Page 2 - Personal Finance

Midcap funds outlook for 2026 hinges on earnings rebound, rate support

After a subdued 2025, midcap funds could recover in 2026 if earnings revive and rates stay supportive. Experts advise a calibrated 10-30 per cent allocation with a long-term horizon

Why a lower expense ratio alone may not be reason enough to switch funds

Focus on risk-adjusted performance, and switch only if it is below par for a sustained period

Skip duration bets, stick to short and medium-duration debt funds in 2026

Do not chase past returns, as the interest-rate environment that produced them no longer exists and gains from falling rates are largely behind investors

What are the best personal loan deals banks are offering across India

Here are the best personal loan options right now, which lenders offer the lowest EMIs, and how fees and borrower risk shape the true cost of credit

Annual Health insurance review: Tackle medical inflation, upgrade coverage

A 13-14% medical inflation rate makes upward revision of sum insured essential

Gold's outlook for 2026: Expect returns to moderate after scorching run-up

While existing investors should do partial rebalancing, new investors should enter in a staggered manner

New NPS rules explained: 10 big changes that can reshape your retirement

India’s National Pension System has just undergone one of its biggest reforms in years. Exit rules are easier, liquidity is higher, and annuity obligations are lower. But what exactly has changed

Home loan balance transfer: Higher residual principal tenure drive savings

A high credit score is critical as it enables the borrower to secure the new loan at an attractive rate

What are the best health insurance plans for women living in cities?

Here are the best premiums for health insurance policies that are especially tailored for young women working in urban centres

Silver outlook for 2026: Demand drivers, supply limits may support prices

After a bumper run in 2025, silver's long-term case remains intact, but experts warn investors to brace for volatility and moderate returns as global conditions evolve

Belated return: Claim refunds, credits, carry forward house property loss

If you file an updated return later, you will have to pay interest and additional tax, and will not be able to claim refunds

Year-end fund review: Is underperformance cyclical or fundamental?

Temporary underperformance could be due to the fund manager's investment style not being favoured by the market currently; wait out such phases

Year-end portfolio review: Should you reduce weight of gold and silver?

Small deviations may be corrected by directing more money into underperforming assets like debt and equities

Rupee slide, overseas inflation key when planning foreign education

Factoring in only domestic inflation could lead to a shortfall

What are the best term insurance premium rates for young professionals?

Check out the term insurance rates from various insurers for young male professionals living in a large city

Don't be fazed by one-year return; ELSS long-term record is robust

Choose them for their strong wealth creation potential and short lock-in period, especially if you remain on the old tax regime, but don't judge them on past-year returns alone

Kerala government holiday list 2026: Key dates of bank and office closures

State confirms key dates for banks and financial institutions when they will remain closed, including festivals and annual accounting closures

Overseas investments via GIFT City funds: Strong rules, simpler taxes

Taxes on capital gains and dividends are paid at the fund level; investors do not pay

Travel insurance: If an airline cancels a flight, it pays, not the insurer

Policies typically reimburse cancellations for reasons such as medical emergencies, death of an immediate family member, or natural disasters

Sanchar Saathi decoded: Why the gov wants it installed on your phone

DoT's directive requires the app to be visible and functional on first use, even as the minister stresses that activation remains optional.