The Economic Times

A Rs 10,000 monthly SIP can build a Rs 1 crore corpus in 20 years at 12% returns, while annual SIP increases can significantly shorten the wealth creation journey.

Taxpayers engaged in business activities must submit either ITR-3 or ITR-4 by the deadline of August 31, 2026. While ITR-4 simplifies the process through presumptive taxation, ITR-3 demands a more detailed presentation of accounts.

The 8th Pay Commission is set to convene in Bengaluru, to hold crucial discussions regarding salaries, pensions, and working conditions with a variety of stakeholders. Additional consultations will be organized in cities like Jaipur, Chandigarh, Chennai, and Puducherry during August and September 2026.

Gold and silver prices saw minor changes on August 25, 2026. Tanishq, Malabar, Joyalukkas, and Kalyan Jewellers offered 22k gold at Rs 15,010 per gram. IBJA reported 24K gold at Rs 16,234 per gram and silver at Rs 2,43,446 per kg. These rates exclude GST and making charges. Market attention focused on US inflation data and Fed Chair's speech.

Investing in a mix of equities, fixed income, and gold can lead to improved risk-adjusted gains. Gold often acts as a safety net when stock markets decline. By incorporating assets with varying correlations, one can enhance the whole portfolio's performance. Historical evidence reflects gold's resilience during downturns in equities over different fiscal years. This analysis demonstrates that a diversified asset allocation effectively mitigates risks across diverse market environments.

Bernstein has retained an Outperform rating on Power Finance Corporation (PFC) and REC but cut its target prices and loan-growth estimates, citing stronger competition from banks, slower renewable capacity additions and improving financial health among state-owned DISCOMs. The brokerage lowered its target to Rs 465 for PFC and Rs 410 for REC, while reducing FY26-FY28 loan-book growth estimates to 7%.

ITI Small Cap Fund topped the three-year return chart with a 25.19% return, outperforming its benchmark and category average. While strong stock selection drove much of the outperformance, experts caution investors against extrapolating recent gains. With small-cap valuations appearing broadly fair, investors should focus on portfolio allocation, risk appetite, investment horizon and rebalancing rather than booking profits solely based on past

IHCLs merger with Oriental Hotels is expected to be EPS accretive and strengthen its presence in South India, according to brokerages. Nomura, Goldman Sachs and JM Financial retained Buy ratings on IHCL, citing potential cost synergies, asset optimisation and direct ownership of key properties. The merger is expected to close in FY28.

PPFAS GIFT has cut the minimum investment in its S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 outbound passive funds from $5,000 to $500, effective August 25. The move aims to broaden access to global diversification for eligible Indian investors through GIFT City, offering index-linked exposure to leading US companies without requiring foreign brokerage accounts.

TCS shares rose after the IT major signed a five-year 1.25 billion deal with Porsche AG and agreed to acquire its IT arm, MHP, for 320 million in an all-cash transaction. The acquisition, expected to close in 34 months, will deepen TCS relationship with Porsche and strengthen its AI transformation push, while expanding its presence among European automotive and industrial clients.

Entero Healthcare Solutions shares rose sharply after Prashant Jain-owned 3P Investment Managers acquired a 2.5% stake in the company through open market transactions. The shares were bought from Prasid Uno Family Trust at Rs 1,377.8 apiece, according to stock exchange data.

Husband taunted wife for her dark complexion, introvert nature; she files 498A IPC cruelty case; Jharkhand HC quashes 498A case, says his conduct is insufficient to constitute cruelty. Read the article to know what happened in this case.

Infosys, TCS, HCL Tech, Wipro and other IT stocks are in focus after the US Department of Homeland Security proposed a $103,265 fee on H-1B cap-subject petitions. The charge would be additional to existing fees and could generate $8.8 billion annually, based on 85,000 petitions. The proposal is not final and will undergo a 30-day public comment period.

Gilt funds are not recommended to regular debt investors because they are risky and volatile. Gilt funds suffer the most when the rates go up. The bond prices and yields move in opposite directions. When the rates go up, bond prices come down. This drags down the NAVs of schemes.

Non-resident Indians have the opportunity to access their Employees Provident Fund (EPF) corpus upon their departure from India. Those who are relocating permanently abroad can initiate a complete withdrawal after fulfilling necessary formalities. Notably, NRIs arent required to reach the age of fifty-eight for this withdrawal.

ET Wealth Reader's Query: I jointly own a property with my wife, although it was funded entirely by me. If I sell this property, is it necessary to purchase the new property in our joint names to qualify for the Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG) tax exemption, or can I purchase the new property solely in my name?

Bank holiday today: In Kerala, banks will remain closed on August 25 and 26 in observance of Onam and Milad-i-Sherif, while several other states will also celebrate Id-E-Milad with a closure on August 26. Despite these holidays, online and mobile banking will be fully operational. Customers are encouraged to plan their branch visits accordingly to ensure a smooth banking experience during these festive days.

Considering refinancing your car loan? It could result in lower monthly payments and more favorable interest rates. Yet, it's essential to meticulously review any associated costs involved in switching. Extending the loan term may largely increase your total interest expenses down the line. Before making a move, ensure that any financial benefits are significant. Remember to compare the complete interest obligations, not just the monthly installments.

Mutual fund SIP investments have seen significant growth over five years. The number of unique mutual fund investors increased substantially during this period. SIP assets under management more than tripled, reaching

Selling inherited property? Know who among the brothers and sisters are liable to pay capital gains tax on it and how to claim tax relief.

Axis Pension Fund has crossed Rs 20,000 crore in assets under management, doubling its AUM in 15 months amid growing adoption of the National Pension System. The pension fund said wider distribution, rising awareness and stronger customer trust have supported growth across retail, corporate, government and institutional segments.

Indian benchmark indices ended lower on Monday, with the Sensex falling 172 points and the Nifty declining 33 points as early gains faded. Broader markets were mixed, while metal stocks outperformed. JSW Steel, Hindalco and Tata Steel led Nifty gainers, whereas SBI Life, Bajaj Finance and Adani Ports declined.

Rs 5.31 lakh tax refund denied as it was not claimed in the original ITR but in the subsequently filed Section 148 ITR; ITAT Delhi orders the tax dept to issue the refund with interest.

The central government has clarified that married female employees can now list their parents or parents-in-law as beneficiaries in the CHSS scheme. Even after a divorce, biological parents remain eligible for benefits if they are dependent on the employee. This guidance was prompted by inquiries from DAE employees, who also received clarifications regarding CHSS facilities available for disabled children.

Black money notice sent to man with Singapore FD and current bank a/c in his name and no ITR declaration; Know how he won case in ITAT Delhi after proving his identity theft angle with Economic Offences Wings help.

8th Pay Commission calculator: Employee associations are pushing for a broader definition of family units in the upcoming 8th Pay Commission. They argue that incorporating parents into the family unit category will enhance revised salary structures significantly. This adjustment may lead to a notable increase in the basic minimum pay, highlighting the importance of supporting expanded family considerations in the proposed fitment factor.

On August 24, 2026, the price of 22k gold jewellery experienced a notable rise, with Tanishq pricing it at Rs 15,075 per gram nationwide. Competing brands like Malabar and Kalyan also reported increased rates. Additionally, IBJA provided the latest silver prices for 999 purity. It's important to keep in mind that these rates are subject to fluctuations throughout the day.