The Economic Times

Nippon India Taiwan Equity Fund emerged as the top-performing mutual fund of FY26, delivering over 171% returns, driven by a strong semiconductor and AI-led rally. Experts caution against chasing past performance, advising investors to treat it as a high-risk satellite allocation within a diversified global portfolio.

The government has released income tax return forms for AY 2026-27, allowing taxpayers to file by July 31, 2026. However, ITR-1 is not for everyone. Individuals with business profits, short-term capital gains, certain long-term capital gains, income from multiple house properties, or specific 'other sources' income like lottery winnings cannot use this simplified form.

The Reserve Bank of India instructed agency banks to remain open on March 31, 2026, a public holiday for Mahavir Jayanti in several states. This directive ensures all government receipts and payments are accounted for within the 2025-26 financial year. Only government-related transactions will be permitted on this day.

Markets have shown that conviction can be quickly humbled, with equities, gold, and debt all experiencing volatility. A binary approach to investing proves detrimental, highlighting the benefits of multi-asset allocation. This strategy offers diversification and balance, not extreme returns, by combining assets with different responses to market conditions.

The Reserve Bank of India's floating rate bond will continue to offer 8.05 percent interest. This comes as the Finance Ministry decided to keep the National Savings Certificate rate unchanged at 7.7 percent for the first quarter of the fiscal year 2026-27. This bond offers a sovereign guarantee and a 7-year maturity, making it a secure investment.

Interest rates for small savings schemes like PPF and NSC remain unchanged for the April-June 2026 quarter. Deposits under Sukanya Samriddhi Scheme will attract 8.2 percent interest. The government prioritizes protecting small savers and encouraging household savings. These rates are determined by G-Sec yields and inflation. The Finance Ministry last changed rates in December 2023.

Equity investors have become poorer by Rs 18.60 lakh crore in two days of sharp decline in the stock market, where the BSE benchmark Sensex has plunged over 4 per cent, as the West Asia conflict refuses to die down leading to a steep surge in crude oil prices.

Gold and silver saw sharp corrections after strong rallies, driven by rising yields and macro pressures. Experts advise staying calm, favoring gold, and maintaining disciplined, long-term investment strategies.

Gold prices saw attention on March 30, 2026. Tanishq, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, and Joyalukkas reported 22k gold at Rs 13,500 to Rs 13,540 per gram. IBJA rates for 22k gold stood at Rs 14,271 per gram. These prices exclude GST and making charges. The market is observing the impact of the Iran-Israel conflict.

The Income Tax Department has clarified eligible banks for TDS on interest under the new Income-tax Act, 2025, effective April 1, 2026. The definition of 'banking company' has been refined, impacting TDS applicability on interest below prescribed thresholds for general and senior citizens.

The PFRDA will implement revised investment management fees and updated Point of Presence charges from April 1, 2026, introducing a multiple Net Asset Value (NAV) framework. This necessitates system upgrades, leading to the temporary unavailability of nine NPS transaction types on CRA platforms until April 1, 2026. Normal services are expected to resume on April 2, 2026.

Investors seeking tax-efficient funds should prioritize risk appetite and financial goals first. Equity mutual funds offer tax advantages for long-term investments. However, these funds can be volatile. Arbitrage funds present a lower-risk alternative with similar tax benefits. Understanding these factors is crucial for making informed investment decisions.

Experts advise investors to look beyond past returns when choosing flexi-cap mutual funds. Understanding a fund's strategy, risk-taking, and asset allocation, like the cash holdings in Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund versus HDFC Flexi Cap Fund, is crucial. Aligning fund manager philosophy with personal financial goals ensures a resilient portfolio.

The Finance Ministry is set to announce quarterly interest rates for small savings schemes on March 31, 2026. Despite rising inflation, rates have remained unchanged since December 2024, prompting speculation about potential adjustments. Factors like G-Sec yields, inflation, and RBI's monetary policy influence these decisions.

