The Economic Times

The PFRDA has unveiled comprehensive operational guidelines for the NPS Swasthya health cover. These guidelines specify minimum contributions, premium costs, and rules for partial withdrawals. NPS Swasthya supports family floater policies for subscribers, their spouses, and children.

Largecap stocks saw heavy mutual fund selling in August, with ICICI Bank, Infosys, Eternal, Tech Mahindra and PFC among the top five stocks by net outflows, according to Dolat Capital.

Missed the ITR filing deadline? Don't panic! You might still claim your TDS refund. Learn about filing belated returns, potential fees, interest, and the crucial condonation process if even that window has passed. Understand the implications for carry-forward losses and deductions. Avoid common mistakes to ensure your refund is processed smoothly.

Today, gold prices saw a minor drop among leading Indian jewellery retailers. Lets have a look at the latest 22k gold rates at Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Joyalukkas, Kalyan Jewellers and Tanishq in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Trivandrum and Bengaluru. Also see the updated indicative rates of 24k, 22k, 20k, 18k and 14k gold and 999-purity silver at the IBJA today.

A major disruption in banking services is anticipated as the United Forum of Bank Unions has announced a three-day strike at the end of September 2026. This action will halt operations in bank branches, resulting in an extended closure from September 26 to 30.

The BSE Sensex has experienced a notable drop, raising concerns among investors. Financial analysts recommend avoiding attempts to time the market and encourage maintaining systematic investment plans (SIPs). For those with a long-term outlook, gradually increasing equity allocations is advisable. Additionally, rebalancing portfolios during market corrections is an effective strategy for achieving target asset allocations. Flexi-cap and multi-cap funds may provide a level of stability for fresh

On September 21, 2026, banks in few states will be closed today in observance of the Janmotsav of Srimanta Sankardeva and the Samadhi of Sree Narayana Guru. Meanwhile, banking operations will continue as normal in other parts of India.

Cutting through money jargon, one topic at a time. This week Abhinav Kaulexplains what portfolio overlap is, why it quietly builds up in your mutual fund holdings.

The introduction of a 0.02% merchant discount rate will impact specific mutual fund and broking transaction payments. One-time investments in mutual funds and broker wallet replenishments will be subject to this fee, while recurring mutual fund SIPs via UPI AutoPay will remain exempt. Discount brokers engaging in high-value trades will experience the greatest repercussions from these modifications, and their clients could ultimately face increased costs.

Welcome to TrendMap, your quick guide to investment performance. This edition tracks 10 years of global equity returns. Currency fluctuations impact the returns on foreign investments. To capture the real value from an Indian investors standpoint, these returns are adjusted to reflect their equivalent in Indian rupees. The key takeaway: no market dominatesdiversification matters. By Sameer Bhardwaj.

The Anglo-Saxon economies of the US, United Kingdom and Australia show a reduction in household savings rates along with a growth in credit card usage, while European nations such as Germany, France and the Netherlands that encourage the use of debit cards over credit cardsreport a higher household savings rate.

The insurance advisory platform, Ditto Insurance, compares insurers on two key metrics: three-year average claim settlement ratio (by policy count) and number of complaints per 10,000 claims. Prospective buyers also need to take into account an insurers scale, track record, product portfolio and hospital network, among other factors.

Many Indian investors mistakenly believe they diversify their portfolios by adding foreign countries. However, numerous global indices often revolve around similar technology narratives, particularly in semiconductors. To achieve real diversification, investors must grasp the fundamental earnings drivers. Exploring Europe and Japan can unveil distinct economic pathways, offering a refreshing contrast. A thorough assessment of concentration risks and market dynamics is vital when engaging in inte

People generally get rich because of concentration, relentless pursuit of one thing, and the confidence to go all-in when most others would hesitate. On the other hand, managing a large pool of existing wealth requires something diametrically opposite diversification, instead of concentration.

