Core Insights - Personal loans are unsecured loans provided by financial institutions to assist individuals with various financial needs, such as medical expenses, weddings, travel, and education [3] - Understanding personal loan terms, including interest rates, processing fees, and prepayment penalties, is essential for making informed financial decisions [1][2] Interest Rates - Current personal loan interest rates from top lenders in 2025 are as follows: - HDFC Bank: 9.99% onwards - ICICI Bank: 10.60% onwards - Kotak Mahindra Bank: 9.98% onwards - Axis Bank: 9.99% - 21.55% - State Bank of India: 10.05% - 15.05% - Actual interest rates depend on individual profiles, credit scores, and lender policies [4] Application Considerations - Key factors to consider when applying for a personal loan include: 1. Checking credit score, with a score over 750 improving approval chances [6] 2. Comparing interest rates and additional charges across multiple financial institutions [6] 3. Borrowing only the necessary amount based on real financial needs [6] 4. Reviewing eligibility, documentation, and terms to understand repayment duration and penalties [6] 5. Consulting with a certified financial advisor to align financial health with loan requirements [6]

As the Centre's Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) enters its 10th year in 2025, we look at some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the scheme, such as how many children a family can open accounts for.More than 4.1 crore Sukanya Samriddhi accounts have been opened, as of November 2024, according to a PIB release. Launched in January 2015 as part of the ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ campaign, the scheme encourages families to invest in their daughters' futures and foster a culture of inclusion and ...

The BSE benchmark tanked 2,199.77 points or 2.66 per cent during the week, as investor sentiment was rattled by a series of domestic and global developments, PTI reported.“A sharp hike in H-1B visa fees triggered heavy selling in technology stocks, while the Indian rupee slipped to a record low against the US dollar, adding to market pressure. Further, the imposition of 100 per cent tariffs on branded and patented pharmaceutical imports to the US dampened sentiment across sectors, weighing heavily on market ...

Market Valuation Decline - The combined market valuation of the top-10 most valued firms decreased by ₹2,99,661.36 crore last week, reflecting a bearish trend in equities [1] - The BSE benchmark index fell by 2,199.77 points or 2.66 percent during the same period [1] Impact on Major Firms - Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) experienced the largest market valuation drop of ₹97,597.91 crore, bringing its total valuation to ₹10,49,281.56 crore [2] - Reliance Industries' valuation decreased by ₹40,462.09 crore, resulting in a total valuation of ₹18,64,436.42 crore [3] - Infosys lost ₹38,095.78 crore, with its market valuation now at ₹6,01,805.25 crore [3] - HDFC Bank's market capitalization fell by ₹33,032.97 crore to ₹14,51,783.29 crore [3] - ICICI Bank's valuation declined by ₹29,646.78 crore, bringing it to ₹9,72,007.68 crore [3] Additional Valuation Changes - Bharti Airtel's valuation dropped by ₹26,030.11 crore to ₹10,92,922.53 crore [4] - Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) saw a decrease of ₹13,693.62 crore, resulting in a valuation of ₹5,51,919.30 crore [4] - Hindustan Unilever's market capitalization fell by ₹11,278.04 crore to ₹5,89,947.12 crore [4] - Bajaj Finance's valuation declined by ₹4,977.99 crore to ₹6,12,914.73 crore [4] - State Bank of India's market valuation dipped by ₹4,846.07 crore to ₹7,91,063.93 crore [4] Ranking of Valued Firms - Reliance Industries remains the most valued firm, followed by HDFC Bank, Bharti Airtel, TCS, ICICI Bank, State Bank of India, Bajaj Finance, Infosys, Hindustan Unilever, and LIC [5]

