Align Financial News

Retirement planning has taken a major hit this year in India as the percentage of savings towards retirement has shrunk from 45% in 2022 to 38% in 2023, according to a recent annual survey report by Bankbazaar.

Sector rotation refers to selling shares or funds that are invested in one sector and use the money to re-invest into another sector. This strategy helps investors to capitalise on a change in economic conditions and the anticipated performance of those sectors in specific stages of the economic cycle will lead to higher returns.

By Chiradip Bandyopadhyay

Cashback credit cards allow you to earn some money back when you swipe your card to buy things. This money might come as points or cash that goes into your account. Most credit cards offer cashback for spending on groceries, food, lifestyle, entertainment, electronics and bills payment. Cashback is one of the key benefits credit cards offer to consumers as it’s a tangible reward, offering actual cash for regular expenditures.

It takes time and lots of efforts to build wealth and assets for your family. However, if you don’t have a nominee, your entire wealth may leave your family or dependents into a legal dispute and may even deprive them from acquiring your asset in case of your untimely demise.

Kuwait’s new ruler is taking over in his 80s and will be confronted with the same economy-hobbling political dysfunction that has for years doomed reforms. But there are differences in this succession as well as similarities, and how they play out will help dictate whether 83-year-old Emir Sheikh Mishaal Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah can break the OPEC member state free of its paralysis.

Australia has announced the a new «Skills in Demand» visa. This new visa, set to replace the Temporary Skills Shortage (Subclass 482) visa, will offer three distinct pathways designed to attract temporary skilled migrants vital to Australia's national productivity.

Canada will soon launch a citizenship path for undocumented immgrants. Canada's Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, revealed the nation's intent to introduce a broad and comprehensive program, facilitating the application for permanent residency for numerous undocumented individuals.

The Finals Season 1, version 1.3.0, prioritizes bug fixes and introduces new servers, addressing some persistent issues in the popular competitive shooter. The Finals Season 1 Update 1.3.0: Bug Fixes and Improvements

Niva Bupa Health Insurance Company, previously recognized as Max Bupa Health Insurance Company, has launched its newest offering, Aspire, with a specific focus on catering to the preferences and requirements of the Gen Z and millennial demographic. This product adopts a progressive approach to health insurance, aligning with the distinctive needs and aspirations of the younger generation.

The Bank of Italy and the Bank of Korea have recently formalized their collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on December 5, 2023. This partnership marks a pivotal moment in the exploration and potential implementation of digital currencies by central banks, reflecting a growing global interest in the digitization of national currencies.

In the dynamic landscape of cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, the pioneering digital currency, has recently seen a downturn, slipping below the $43,000 threshold. This decline aligns with the broader crypto market, which witnessed a 0.25% drop in its global market cap, now standing at $1.61 trillion.

washing machine is a significant investment, and it's crucial to find one that aligns with your specific requirements. Smaller washers often come with innovative features such as quick wash options, delicate garment care, and even smart technology that allows you to control your laundry remotely. Furthermore, these models are generally more energy and water-efficient, which can lead to significant savings in the long run.

Nifty and Sensex hit record highs in trade today (December 15) for the second straight session after the US Fed signaled that its interest rate-hiking policy is at an end and it will cut rates in 2024. The Sensex rose over 720 points to its new high of 71,234.63, whereas the broader Nifty50 index advanced 214.4 points to its record high of 21,397.10. The US Federal Reserve has opted to maintain unchanged interest rates and has additionally signaled the likelihood of three quarter-point cuts to the benchmark interest rate in the coming year.

When Donald Trump sat down in the office of his Bedminster, N.J., golf club late this summer to flesh out his trade and border policy, familiar faces were across from him: Robert Lighthizer and Russell Vought, two of the architects of the former president’s populist first-term record. Trump’s former trade representative and White House budget director, respectively, are part of a cadre of allies helping him shape policy proposals across a range of topics, laying the groundwork for what would be an aggressive and controversial second-term agenda.

Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) share price surges 3.26% to ₹169.35 per share on Friday, December 15, after the company bagged a mega defence order. The Ministry of Defence has entered into a significant agreement with BEL, Pune, for the acquisition of electronic fuzes for the Indian Army over a 10-year period, with a total investment of ₹5,336.25 crore. Aligned with the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' vision, this contract is established for the procurement of ammunition under the 'Manufacture of Ammunition for Indian Army by Indian Industry' initiative.

visa-free destinations as their ideal choice of international destination. As per MakeMyTrip, countries that removed visa requirements for travelers from India have seen over 30 percent positive uptick in terms of searches and bookings. Ahead of the Christmas vacation, several Asian countries including Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Sri Lanka have recently announced that they are implementing visa-free entry for visitors from India and other countries.

The government is scheduled to unveil the annual budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2025 after the conclusion of the general elections next year. In the meantime, an interim budget will be presented on a “Vote on Account" basis on February 01 of the upcoming year. The interim budget will exclusively address necessary expenditures, typically having a restricted scope and excluding significant policy alterations or the introduction of new programs.

Fixed deposits (FDs) are one of the most popular investment options in India. They offer guaranteed returns, safety of capital and easy liquidity. However, not all FDs are the same. There are different types of FDs offered by different entities, such as banks, non-banking finance companies, post offices, and corporates.

Shiba Inu (SHIB) and Retik Finance (RETIK) both have unique qualities to the table, each with its own set of advantages and considerations. Let’s delve into the factors that might influence your decision on whether to buy Shiba Inu or Retik Finance before Christmas.

Over the past decade, India has been one of the fastest growing economies in the world and is becoming the most sought after investment destination for foreign investors. The GIFT International Financial Services Centre in Gujarat is a step in the direction of attracting higher foreign capital. Abhishek Bansal, Chairman, Abans Group believes that aligning policies and regulations with international standards, is one of the essential aspects to drive investments. “One crucial aspect for enhancing foreign investors’ interest in GIFT City is achieving goal congruence between national regulatory agencies and the GIFT regulator,” says Bansal. Such an approach ensures investor-friendly policies that meet global expectations and foster confidence and interest among foreign investors in GIFT City, he said. Edited excerpts: Notwithstanding certain regulatory hiccups, the last couple of years has been quite good for the AIF industry. Can you share some of the trends to watch out for the segment in 2024? Over the past years, the AIF industry in India has defied regulatory challenges, witnessing significant growth. Investors, including institutions and high-net-worth individuals, are increasingly drawn to alternative investments, seeking diversification beyond traditional assets. Sector-specific funds focusing on areas like technology and healthcare have gained popularity, offering targeted exposure and potential high returns.