The Economic Times

If you are confused by personal finance terms, jargon and calculations, heres a series to simplify and deconstruct these for you. In the 102nd part of this series, Riju Mehta details the features of such schemes.

Welcome to TrendMap, your guide to the performance of different investment segments. No single segment always leads. In this edition, we present a 10-year equity performance tracker, ranking annual returns across market-cap segments. Investors risk appetite has turned more selective in 2026 so far. By Sameer Bhardwaj.

Salary is Job 1. Reputation is Job 2. Most manage only one, says Devashish Chakravarty

Indian investors are increasingly looking beyond domestic markets for diversification and better returns. Seeking exposure to global innovation and facing weaker local market performance, a growing number are investing overseas. Easier access through new platforms and a weaker rupee are making foreign assets more attractive, with significant growth seen in global feeder funds and overseas equity investments.

Since both serve specific purposes and needs, pick the one that suits your travel itinerary and circumstances

From glossy returns to tax drag, what an equity PMS earns investors often trails what is advertised.

When a friend or a relative asks you for a personal loan, always seek time. There is no need to feel pressurised to respond immediately. Sometimes, just saying that you will think about it is enough for the other to back off. They may feel hesitant to follow up, or seek others.

A Bombay High Court ruling favored policyholders, stating insurers cannot reject claims solely for delayed document submission beyond the 90-day deadline. The court invoked Section 28 of the Contract Act, deeming such clauses void. This judgment emphasizes that genuine claims should be assessed on merits, not technical procedural delays, aligning with IRDAI's fair claims philosophy.

One of the industrys most recognisable voices on investing, Radhika Gupta, MD and CEO, Edelweiss Mutual Fund, has helped shape both her fund house and the broader industry conversations around investing. In this conversation with Sanket Dhanorkar, she talks about why she prefers simple investment solutions.

To maximise gains from an anticipated infrastructure development, the most crucial point to keep in mind while investing early is that pricing often runs ahead of liveability. Unlike the ecosystem of social infrastructure like schools and hospitals, retail catches up and end-user demand remains cautious.

Global oil markets have shifted dramatically. Geopolitical tensions have caused a surge in Brent crude prices. Supply disruptions are a major concern. High oil prices are impacting demand. Upstream companies benefit, while downstream oil marketing companies face margin pressure. Natural gas recovery is expected to be slower.

Fuel prices are volatile, electricity tariffs are rising, and your LPG cylinder is at the mercy of global events. Heres how switching to an EV, rooftop solar, or an induction cooktop can protect your household budget. And what it will actually cost you.

Financial experts emphasize smart planning for mothers' future security, urging early and consistent investing. Flexi-cap and large-cap funds are recommended for growth, while debt and hybrid funds suit retirement. Working mothers can afford higher equity exposure, whereas homemakers benefit from a more conservative approach.

Veteran fund managers Rajeev Thakkar and Sankaran Naren believe select Indian IT stocks are becoming attractive despite AI disruption concerns. While Naren called the sector a contrarian valuation play with possible risks, Thakkar argued Indian IT firms have historically adapted to technological shifts, and AI-driven productivity could ultimately expand demand.

Equity mutual funds saw a strong performance last week, with over 8% returns for the category. Among the top performers, international funds like Mirae Asset Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF FoF led the pack with an 8.49% gain.

Two new passive mutual funds are launching this week to expand fund houses' offerings. DSP Nifty FMCG ETF opens May 12-14 with a Rs 5,000 minimum, while HDFC Gold Silver Passive FoF opens May 15-29 with a Rs 100 minimum. Investors should choose based on their risk appetite and goals.

Top mutual fund managers at the Groww India Investor Festival 2026 advised investors to avoid unrealistic return expectations, emotional investing and social media-driven decisions. They stressed disciplined SIP investing, asset allocation, patience and behavioural awareness as key drivers of long-term wealth creation while remaining optimistic about Indias long-term growth prospects.