Market Overview - The BSE benchmark index fell by 2,199.77 points or 2.66% last week, primarily due to a sharp increase in H-1B visa fees, which led to significant unwinding in technology stocks and pressured the Indian rupee to a record low against the US dollar [1][2]. Impact on Technology Sector - Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) experienced the largest market valuation drop among the top firms, losing Rs 97,597.91 crore, bringing its valuation down to Rs 10,49,281.56 crore [2][6]. - The overall sentiment in the technology sector was negatively impacted by the H-1B visa fee hike, contributing to the bearish trend in equities [1][2]. Pharmaceutical Sector - The imposition of 100% tariffs on branded and patented pharmaceutical imports to the US has dampened market sentiment, affecting multiple sectors and weighing heavily on market confidence [2]. Valuation Changes of Major Firms - Reliance Industries saw its market valuation decrease by Rs 40,462.09 crore to Rs 18,64,436.42 crore [5]. - Infosys lost Rs 38,095.78 crore, with its valuation standing at Rs 6,01,805.25 crore [6]. - HDFC Bank's market capitalisation fell by Rs 33,032.97 crore to Rs 14,51,783.29 crore, while ICICI Bank's valuation dropped by Rs 29,646.78 crore to Rs 9,72,007.68 crore [6][7]. - Bharti Airtel's valuation decreased by Rs 26,030.11 crore to Rs 10,92,922.53 crore, and LIC's valuation diminished by Rs 13,693.62 crore to Rs 5,51,919.30 crore [6][7]. - Hindustan Unilever's market capitalisation dropped by Rs 11,278.04 crore to Rs 5,89,947.12 crore, and Bajaj Finance declined by Rs 4,977.99 crore to Rs 6,12,914.73 crore [6][7]. - The market valuation of State Bank of India dipped by Rs 4,846.07 crore to Rs 7,91,063.93 crore [6][7]. Overall Market Capitalisation - The combined market valuation of the top-10 most valued firms eroded by Rs 2,99,661.36 crore last week, reflecting the overall bearish trend in the market [2][6].

Core Viewpoint - The Federal Reserve's recent interest rate cut signals a shift in global macroeconomic conditions, prompting capital to flow towards emerging markets, particularly benefiting ETFs focused on the Asia-Pacific region [3][6][26]. Group 1: Federal Reserve Actions - The Federal Reserve lowered the federal funds rate target range by 25 basis points to 4.00%-4.25%, marking its first rate cut of 2025 and the first since December 2024 [6][8]. - Market expectations indicate a 75% probability of three additional rate cuts by the end of the year, totaling a 75 basis point reduction [4][6]. - The decision reflects a response to weak employment data, with only 22,000 jobs added in August, significantly below expectations [9]. Group 2: Impact on Emerging Markets - The Fed's rate cut is expected to catalyze a reallocation of global capital, with a historical trend showing that rate cuts typically weaken the relative returns of dollar assets, driving investments towards emerging markets [9]. - The Southeast Asia Technology ETF has seen significant performance, with a 5% increase in September and a 24.2% rise over the past three months, benefiting directly from the Fed's rate cut expectations [11][15]. Group 3: Southeast Asia Technology ETF - The ETF's top holdings include major Southeast Asian internet companies like SEA, Grab, and Goto, which are positioned similarly to Chinese tech giants [13][15]. - The ETF's performance is supported by favorable local policies, such as Indonesia's nearly $1 billion economic stimulus plan and Thailand's interest rate cut to a three-year low of 1.50% [15]. Group 4: Asia-Pacific Select ETF - The Asia-Pacific Select ETF focuses on companies with strong ESG ratings and aims to capture opportunities in technology and cyclical recovery, achieving a 22.9% return over the past year [17][18]. - The ETF's top holdings include major firms like TSMC, Tencent, and Toyota, which provide stable cash flows and strong profitability [19]. Group 5: Market Outlook - The Fed's rate cut marks the beginning of a new phase in the global macro environment, with emerging market ETFs offering significant investment opportunities [26]. - Investors are encouraged to leverage the macroeconomic trend of rate cuts to identify growth opportunities across the Asia-Pacific region, effectively diversifying risks associated with single markets [26].

