Personal Finance on NV Trends

Debt Mutual Funds vs Fixed Deposits: Which Wins in 2026?

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 02:28:34 +0000

In 2026, bank fixed deposits (FDs) remain the top choice for guaranteed nominal returns and absolute capital certainty, while debt mutual funds provide superior liquidity, operational flexibility, and compounding advantages through tax deferral. The debate between these two asset classes fundamentally transformed following statutory taxation changes under Section 50AA of the Income-tax Act, which eliminated long-term indexation benefits for pure debt mutual funds. Despite this level tax playing field on paper, significant structural differences dictate which vehicle will preserve and grow your money more effectively.

Gold Mutual Funds Tax in India: Rules for 2026

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 02:26:24 +0000

Yes, gold mutual funds are fully taxable in India in 2026, and the tax you owe depends on your holding period and your personal income tax slab. Under the rationalized capital gains tax structure implemented by the Ministry of Finance, gold mutual funds (which operate as open-ended Fund of Funds) are classified as non-equity financial assets. When you redeem your units at a profit, those earnings are treated as either short-term or long-term capital gains, each governed by distinct tax rates and holding thresholds.

Best Debt Mutual Funds for Safe Returns (2026)

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 14:45:00 +0000

Debt mutual funds are pooled investment schemes that invest primarily in fixed-income instruments—such as government securities, treasury bills, corporate debentures, and money market papers—to generate steady interest income and capital stability for investors.

How to Track Your Mutual Fund Performance

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 14:45:00 +0000

To track your mutual fund performance effectively, evaluate your fund’s annualized returns—CAGR for lumpsum or XIRR for Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs)—against its designated Total Return Index (TRI) benchmark and category peers over rolling 3- to 5-year periods using consolidated account statements (CAS) or dedicated portfolio analytics platforms.

Best ELSS Funds 2026: Top Tax Savers in India

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 09:45:00 +0000

The best ELSS funds 2026 for tax saving and capital appreciation are Quant ELSS Tax Saver Fund, Mirae Asset ELSS Tax Saver Fund, SBI Long Term Equity Fund, Canara Robeco ELSS Tax Saver Fund, and DSP ELSS Tax Saver Fund. These five schemes stand out based on published long-term risk-adjusted performance data, portfolio resilience across volatile market cycles, and distinct investment methodologies that cater to different investor risk profiles.

Best Gold Mutual Funds in India: 2026 Top Picks

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 14:45:00 +0000

The best gold mutual funds in India for 2026 are Nippon India Gold Savings Fund, ICICI Prudential Regular Gold Savings Fund, HDFC Gold Fund, SBI Gold Fund, and Kotak Gold Fund, selected primarily for their low tracking errors, competitive expense ratios, and deep underlying market liquidity.

Best Mutual Funds for Conservative Investors

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 14:45:00 +0000

The best mutual funds for conservative investors in India prioritize capital preservation and steady accrual income by allocating primarily to sovereign debt, AAA-rated corporate papers, and low-volatility hybrid or arbitrage instruments designed to outpace inflation.