15 AUGUST 2026
NBFC credit growth rises to 15.8% in August as gold, consumer durable loans surge
During August 2026, non-banking financial companies enjoyed a boost in credit expansion, with gold loans seeing remarkable growth alongside consumer durable loans. Housing loans remained a critical component of the retail lending portfolio. Conversely, lending to the services sector declined, highlighting slower growth in certain segments. This overall increase in several sectors points to an encouraging trend in the credit market.
Mortgage rates today climb again: What the 7.542% 30-year mortgage rate means for homebuyers, refinancing and home equity
The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate has climbed to 7.542%, up from 7.373% a week earlier. That increase adds to the cost of buying a home at a time when many owners are already reluctant to give up older, cheaper mortgages. Shorter loans offer some relief on interest, though monthly checks run higher. The 15-year fixed average rose to 6.737%.
Franklin India Small Cap Fund turns Rs 10,000 SIP to nearly Rs 2 crore in 20 years, crosses Rs 14,000 crore AUM
Franklin India Small Cap Fund crossed Rs 14,000 crore in AUM, while a Rs 10,000 monthly SIP grew to nearly Rs 1.94 crore over 20 years. The fund has outperformed its benchmark over 15 years, highlighting long-term compounding and disciplined investing.
UP Scholarship 2026-27: Last date, direct link, how to check status and when money will come
UP Scholarship 2026-27: Students in Uttar Pradesh can apply for the UP Scholarship 2026-27 through the official UP Scholarship portal till October 15. Different categories have distinct deadlines for fresh and renewal applications. Payment schedules vary based on the student's category after completing verification. Students must ensure all their information is accurate to avoid issues during the application process.
How Jefferies is reshuffling its portfolio as soaring bond yields give Nifty bulls sleepless nights
Jefferies is favouring largecaps as rising bond yields pressure Indian equities, citing relatively attractive valuations and a narrowing earnings gap with midcaps. The brokerage has added Kotak Mahindra Bank and Reliance Industries to its preferred portfolio.
Sugar stocks Balrampur Chini, Dhampur Sugar, others rally up to 8%. What’s behind the uptick?
Sugar stocks, including Balrampur Chini, Dhampur Sugar and EID Parry, rallied sharply on Tuesday as raw sugar futures remained near two-year highs. Rising supply concerns in Brazil, Europe and Thailand, along with stronger festive-season demand, have lifted expectations of tighter global sugar supplies and supported the recent rally.
- Go To Page 1
Divi's Labs, TVS Motor could replace Max Healthcare, HDFC Life in NSE's March 2027 index review
Divi's Laboratories and TVS Motor Company have emerged as likely contenders to replace Max Healthcare Institute and HDFC Life in the Nifty index at the March 2027 review. According to Quiddity Leaderboard, this transition may lead to significant inflows estimated at around $824 million. As the review remains in its nascent phase, further alterations to the Nifty 100 rankings are also projected.
Private banks' deposit mobilisation outpaces PSU peers in Q2
From a loan growth perspective, state-run banks' advances growth remained in the range of 12.59-29.83 per cent year-on-year in Q2, while private banks' growth ranged from 16.3-40 per cent during the same period.
FD interest rate hike coming? With rising inflation, many experts expect RBI to hike interest rate
Many financial analysts expect the Reserve Bank of India to increase the repo rate by 25 basis points. This forecast is driven by persistent inflation, soaring crude oil prices, and a depreciating rupee. Should the RBI implement this hike, it could lead to higher fixed deposit returns for investors. Meanwhile, public sector banks continue to offer lower rates, struggling against fierce competition from government securities and small savings schemes.
RBI policy confronts a world with long tails
The RBI is likely to begin raising rates in October, with another hike possible in Q4 2026, as inflation risks broaden. Higher oil prices, weather shocks, weaker currency and geopolitical risks are fuelling imported pressures.
US Stock Market prediction for Monday, October 5: S&P 500, Nasdaq, Dow Jones, Russell 2000 investors eye positive trading today, top stocks to watch out
US Stock Market prediction: As the fourth quarter kicks off, the stock market is already on pace for a solid year. The benchmark S&P 500 as of Friday had gained nearly 13 per cent in 2026, and sat about 1 per cent below its mid-August record high.
Next-gen GST: Taking India's reform journey forward
The new GST framework in India aims to streamline compliance processes while lowering tax rates, contributing to enhanced economic stability. This initiative promises to improve taxpayer satisfaction and bolster revenue generation, encouraging growth across multiple industries. Early data shows a notable increase in taxable supplies after these reforms, positively impacting both businesses and consumers, with small and medium enterprises particularly benefiting from a cohesive national market.
GST exemption for banks, nominated agencies for gold, silver imports may be withdrawn
The GST Council may end the IGST exemption on gold, silver and platinum imported by banks and nominated agencies, sources said. The exemption, introduced in 2017 when precious-metal imports were tightly regulated, could be withdrawn as the government seeks to curb non-essential imports and manage foreign exchange outflows.
Taylor Swift new curly hairstyle sparks Travis Kelce, 1989 and Reputation theories as fans wonder if a new era is coming
During a recent celebration of her impressive music achievements, Taylor Swift showcased a bold and curly new haircut. Marking a significant milestone with her fifth Official Chart Double in the UK, fans are buzzing with theories that this hairstyle shift could herald a transformative musical era. Whispers also suggest connections to her relationship with Travis Kelce, although Swift has remained tight-lipped about any personal links to her new look.
US imposes visa bonds of up to $20,000 on 50 countries; is India on the updated list?