Core Insights - The article discusses the highest fixed deposit (FD) interest rates offered by major banks in India, highlighting competitive rates for both general and senior citizens [5][6] Summary by Bank - **State Bank of India (SBI)**: Offers FD interest rates ranging from 3.05% to 6.60% for general citizens and 3.55% to 7.10% for senior citizens, with the highest rates available for a tenure of 444 days [5][6] - **HDFC Bank**: Provides FD interest rates between 2.75% and 6.60% for general citizens and 3.25% to 7.10% for senior citizens, with the highest rates applicable for a tenure of 18 months to less than 21 months [5][6] - **ICICI Bank**: Offers FD interest rates from 2.75% to 6.60% for general citizens and 3.25% to 7.10% for senior citizens, with the highest rates available for tenures of 2 years 1 day to 10 years [5][6] - **Punjab National Bank (PNB)**: Provides FD interest rates between 3.00% and 6.60% for general citizens and 3.50% to 7.10% for senior citizens, with the highest rates available for a tenure of 390 days [5][6] - **Bank of Baroda (BoB)**: Offers FD interest rates ranging from 3.50% to 6.60% for general citizens and 4.00% to 7.10% for senior citizens, with the highest rates applicable for a tenure of 444 days [5][6] Market Context - The article emphasizes that fixed deposits remain a reliable investment avenue for safe and assured returns, especially as investors monitor interest rate movements [5][6]

Core Insights - The festival season drives increased household spending, leading to a surge in personal loan applications to cover expenses related to celebrations, gifts, and travel [1][2]. Personal Loans Overview - Personal loans are a practical financial tool for managing festival expenses, offering quick approval and minimal paperwork [3]. - Interest rates for personal loans from leading financial institutions range from 10% to 16.5% per annum, with flexible repayment periods from 12 to 96 months [3][4]. Usage of Festival Loans - Personal loans can be utilized for various festival-related expenses, including shopping for apparel and jewelry, home renovations, family trips, and purchasing furniture and electronics [7]. Digital Convenience - The online application process for personal loans allows for instant approvals and disbursal within 24 hours, catering to the urgent financial needs during the festival season [5][6]. Smart Borrowing Tips - To maximize benefits from personal loans, borrowers should compare interest rates and processing charges, ensure EMIs do not exceed 40% of monthly income, and read the terms carefully [11].

New Delhi/Mumbai: To crack down on surging online financial frauds such as ‘digital arrests’, a parliamentary panel has recommended that banks use government-issued IDs to trace, freeze, and blacklist mule accounts siphoning crores of rupees. Experts call it a crucial first step, but banks warn implementation will be difficult. Discussions have begun at ministerial levels to understand how the recommendations by a parliamentary standing committee on home affairs can be implemented to reduce the extent of on ...

Core Insights - Banks and shadow banks are launching various offers to boost credit demand during the festive season, which has been relatively muted this year [2] - Lenders are reducing interest rates on loans for homes, vehicles, and personal use, while waiving processing fees and extending repayment tenures [2] Group 1: Offers and Discounts - Many banks have partnered with retailers and e-commerce companies to provide 'instant' EMI options, cashback deals, and discounts on purchases [3] - ICICI Bank is offering savings of up to ₹50,000 on transactions made through credit or debit cards, internet banking, and cardless EMI [4] - HDFC Bank is providing 'festive treats' with savings of up to ₹50,000 on various loans, including personal, business, and vehicle loans [5] - Axis Bank has launched 'Dil Se Open Celebrations' to offer discounts, cashback, and exclusive deals for upcoming festivals [6] Group 2: Specific Offers by Banks - State Bank of India is providing a 10% instant discount on credit card purchases made during Amazon's 'Great Indian Festival' sale [7] - Non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) are focusing on two-wheeler loans following a GST cut, targeting demand in Tier-II and Tier-III cities [8] - Shriram Finance plans to introduce schemes for gold, housing, and vehicle loans to capitalize on festival demand [9] - L&T Finance has announced three festival schemes for two-wheeler customers, including no-cost EMI and prompt payment rebates [10] Group 3: Market Trends - There is a noticeable increase in demand within the auto ecosystem, particularly for two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and passenger vehicles [9] - The overall sentiment indicates a steady underlying demand for credit, with expectations of increased borrowing across key segments due to GST rationalization [8]