Seven new mutual fund schemes and three Specialised Investment Funds (SIFs) are currently open for subscription, offering investors fresh opportunities across equity, debt, hybrid, and thematic categories.

New investors often find mutual funds daunting. Experts advise focusing on personal goals, risk tolerance, and investment timelines over market noise. For beginners, starting with stable categories like large-cap or index funds is recommended. Hybrid and dynamic funds can also ease the journey. Emotional reactions to market dips should be avoided; consistency is key.

For senior citizens looking to maximize their savings, attractive fixed deposit rates are still within reach. Suryoday Small Finance Bank proudly tops the list with an impressive 8.05% for a five-year commitment. Other small finance institutions are also stepping up with competitive offers. Remember, while it's tempting to chase high returns, prioritizing safety is key.

Star-rated flexi cap funds have generated 15%+ returns in 3 years, with schemes from Parag Parikh, HDFC, and Quant emerging as top performers amid strong equity market momentum.

The Income Tax Department has revised ITR forms for FY 2025-26, introducing new disclosure requirements for capital gains, trading, and foreign assets. These updates aim to simplify filing for various taxpayer categories, including individuals, businesses, and presumptive income earners.

Cybersecurity firm Kaspersky has warned Indian consumers about a sophisticated phishing campaign by the SilverFox hacker group. These malicious emails, disguised as official Income Tax Department notices, aim to trick users into downloading malware. The attackers use a multi-stage approach, deploying backdoors like ValleyRAT and ABCDoor to gain remote access and steal sensitive data.

GST registration can now be suspended for even minor delays in filing returns, a shift from the previous six-month rule. Experts highlight this change, enacted in 2022, is causing business disruptions. While authorities have more flexibility, concerns are raised about arbitrary actions and the need for clearer guidelines and appeal mechanisms.

Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund boosted its holdings in ITC, TCS, and HDFC Bank during April. The fund also increased its stake in fourteen other companies, including Indraprastha Gas and HCL Technologies. Exposure was reduced in Coal India and Power Grid Corporation of India. The fund made a complete exit from Balkrishna Industries.

Aishwarya Bachchan won a tax case in ITAT Mumbai. She claimed Rs 1.49 crore interest deduction on a loan taken for Venture Capital Fund investments. The tax department denied this. ITAT ruled in her favour, allowing the deduction. The tribunal cited consistency in accepting similar claims and sufficient proof of fund utilisation for income generation.

Bank holiday today: Bank customers should check whether banks are open or closed before making a physical visit to a branch. Apart from regular weekend closures and national holidays, banks in different states will also remain closed in May 2026 on various regional and local occasions.

Interest rates may vary. If we talk about the post office, it offers a 6.7% interest rate on its RD, while its rate for the 5-year FD is 7.5%. Using both post office FD and RD for financial planning, you can create a nearly Rs 1 crore retirement corpus in 20 years even if you invest Rs 10 lakh in the FD and invest Rs 10,000 monthly in the RD.

Homeowners in Uttar Pradesh can now file online complaints against builders for illegal transfer charges. UP-RERA has activated a new mechanism allowing successors of deceased allottees to challenge unlawful demands. This move, following a regulatory amendment, caps processing fees for family transfers at Rs 1,000 and for non-family transfers at Rs 25,000.

A Will has always been optionally registrable under Section 18 of the Registration Act, 1908, and registration is not mandatory for validity. What Maharashtra has now done, by extending its One District One Registration framework to testamentary instruments, is two-fold: it has decoupled the act of registration from territorial jurisdiction, and reaffirmed the nominal Rs 100 fee with no statutory deadline for presenting the will.

The Rule of 72 helps investors estimate investment doubling time by dividing 72 with annual return rate. It simplifies compound interest calculations, though results remain approximate for extreme interest rates.

ETMutualFunds has shortlisted top midcap mutual funds based on rolling returns, consistency, downside risk, outperformance and asset size. Funds from Axis, PGIM India, Invesco, Kotak and Tata featured in the list. Experts suggest midcap funds are suitable only for investors with high risk tolerance and long investment horizons.

