediting 8.25% interest for the financial year 2025-26. Many EPF subscribers are receiving SMS notifications confirming this interest credit. Members can check their EPF balance through the EPFO portal, a missed call, or SMS service.

To purchase property in India, wife paid Rs 58 lakh from her bank a/c and husband paid Rs 80 lakh via his UAE bank a/c using Dubai exchange bureau; she got tax notice for unexplained property investment; she fights and wins case in ITAT Mumbai for this reason. Know how she won the case in ITAT Mumbai.

Presumptive taxation simplifies income computation for eligible taxpayers. However, a tax audit may be required if actual income falls below prescribed rates. This scheme benefits professionals and businesses with limited expenses and high margins. It reduces compliance burdens and the need for detailed record-keeping. Freelancers and gig workers should evaluate eligibility and profit margins carefully.

With 11 international mutual fund schemes suspending fresh SIP registrations due to regulatory overseas investment limits, Baroda BNP Paribas Aqua Fund of Fund has emerged as the only international mutual fund currently accepting both fresh SIPs and lump sum investments. Experts, however, caution investors against investing solely because the fund remains open, highlighting its thematic nature and suitability only for specific portfolios.

Contractual teachers held as employees by the tax department and on this ground, Rs 9.48 lakh tax demand raised; ITAT Cochin rules administrative supervision over timings, attendance and leave does not automatically create an employer-employee relationship. Know what ITAT Cochin said about TDS on salary paid to contractual employees.

Crafting a foolproof CV requires highlighting achievements, not just duties. Tailoring resumes for each role and avoiding generic content is essential. Experienced professionals should prioritize recent work experience over academic history. Referrals improve visibility but do not guarantee job selection. Zero spelling and grammar errors create the strongest positive first impression.

Gold price: Gold prices saw a slight decrease across leading jewellery brands today. See the latest 22k gold prices at leading jewellery brands such as Tanishq, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Joyalukkas and Kalyan Jewellers.

A clear CV format and error-free content create a strong first impression for recruiters. While content is vital, presentation matters for quick initial scans by hiring managers. Applicant Tracking Systems filter applications, but human judgment assesses fit and soft skills. Top college and company brands offer an advantage, but actual work experience becomes more important. Proven work and adaptability are increasingly valued over pedigree for experienced roles.

Taxpayers will file Income Tax Returns for FY 2025-26 under the Income-tax Act, 1961. The due date for most individuals is July 31, 2026, while others have later deadlines. Missing the initial deadline allows filing a belated return until December 31, 2026. Late filing incurs a fee of Rs 5,000 or Rs 1,000 based on income.

TRUSTMF Small Cap Fund, the best-performing equity mutual fund over the past one year with a 21.98% return, added Dixon Technologies (India), Paras Defence and Space Technologies and 14 other stocks to its portfolio in June. The fund also exited 13 stocks while increasing exposure to several others, according to its latest monthly factsheet.

Multi-asset mutual fund taxation depends on equity and debt exposure. Equity-oriented funds have specific tax rates and holding periods. Debt-oriented funds are taxed at investor slab rates after 24 months. Specified mutual funds treat all gains as short-term capital gains. Correct ITR schedules are crucial for reporting these gains accurately.

Ever since the Income Tax utility has disabled the option to claim Section 87A tax rebate on short term capital gains (STCG) from listed equities in 2024, a flurry of taxpayers from across the country were left with either a tax demand or an uncertain thought. Read to know how a taxpayer fought and won 87A case in ITAT Mumbai.

Mutual fund advisors anticipate 2026 will be a significant year for hybrid funds. Conservative hybrid schemes offer a balanced approach for new investors. These funds invest primarily in debt with a small equity allocation. Investors seeking capital preservation should prioritize withdrawal plans over dividends. Several conservative hybrid funds are recommended for July 2026 investments.

Individuals eligible for presumptive taxation can file ITR-4 online. The due date for filing ITR-4 varies based on tax audit requirements. Taxpayers must verify pre-filled data and complete required schedules carefully. Income from salary, house property, and interest are generally included. E-verification within thirty days is mandatory for successful submission.

Financial planning: Investing ten lakh rupees requires aligning financial goals with suitable timeframes. Short-term goals necessitate conservative assets offering high liquidity and capital protection. Medium-term objectives allow for a balanced approach with hybrid and equity fund allocations. Long-term wealth creation benefits from a significant allocation towards diversified equity funds. Investors should also consider tax implications and rebalance portfolios as goals approach.

NRE and NRO accounts offer investment avenues for Non-Resident Indians in India. NRO accounts accept Indian earnings, while NRE accounts hold international funds. Interest on NRO deposits faces tax, unlike NRE accounts which are tax-free. NRE funds are fully repatriable, and NRO funds have a yearly repatriation limit. Major banks offer similar interest rates on both NRE and NRO fixed deposits.