The internet and AI have made financial information more accessible than ever. However, access to information is not the same as acting upon it to your benefit. Professional fund management, meanwhile, puts a process between emotions and decisions.

UltraTech Cement's breakthrough venture, Ultravolt, is set to disrupt India's wires and cables sector, heightening concerns for existing giants like Polycab India and KEI Industries, who are already seeing their stock values dip. With ambitions to secure a top-two market position within five years through bold tactics, Ultravolt's entry will primarily affect the residential market. Yet, the long-term outlook for the industry remains positive due to ongoing structural demand.

Manish Jain, Country Managing Director, Experian India, discusses the growing demand for gold loans, the lower risk of over-leveraging with enhanced regulation, and the future relevance of credit scores, in a conversation with Riju Mehta.

India is witnessing a surge in investment commitments under its ambitious semiconductor policy, with both global and domestic players pledging billions. Major firms such as Applied Materials and Lam Research are gearing up for noteworthy investments, while Micron Technology is set to initiate local testing and assembly of millions of chips. Meanwhile, Tata Group is enhancing its semiconductor supply chain through innovative partnerships.

Indian stock markets have languished with nearly two years of stagnant returns since late 2024. This lengthy phase of sideways trading serves as a necessary time correction rather than merely a decline in prices. Historical trends indicate that similar corrections have often extended much longer and deeper. Investors should exercise patience, persist with their SIP strategies, and recognize that moderating valuations and recovering earnings may herald promising future opportunities.

Two new passive funds will open for subscription this week, including Zerodha Nifty Next 100 ETF and Motilal Oswal Nifty REITs & Realty Index Fund. The funds will have minimum investment amounts of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500, respectively.

Equity mutual funds delivered mixed returns last week, with international funds dominating the top performers. Mirae Asset S&P 500 Top 50 ETF FoF led with a 32.47% return, while DSP World Mining Overseas Equity Omni FoF was among the biggest decliners.

Mutual funds sold several midcap stocks in August, with Paytm recording the highest net selling at Rs 3,074 crore. Aster DM Healthcare, Meesho, Lenskart and Piramal Finance also featured among the top five stocks sold, according to Dolat Capital.

More than 150 companies have fixed record dates for dividends and stock splits between September 21 and September 25. IRCTC, BEML, Hindustan Copper, Cochin Shipyard and others feature among the stocks with corporate actions scheduled this week.

Seven equity mutual funds multiplied investors money by more than 12 times over 20 years, led by Nippon India Growth Mid Cap Fund at 21.2 times, according to a Wealth Conversations Report by FundsIndia

Ten NSE midcap stocks recorded their highest quarterly net profits in the June 2026 quarter, with each surpassing its previous peak over the past 10 quarters, according to StockEdges profitability scan.

BJP Rajya Sabha MP Ajeet Madhavrao Gopchade has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene in pending higher EPS pension issues. He highlighted procedural hurdles under Para 26(6), continuing litigation, pending Parliamentary Assurance No. 271/72, financial sustainability concerns and differing pension treatment among trust employees. He sought uniform implementation, faster disposal of eligible claims and a comprehensive review of EPS-1995.

The Central Board of Direct Taxes has rolled out significant amendments to income tax regulations for 2026, particularly affecting electronic communication and tax recovery processes. The deadlines for registering valuers and income tax professionals have been pushed back, allowing applicants until March 31, 2027, to finalize their registrations.

In a game-changing move for FASTag users, the newly launched 'OneTag' portability feature enables individuals to transition their issuer bank without losing their current physical tag. This innovative service mandates a fresh Know Your Customer verification to initiate the portability. Subsequent to the successful switch, the initial bank will deactivate the old wallet and refund any remaining balance.

Homebuyer caught between builder and housing society dispute over parking space and open area; Maharashtra Court protects buyers parking rights. Read the article to know how.

Gland Pharma, LIC Housing Finance, Gujarat Energy, CAMS and Amber Enterprises India saw the highest mutual fund selling among smallcap stocks in August, according to Dolat Capital.

