Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of comparing interest rates from different banks before opening a fixed deposit (FD) account to maximize returns [1] - It highlights that the highest interest rates are not always associated with the longest tenors, indicating variability in returns based on specific deposit durations [2] Summary of Interest Rates by Banks - **HDFC Bank**: Offers 6.6% for regular citizens and 7.1% for senior citizens on deposits with a tenor of 18 to 21 months, effective from June 25, 2025 [3] - **ICICI Bank**: Provides 6.6% interest for regular citizens on 2-year deposits and 7.1% for senior citizens [3] - **Kotak Mahindra Bank**: Offers 6.6% for regular citizens on deposits between 390 days and 23 months, and 7.1% for senior citizens, effective from August 20 [4] - **Federal Bank**: Provides 6.7% interest for regular citizens on 999-day FDs and 7.2% for senior citizens, effective from August 18 [4] - **State Bank of India (SBI)**: Offers 6.45% for regular citizens on 2-3 year FDs and 6.95% for senior citizens [5] - **Punjab National Bank (PNB)**: Provides 6.6% interest on 390-day FDs for regular citizens and 7.1% for senior citizens, effective from September 1 [6] - **Union Bank of India**: Offers 6.6% for regular citizens and 7.1% for senior citizens on 3-year deposits, effective from August 20, 2025 [6] - **Canara Bank**: Provides 6.5% for regular citizens and 7% for senior citizens on 444-day term deposits, effective from August 7 [7]

Group 1: Monetary Policy and Interest Rates - The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) decided to keep the repo rate unchanged at 5.5% during its October 1, 2025 Monetary Policy Committee meeting, following a total reduction of 100 basis points (bps) this year [1][11] - Banks and small finance banks may still lower interest rates on fixed deposits (FDs) as the transition from previous repo rate cuts is ongoing [1][11] Group 2: Fixed Deposit Rates for Senior Citizens - Utkarsh Small Finance Bank is offering an 8.15% interest rate on its three-year FD for senior citizens [11] - Slice Small Finance Bank provides a 7.75% interest rate on FDs with a tenure of 18 months and 1 day to 3 years for senior citizens [11] - Jana Small Finance Bank offers an 8% interest rate on its 2-3 year FDs for senior citizens [11] - Shivalik Small Finance Bank is providing a 7.50% interest rate on its three-year FD tenure for senior citizens [11] Group 3: Fixed Deposit Rates Across Different Banks - The highest FD rates among small finance banks include 8.4% from Suryoday Small Finance Bank for a 5-year tenure and 8.1% from ESAF Small Finance Bank for a 444-day tenure [7][8] - Private sector banks offer varying FD rates, with Axis Bank at 7.10%, Bandhan Bank at 7.50%, and YES Bank at 7.75% for a 3-year tenure [9] - Public sector banks have FD rates ranging from 6.50% at Punjab & Sind Bank to 7.10% at Union Bank of India for a 3-year tenure [10][11]

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 - Prime Minister Modi's declared assets as of March 31, 2025, total ₹3.43 crore, primarily in fixed deposits, indicating a preference for security over growth [1][3] - A Chartered Accountant warns that following Modi's investment strategy could lead to wealth stagnation, emphasizing the importance of aggressive investment for wealth growth [2][3] - The CA advises diversifying investments between fixed deposits for security and equities or systematic investment plans (SIPs) for growth, highlighting the detrimental effects of inflation on idle money [3] Summary by Categories Assets Declaration - PM Modi's assets include ₹3.26 crore in fixed deposits with the State Bank of India, ₹9.74 lakh in National Savings Certificates and post office deposits, and ₹3.1 lakh in gold rings, with no investments in equities, mutual funds, bonds, or real estate [1][3] Investment Mindset - The CA critiques the mindset reflected in Modi's asset allocation, suggesting that prioritizing safety over growth can lead to stagnation in personal wealth [2][3] - The CA emphasizes that the difference between earning 6.5% versus 12-15% over a decade can significantly impact wealth accumulation, potentially doubling it [2] Investment Strategy Recommendations - The CA recommends not waiting for perfect timing or risk-free options and suggests splitting investments between fixed deposits for security and equities or SIPs for growth [3] - The CA warns that inflation can erode the value of money kept idle in banks, even if perceived as "safe" [3]

Core Insights - Comparing interest rates across banks is crucial before opening a fixed deposit account, as even a small difference can significantly impact total earnings [1] Interest Rates Offered by Banks - HDFC Bank offers 6.6% for tenures between 18-21 months for regular investors and 7.10% for senior citizens, effective from June 25 [2] - ICICI Bank provides 6.6% for tenures above 2 years for regular investors and 7.10% for senior citizens [3] - Kotak Mahindra Bank also offers 6.6% for regular citizens and 7.1% for senior citizens for tenures between 391 days to 23 months, effective from August 20 [3] - Union Bank of India offers 6.6% per annum for three years, effective from August 20 [3] - State Bank of India (SBI) provides 6.45% for tenures between 2-3 years for regular citizens and 6.95% for senior citizens, effective from July 15, 2025 [4] - Bank of Baroda offers 6.60% as part of the BOB Square Drive Deposit Scheme (444 days) for regular depositors and 7.10% for senior citizens, effective from September 12, 2025 [4]