Individuals with business income must file ITR-3 for AY 2026-2027. This form captures various income sources, including salary and capital gains. Taxpayers can file ITR-3 online through the e-filing portal. The process involves filling general information and specific schedules. E-verification must be completed within thirty days of submission.

An expert recommends diversifying Rs 15 lakh across equity mutual funds, precious metals and international funds for a 10-year horizon. Investors should align allocations with their risk profile and goals, while staggering investments over 1520 weeks to manage volatility.

Around 41 equity mutual funds delivered more than 15% CAGR over both three- and five-year periods. Bandhan Small Cap Fund led three-year returns at 25.95%, while Motilal Oswal Midcap Fund topped the five-year chart at 21.64%.

NRI son gifted Rs 30 lakh shares to his father through an off-market transfer. Should it be reported in ITR? Although a genuine gift of shares from a son to his father is not regarded as a transfer for capital gains purposes in the hands of the donor, the reporting of such off-market transactions in the Annual Information Statement (AIS) often creates uncertainty. Experts explain AIS, tax rules and how to avoid notices.

Individuals can compare income tax return filing charges across several platforms. The deadline for filing is July 31, 2026, for many taxpayers. AI-assisted self-filing options are available at lower costs. Expert-assisted plans offer comprehensive support for complex income situations. These services cater to students, salaried individuals, pensioners, and NRIs.

FCNR(B) vs NRE currency risk: FCNR(B) and NRE deposits offer distinct investment avenues for non-resident Indians. FCNR(B) deposits provide currency protection, while NRE deposits carry exchange rate risk. Calculations show NRE deposits can yield higher returns if the rupee strengthens. However, the rupee has historically depreciated against the US dollar. Choosing between them depends on individual risk appetite and future fund utilization.

Can merchants legally charge customers extra for credit card payments? The Reserve Bank of India regulates these payment systems and card acceptance rules. Consumers should check final amounts and report unauthorized transactions immediately.

EPS pension : The central government has implemented the Employees' Pension Scheme 2026. This new scheme replaces the Employees' Family Pension Scheme 1971 and EPS 1995. Pension calculation formula remains unchanged while new rules address fund investment and claim delays.

Taxpayers must respond to Section 143(1) intimations with tax demands promptly. Failure to respond within thirty days can lead to penalties. Interest accrues on unpaid demands after the stipulated period expires. Ignoring these notices may result in being classified as an assessee in default. This classification empowers the tax department to initiate recovery proceedings.

Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund, HDFC Flexi Cap Fund and five others feature among the top flexi cap mutual funds for July 2026, shortlisted on rolling returns, consistency, downside risk and outperformance.

A 35-year-old investor from Hyderabad, aiming to retire in the next 10 years, sought expert advice on whether his Rs 42,500 monthly SIP portfolio can help build a retirement corpus of Rs 1 crore. While the target appears achievable with disciplined investing, the expert recommended simplifying the 14-fund portfolio and reviewing retirement needs beyond just the corpus size.

Gold rate: Gold prices saw an increase at major jewellery retailers today. Tanishq's 22k gold jewellery is priced at Rs 13,475 per gram. Other brands like Malabar Gold & Diamonds also show a price rise. The India Bullion and Jewellers Association provided indicative rates. These rates may vary based on location and taxes.

Section 80CCD(2) provides a tax deduction for employer contributions to NPS. This benefit remains available under the new tax regime for salaried individuals. Private sector employees switching to the new regime find this deduction particularly attractive. Employer contributions lower taxable income and build retirement savings simultaneously.

The Ministry of Finance has announced the GPF interest rate for the upcoming quarter. General Provident Fund and similar government funds will earn 7.1 percent interest. This rate remains unchanged for the July to September 2026 period. Public Provident Fund and small savings schemes also retain their current rates. Employees Provident Fund interest rate stands at 8.25 percent for the fiscal year.

Balanced advantage funds dynamically manage equity exposure based on market conditions. These hybrid schemes invest in stocks, debt, and arbitrage opportunities. While advisors recommend them, these funds are not entirely risk-free investments. Investors should tolerate stock market volatility and have a five-year horizon. Edelweiss and ICICI Prudential Balanced Advantage Funds are recommended options.

Legacy planning helps Indian families transfer wealth smoothly across generations. Unit Linked Insurance Plans offer life cover and market-linked growth potential. Life insurance provides immediate financial security after an unexpected earning member's demise. ULIPs build a long-term corpus and offer liquidity after a lock-in period. Bajaj Life Supreme can support wealth creation and family protection goals.