The US has expanded its visa bond programme to citizens of 50 countries, requiring some B1/B2 applicants to post bonds of $10,000, $15,000 or $20,000 depending on the consular officer’s decision. India is not included, while Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal are covered; paying the bond does not guarantee visa approval, and refunds depend on complying with travel and visa conditions.
FPIs pull record Rs 3 lakh crore from Indian equities in 9 months. More pain ahead?
In an unprecedented turn of events, foreign portfolio investors have divested a staggering amount exceeding ₹3 lakh crore from Indian equities within the initial nine months of 2026. This marks a record outflow, largely driven by rising US bond yields and ongoing geopolitical conflicts, which diminish India's appeal for international investors.
India growth may slow to 5.5-6% in H2FY27 as capex moderates: Report
India's economic growth is projected to slow to 5.5-6% in the second half of 2026-27. This slowdown follows a robust growth of 7-7.5% in the first half of the financial year. Combined capital expenditure growth is expected to moderate significantly from 13.2% to around 4% in the latter months. Additionally, the central government's capital expenditure growth will weaken due to a declining fiscal position.
India cuts sugar stock holding period for dealers to 15 days to curb hoarding ahead of festivals
Starting from October 15, new regulations will limit sugar stock for dealers to 1,000 quintals nationwide. Dealers will only be allowed to hold stocks for a maximum of 15 days. Kolkata and Assam will have a higher limit of 2,000 quintals due to regional needs. The Government expects retail sugar prices to decline further as ex-mill prices stabilize.
US Visa Bulletin October 2026: Some Indians get green card relief as new US fiscal year begins, but many remain stuck
The October Visa Bulletin brings forward movement for Indian green card applicants as the US starts its new fiscal year. EB-1 and EB-4 final action dates advanced, while EB-2 and EB-3 remained unchanged. Filing dates moved sharply in EB-1 and EB-4, but family-sponsored categories recorded limited gains.
Electric two-wheeler sales cross 15 lakh in just nine months as adoption rockets
E2W registrations rose 7.7% month-on-month to 1.97 lakh units in September, taking cumulative registrations in January-September to 15.61 lakh units, according to Vahan vehicle registration data, a proxy for sales. In comparison, in 2025, EV two-wheeler makers sold a total of 9.61 lakh units during the same period.
Social Security payment schedule for 2027: When will your check arrive and why could some payments reach you earlier than expected?
The Social Security payment schedule for 2027 gives beneficiaries a useful head start on planning their finances. Most retirement, survivor and disability payments are tied to your birthday and arrive on one of three Wednesdays each month. SSI follows a different calendar, and some payments move into the previous month when weekends or holidays affect the normal date.
April-August fiscal gap widens to ₹7.1 lakh crore on higher capex, subsidy outgo
The Centre’s fiscal deficit rose to ₹7.1 lakh crore, or 41.9% of the FY27 target, by August, up from ₹6 lakh crore a year earlier, official data showed.
India’s external financial health improves marginally in Q1 FY27 amid global headwinds
India’s external financial position improved marginally in Q1 FY27, RBI data showed. External debt rose $15.4 billion to $778.2 billion, while the debt-to-GDP ratio eased to 20.8%. Net international liabilities increased to $220.3 billion but remained below year-ago levels.
DA hike after August inflation data: Will dearness allowance rise to 65%? How it may impact salaries of Level 1-10 central government employees
In August 2026, the Labour Bureau revealed a rise in the All India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers. This uptick translates into an estimated Dearness Allowance of 65%, signaling a welcome increase for many employees. As the central government regularly adjusts DA based on this data, employees may soon enjoy significant salary enhancements, with official announcements typically coinciding with festive periods.
Bank deposit rates fall as fresh lending rates rise in August
In August, banks lowered the weighted average rate on fresh rupee term deposits to 5.67%. At the same time, the average lending rate on new loans increased to 8.61%. Public sector banks experienced a decrease in deposit rates, while private banks faced a similar trend. Lending rates varied based on loan types, with personal loans seeing a significant increase.
HDFC Flexi Cap Fund turns Rs 10,000 SIP into Rs 23 crore in 31 years, AUM crosses Rs 1 lakh crore
HDFC Flexi Cap Fund turned a Rs 10,000 monthly SIP into Rs 22.96 cr in nearly 31 years. The fund has delivered a CAGR of 18.37% since inception and outperformed the NIFTY 500 Index (TRI) in 21 of 31 calendar years.
Bharti Airtel, Vi shares rise up to 2% after Aug mobile subscriber data. Which is Nomura’s top pick?
India added 55 lakh mobile subscribers in August, according to data from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India. Reliance Jio continued to lead with 24 lakh new users, while Bharti Airtel gained 21 lakh and Vodafone Idea over 5 lakh. Jio holds a market share of 39.31%, followed by Airtel with 38.01%. The growth in urban subscriptions increased by 0.70% from July to August this year.
Anthropic's path from AI startup to industry-defining IPO
Anthropic's IPO prospectus, reviewed by Reuters, laid out a sweeping vision in which AI would reshape the global economy more profoundly than industrialization, electricity and the internet, as the Claude maker moved closer to what could be the first listing by a frontier AI lab.
Jio leads India’s August mobile subscriber additions, Airtel close behind: TRAI
Reliance Jio added the most mobile subscribers in India in August at 2.40 million, followed by Bharti Airtel with 2.11 million, Trai data showed. Vodafone Idea added 506,139 users, extending its subscriber growth streak since February. India’s wireless subscriber base rose 5.51 million to 1.293 billion during August.
Load More
