Articles

Restrictions on usage of ATMs of other banks

Although free third party ATM withdrawals were announced with much fanfare in April 2009, some restrictions are coming on such transactions from 15th October 2009. Read on for more details.

Can’t find an ATM? Withdraw cash from a POS terminal using your debit card

RBI has now allowed withdrawal of cash using debit cards from POS terminals. You won’t have to look for ATMs any more!

ICICI Bank cuts lending rates (FRR and I-BAR)

ICICI Bank has reduced its lending rates by 0.5% with effect from 5 June, 2009.

Indian banks cut deposit and lending rates – yet again

After the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) decreased key rates, many banks in India have lowered their deposit and lending rates.

Free cash withdrawals from all ATMs in India from 1 April 2009

Starting 1st April 2009, cash withdrawal from any bank’s ATM in India would attract no charge.

Tata Capital Debenture Issue – A review

Recently, Tata Capital has come up with a secured, non-convertible debenture issue.

What are the features? Should you invest in it? Is it right for you? How does it compare with a bank fixed deposit (FD)? What about Tata Capital debenture vs a company FD?

Let’s find out.

Banks in India cut lending and deposit rates further

The banks in India have deepened the interest rate cuts announced earlier.

Banks in India hike interest rate on FCNR, NRE deposits

Many Indian banks have increased the rate of interest offered on Foreign Currency Non-Resident (FCNR) and non-Resident External (NRE) (Rupee) accounts.

Banks in India start cutting lending and deposit rates

Indian banks, mostly public sector undertakings (PSUs) have started lowering the interest rates following the change in the overall interest rate environment in the country.

Only paid out arrears to be subject to TDS for government employees

There were conflicting reports about the TDS on the arrears to be paid to central government employees as a result of the implementation of the sixth pay commission.

The department of income tax has made clarifications.

RBI proposes drastic reduction in clearing charges for outstation cheques

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed to standardize the charges for clearing of outstation cheques, and make them much more affordable.

Once again, banks hike interest rates for deposits and lending (loans)

Taking the cue from RBI, once again, the major financial institutions in India – ICICI Bank, HDFC, Axis Bank, Yes Bank and PNB, to name a few – have increased the interest rates charged on various loans, like home loans, personal loans and car / auto loans. The good news is – most of them have also upped the interest rates offered to fixed deposit customers.

SEBI approves Application Supported by Blocked Amount (ASBA) for IPOs

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has come up with detailed guidelines for Application Supported by Blocked Amount (ASBA) for Initial Public Offerings (IPOs).

Banks increase interest rates for deposits and lending (loans)

All the major banks in India – ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, SBI, BoB and PNB, to name a few – have increased the interest rates offered to fixed deposit customers. The banks have also hiked the interest rates that they charge on various loans, like home loans, personal loans and auto / car loans.

No upfront payment while applying for an IPO or a Rights Issue

IPO and rights issue refunds would be relegated to the past, thanks to the Securities and Exchange Board of India. SEBI has recently given an in-principal approval to an IPO modernization proposal that has far reaching positive consequences on investors.

SEBI removes entry load for open ended Mutual Funds (MFs)

Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has announced removal of entry load from open ended mutual funds (MFs) when investors buy schemes directly from fund houses.

SEBI proposes Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)

Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has proposed introduction of Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs).

SEBI allows mini contracts for Sensex, Nifty derivatives

Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has announced that it would allow mini contracts for derivatives based on Sensex and Nifty

Trusts to be allowed to invest in securities

Government has decided to amend laws that restrict trusts from investing in securities.

Healthy growth in Advance Tax payments by Blue Chips

Early advance tax payers have shown a significant increase in the advance tax paid. Is this a proof of a healthy economy?

Direct Tax collections up by 42.5%

The Direct Tax collection for the period April 1 to December 15 has gone up by 42.5% compared to the same period last year.

Reliance Money to introduce PMS for the masses

Reliance Money would be introducing Portfolio Management Service (PMS) in January 2008, with an entry level investment of only Rs. 5 Lakhs.

Tax sops for Post Office schemes, bonus on PO MIS

The government has announced that some of the tax sops on Post Office schemes would be restored. A bonus of 5% would also be paid on the Monthly Income Scheme (MIS) / Monthly Income Account (MIA).