The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority has expanded the National Pension System distribution network. Ten new categories, including chartered accountants and fintech firms, can now act as pension agents.

The Finance Bill 2026 introduces significant changes to tax litigation in India. Tax cases will now be decided based on facts and merits, moving away from technical loopholes. Amendments to the Income-tax Act aim to prevent challenges based on procedural defects like faulty approvals or missing Document Identification Numbers.

Mahavir Jayanti Bank Holiday (March 30, 2026):Karnataka has shifted the Mahavir Jayanti public holiday to Monday, March 30, 2026, causing banks in the state to close. The RBI's holiday calendar confirms the closure in Karnataka.

Silver and gold ETFs delivered exceptional returns exceeding 119% in FY26. Silver ETFs led with 117.89% gains, while gold ETFs offered 54.80%. Experts advise rebalancing based on long-term asset allocation, suggesting a 5% to 15% range. Investors should approach current levels with caution, considering SIPs for new investments and partial exits if allocations exceed targets.

Non-Resident Indians earning income abroad in FY 2024-25 have a crucial deadline. They must file Form 67 by March 31, 2026. This form is essential for claiming foreign tax credit in India. Filing on time prevents double taxation and ensures benefits are secured. Missing this deadline can lead to tax complications. The process involves detailing foreign income and taxes paid.

Most mutual fund advisors do not recommend medium and long term debt schemes to regular investors. These schemes are extremely sensitive to changes in the interest rate environment. They suffer when the rates go up. Mutual fund advisors say many conservative investors would find it difficult to handle the volatility faced by these schemes.

Jubilant Foodworks faces operational pressure as LPG supply to parts of its Dominos and Dunkin outlets is constrained amid Middle East tensions. The company is switching to alternative energy sources and engaging with oil marketing companies. QSR stocks have declined in March, while India ensures LPG imports remain uninterrupted.

When a UAE expat dies, their bank accounts including FDs and savings are immediately frozen. Families need to obtain a succession certificate or court-issued Will execution order to unfreeze these funds. This process involves submitting an application to the competent court and providing proof of kinship. The court then issues an order for fund distribution.

A woman successfully claimed a tax exemption on the sale of a gifted apartment after reinvesting the proceeds into a new home with her husband. Despite the Income Tax Department's notice, the ITAT Mumbai ruled in her favor, accepting her argument that the property purchase predated the sale registration within the allowed timeframe.

Many flexi-cap funds are large-cap funds in disguise. And investors are paying active management fees for the privilege. Aside from safety and less volatility, the real question to ask is if a flexi-cap funds large-cap tilt is rewarding.

As the West Asia crisis cuts into vacation plans and budgets, theres still time to reschedule your trip and claim refunds.

Short- and medium-haul destinations like Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Japan are seeing a rise in demand.

FIFA World Cup 2026 turns a fan trip into a high-cost, multi-country journey.

A sharp sell-off in precious metals amid extreme stress runs counter to their usual role as diversifiers.

With the overhauled Income Tax Act taking effect from 1 April, taxpayers must prepare for new rulesand the renewed old vs new tax regime debate.

If you are confused by personal finance terms, jargon and calculations, heres a series to simplify and deconstruct these for you. In the 96th part of this series, Riju Mehta explains one way of evaluating companies.

A sharp sell-off in precious metals amid extreme stress runs counter to their usual role as diversifiers.

In the first part of a two-part series, we break down option premiums and moneyness. Without a solid understanding of these dynamics, retail investors often end up speculating rather than strategising. Understanding moneyness is critical for understanding why retail traders lose money.

Deadlines, reminders, and a nudge or two. Your money, sorted for 2026-27 with this calendar.

The Income Tax Act, 2025 modernises the law while preserving continuity, ensuring that taxpayers are not forced into uncertainty during transition. Income earned up to financial year 2025- 26, which ends on 31 March, 2026, is governed by the Income Tax Act, 1961; income earned in financial year 2026-27, which starts on 1 April, 2026, comes under the new Act.