The Patna High Court has issued comprehensive directions for the National Lok Adalat on May 9, 2026, aimed at facilitating the smooth settlement of pending traffic challans under Bihar's One-Time Settlement Scheme. Authorities are instructed to ensure accessible locations, online payment options, and adequate security and parking to manage anticipated large crowds and prevent interference from external agents.

Quant Small Cap Fund reshuffled its portfolio in April, exiting seven stocks including HDFC Bank and Jio Financial Services while adding new names and trimming exposure in select counters. The fund maintained a defensive stance with higher large-cap allocation, aiming to manage volatility and improve liquidity amid broader market uncertainty.

Gold and silver prices remained largely unchanged on May 8, 2026, following an uptick driven by easing inflation concerns and potential US-Iran peace talks. Experts predict gold could reach $4,800-$4,850, while silver eyes $85, with markets awaiting key economic data.

Investors seeking high returns on 5-year fixed deposits can explore options beyond public sector banks. DCB Bank leads private banks with a 7.25% interest rate, offering an approximate maturity of Rs 1.43 lakh on a Rs 1 lakh investment. IDFC FIRST Bank follows closely, while other private and small finance banks also present competitive rates.

Invesco Mutual Fund has resumed subscriptions for three international funds, including Global Equity Income, Pan European Equity, and Global Consumer Trends, effective May 8. Subscriptions will be permitted up to available headroom without breaching overseas investment limits as of February 1, 2022. The fund house reserves the right to temporarily suspend subscriptions if limits are approached.

Hyderabad's luxury real estate market saw a significant surge, with High Net Worth Individuals (HNIs) and Ultra HNIs investing Rs 8,562 crore in FY2026. The report highlights Kokapet, Nanakramguda, and Manchirevula as prime locations, indicating a shift in investment focus towards the city's growing luxury ecosystem.

Motilal Oswal Mutual Fund has launched its Contra Fund, open for subscription until May 22. The fund aims for long-term capital appreciation by investing in fundamentally sound but undervalued stocks. Experts suggest this strategy suits patient investors with a 3-5 year horizon, especially during market volatility.

Salaried employees are yet to see benefits from the new labour codes due to delayed state-level implementation. While some aspects like ESI coverage are changing, the full impact on in-hand salary, particularly PF contributions, is pending. Employers are strategizing transitions, with changes often linked to annual reviews rather than immediate pay slips.

Large and mid-cap mutual funds offer a mix of large and mid-cap stocks. These funds suit aggressive investors with a long-term view. Fund managers adjust allocations based on market outlook. Investors can choose funds tilted towards large caps for safety or mid caps for growth. Performance updates for recommended schemes are provided.

A new Income-tax Act arrives on April 1, 2026. It brings fresh income tax forms and replaces many old ones. Taxpayers will use these new forms for various reporting needs. Key changes include updated PAN application forms and new TDS certificates. This marks a significant shift in tax compliance procedures for individuals and businesses.

Arun received Rs 20,000 compensation for a new bike with multiple defects. The vehicle developed issues with its meter, engine overheating, and fuel tank within two years of purchase. Despite multiple services, the problems persisted. The Thrissur district consumer commission ruled in Arun's favor, ordering the dealer to pay compensation and costs for the deficiency in service.

A 10,000 instant personal loan may look small on paper, but that doesnt mean you should choose a lender casually.

Augmont Enterprises has quietly established India's most comprehensive gold platform. Unlike well-funded rivals that faltered, Augmont focused on building infrastructure and integrating its operations. This Mumbai-based company's sustainable approach contrasts with the 'growth-at-all-costs' model. As Augmont prepares to go public, its success highlights a different path to building a durable business in India's gold market.

Federal Bank now allows customers to pay Employee Provident Fund dues through its net-banking platform. This new facility offers a convenient and secure way to make EPFO payments. Individuals and businesses can now settle their EPF dues quickly online, saving time and effort. The service enhances digital convenience and supports organizations in meeting their statutory compliance needs.