The Economic Times

Budget 2026 brings clarity on home loan tax deductions. Prior-period interest on home loans is now explicitly included within the Rs 2 lakh deduction limit for self-occupied properties. This amendment aligns the new Income Tax Act with previous rules. Taxpayers can now understand the total interest deduction cap more clearly. The overall tax benefit for most homeowners remains unchanged.

The Reserve Bank of India has allowed banks to lend to Real Estate Investment Trusts. This move is expected to lower borrowing costs for REITs. Consequently, REITs may distribute more cash to investors. This could lead to higher dividends and better returns for those invested in REITs. The decision aims to boost the real estate sector and investor confidence.

PGIM India Mutual Fund has reopened subscriptions in its three international funds starting February 6. The funds include Global Equity Opportunities Fund of Fund, Emerging Markets Equity Fund of Fund, and Global Select Real Estate Securities Fund of Fund. Fresh SIPs, STPs, Switch-ins, and lump-sum transactions up to Rs 5 lakh per day per investor per scheme are now allowed.

Over the last six months, the AMC has focused on building a solid operational and investing foundation, with clear processes across investing frameworks, risk management, investor servicing, and compliance.

Policyholders are voicing dissatisfaction with life insurers, with thousands lodging complaints annually. Bharti AXA Life Insurance leads the pack with 2,770 complaints in FY 2024-25, followed by LIC of India. The Council of Insurance Ombudsman's report highlights these figures, alongside outstanding complaint numbers, urging consumers to be aware.

A Parliamentary committee has deemed it unjustified to charge full fare for unconfirmed RAC train tickets when a passenger shares berths with another passenger. The committee recommended a partial fare refund mechanism for such passengers.

Mutual fund experts decode the RBI MPCs decision to keep the repo rate unchanged at 5.25%, highlighting a shift towards fundamentals-driven investing. While debt investors may focus on accrual strategies, equity investors are advised to prioritise earnings quality, balance-sheet strength, and long-term portfolio stability amid a neutral policy stance.

Farmers eagerly await the 22nd PM Kisan instalment of Rs 2,000. Eligible beneficiaries can expect this payment between February and March 2026. eKYC is a mandatory requirement for all PM Kisan registered farmers to receive these benefits.

Bandhan Small Cap Fund has doubled its assets to Rs 20,000 crore in under a year, reflecting strong investor confidence. The fund follows a disciplined, diversified approach with low portfolio turnover, healthy risk-adjusted returns, and a positive long-term outlook on small-cap equities.

The RBI has paused the repo rate at 5.25%, signalling stability rather than a policy shift. Experts suggest investors focus on short to medium duration debt funds, accrual-led strategies and selective equity exposure, as returns in 2026 are expected to remain range bound amid cautious global conditions.

Mutual fund managers and advisors say the valuations are rich but investors can continue to invest in small cap schemes to create wealth over a long period. According to many mutual fund advisors, even though the small cap segment has run up a lot in the last six months, investors can still invest in these schemes in a staggered manner to create wealth over a long period.

Bank customers who fall victim to small value financial fraud can now receive compensation. The Reserve Bank of India announced this new policy. Victims may get up to Rs 25,000. This decision was made by RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra. The Monetary Policy Committee also kept the policy repo rate unchanged. This aims to protect customers from financial losses.

The Reserve Bank of India maintained its repo rate at 5.25%, signaling no immediate change in fixed deposit interest rates. This decision follows a previous cut in December 2025, with inflation and bond yields influencing the RBI's stance. While some banks may still adjust rates due to ongoing transitions, future cuts are contingent on evolving economic factors.

The Reserve Bank of India maintained its repo rate at 5.25%, meaning home loan EMIs are unlikely to change. While a rate cut didn't occur due to inflation and bond yields, future reductions remain possible. Borrowers can still save on interest through prepayment or refinancing.

Precious metal ETFs experienced significant drops, with silver and gold commodity-based funds falling up to 10% and 8% respectively. This decline followed a sharp fall in futures prices on MCX, driven by a global tech selloff and a stronger U.S. dollar. Experts advise investors to remain patient and focus on long-term fundamentals amidst volatility.

Pausing Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) can significantly impact long-term wealth accumulation by disrupting rupee cost averaging and missing out on compounding, especially during market dips. While temporary pauses for genuine emergencies are understandable, frequent or fear-driven breaks can derail financial goals and lead to substantial losses.