Only two of 23 mutual fund themes, IPO and defence, gained in August as domestic equities faced broad-based pressure, according to Vallum Capital. Auto, railways and technology were among the biggest laggards, while equity fund inflows fell sharply. Commodities remained the strongest performer on a year-to-date basis despite a monthly decline.

JioBlackRock Mutual Fund has filed draft documents with Sebi for an income plus arbitrage omni FoF, which will invest in debt-oriented and arbitrage funds. The open-ended scheme will offer regular and direct plans with growth options, a Rs 500 minimum investment and a benchmark combining debt and arbitrage indices.

Gold rate today: Here are the latest 22k gold jewellery rates from Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Joyalukkas, Kalyan Jewellers and Tanishq in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Trivandrum and Bengaluru. Also see the latest 24k, 22k, 20k, 18k and 14k gold prices and the 999-purity silver rate from the Indian Bullion & Jewellers Association (IBJA) today.

Five smallcap stocks, including Himadri Speciality, GMDC and IIFL Finance, saw the highest net selling by mutual funds in August, according to Motilal Oswal Financial Services.

FD interest rates: Many banks are currently promoting compelling interest rates for 555-day fixed deposits. While general depositors can enjoy rates of up to 7.25%, senior citizens benefit even more, with rates peaking at 7.50% for the same duration. Notably, City Union Bank and Karnataka Bank offer competitive options. It's advisable for depositors to check the latest rates before making any decisions on fixed deposits.

The central government has made it easier for employees to access CGHS facilities without geographical limitations. This new directive allows serving employees situated outside of CGHS coverage areas to participate in the scheme, provided they fulfill all other eligibility criteria and pay the necessary contributions.

Several September holidays will cause regional bank branch closures. Many essential banking tasks still require a physical visit to the branch. Banks remain closed on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month, in addition to Sundays and designated regional or national holidays.

For the assessment year 2026-2027, the deadline for income tax audits is set for September 30, 2026. Businesses utilizing presumptive taxation schemes should be aware that they may still need to undergo income tax audits, depending on their turnover. Significant updates to Form 3CD's reporting requirements have been implemented for this assessment year, which include new clauses concerning presumptive taxation, MSME payments, settlement expenditures, and share buybacks.

Don't be fooled by the flashy credit card rewards that might not deliver true value. Learn how to accurately assess your card's worth beyond its enticing rates. Discover the importance of examining annual fees, optimizing the perks you genuinely utilize, and avoiding extra expenses solely for rewards.

The Nurses Welfare Association engaged with the 8th Pay Commission officials to present crucial demands. They aim for an increase in starting salaries and better compensation for night shifts. Furthermore, the association is pushing for expanded insurance benefits and additional hardship allowances. A significant ask is the reinstatement of the Old Pension Scheme for nurses, alongside a request for Chandigarh city's category elevation.

ICICI Bank has successfully migrated its website and net banking services to the new .bank.in domain. Customers are advised to modify their bookmarks to ensure they access the official banking site. Please note that iMobile app services will be temporarily down for several hours on September 19, 2026. Rest assured, customer IDs and passwords will remain unchanged, and a newly introduced CAPTCHA feature aims to bolster net banking security.

Select UPI merchant transactions will incur a Merchant Discount Rate. However, transactions under two thousand rupees will remain free for small traders. A fixed fee of five rupees will limit the MDR for certain sectors, applying to merchants rather than consumers. Importantly, most UPI payments will still be without charge for users.

The deadline for uploading tax audit reports is set for September 30, 2026, specifically targeting certain taxpayers. Chartered accountants will manage the upload of the tax audit report on the e-filing portal, after which taxpayers need to accept and e-verify the tax audit report.

The recent announcement to elevate the EPF wage ceiling represents a significant advantage for employees. By contributing more each month, individuals can amass a larger retirement fund over their careers.