Suzlon Energy reported a 15% year-on-year rise in Q3FY26 profit to Rs 445 crore, supported by strong revenue growth, higher volumes, and margin expansion. The company posted record deliveries, a robust order book, and a net cash position, reinforcing confidence in its clean energy growth strategy.

Rising short-term bond yields have made liquid-plus funds an attractive option for investors seeking to park idle money for three to six months. These funds offer better returns than bank deposits, with yields on various short-term securities climbing significantly in recent months. Experts suggest considering these funds for near-term financial goals.

A son has won a legal battle in the Delhi High Court. The court has allowed a police investigation into an alleged forged Will. The Will was made by his late father, leaving property to his grandmother and aunt. The aunt and grandmother tried to stop the probe. The court ruled that criminal proceedings can continue alongside civil probate cases.

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has rejected pleas to increase the retirement age of employees from state corporations from 60 to 62 years. The court ruled that increasing retirement age is a government policy decision and a cancelled resolution to raise the age cannot be grounds for a directive.

Gold prices experienced a dip on February 5, 2026, as indicated by the India Bullion and Jewellers Association (IBJA) opening rates. This decline was observed across all gold purities when compared to the previous day's closing prices. Leading jewellery brands also reflected these lower rates for 22k gold.

Kotak Flexicap Fund has turned a Rs 10,000 monthly SIP into Rs 75.58 lakh over 15 years with an XIRR of 14.80%, crossing Rs 50,000 crore AUM. The fund, managed by Harsha Upadhyaya, delivers strong long-term performance across market cycles, with diversified allocation in large, mid, and smallcap stocks across key sectors.

Gold and silver experienced significant price volatility due to global uncertainty and shifting market trends. Motilal Oswal Private Wealth advises gradual accumulation of precious metals during dips for moderate returns. The report also outlines equity and fixed income strategies for 2026, emphasizing a balanced and disciplined approach.

360 ONE Mutual Fund has announced the launch of DynaSIF Equity LongShort Fund, an open-ended equity investment strategy designed for investors seeking long-term capital appreciation through selective long and short positions in listed equities and equity derivatives.

Punjab National Bank (PNB) will discontinue complimentary domestic airport lounge access for RuPay Platinum debit cardholders from April 1, 2026. Subsequently, lounge access will be granted based on a minimum quarterly spending threshold of 5,000, effective April 15, 2026.

The old tax regime will not be phased out soon, according to CBDT Chairman Ravi Agrawal, despite 88% of individual taxpayers opting for the new regime. While the new system offers simplicity and lower rates, the old regime remains relevant for a select group with significant deductions like housing loans and investments.

ET Wealth Reader's Query: I have been living in the UK with my family for the past 50 years and all of us have OCI cards. Which documents do we need to sell my parents' properties and repatriate the amount to the UK?

Silver ETFs saw deep cuts, with some plunging as much as 21%. Axis Silver ETF dropped the most, hitting a low of Rs 216.86 versus the previous close of Rs 275. MCX has imposed additional margins on gold and silver futures across all variants after a periodic risk review. An extra margin of 4.5% on silver futures and 1% on gold futures took effect from February 5.

As per Sebi norms, the mid cap mutual funds are mandated to invest in companies that are between 101 and 250 in the market capitalisation. These companies can be leaders of tomorrow. Thats what makes them great bets. If these companies live up to the promise, the market will reward the investors handsomely.

SBI PSU Fund has emerged as the top performing equity mutual fund over three and five years, riding a strong rally in public sector stocks. Experts assess whether earnings momentum, sector re rating and government support can sustain returns amid post Budget 2026 volatility and rising valuation concerns.

The Delhi High Court ruled in favor of a retired Air Force officer, stating that hypertension cannot be dismissed as a mere lifestyle disorder to deny disability pension. The court emphasized that the burden lies with the employer to prove a disease is unrelated to military service, and a simple label is insufficient without specific reasoning.

Income tax slabs for FY 2026-27 remain unchanged for both the old and new tax regimes. Taxpayers will continue to use the existing slab structures, with no revisions in rates or income thresholds. This offers continuity for individuals as they assess which tax regime best suits their financial situation.