Finance Updates
Finance updates — UPI and banking rule changes, new charges, and updates that affect your money.
Finance UpdatesRBI Repo Rate at 5.50%: What the First Hike Since 2023 Means for Your FD and Home LoanThe RBI raised the repo rate to 5.50% on 7 October 2026, its first hike since February 2023. Loan rates have risen quickly, and the highest FD rates reported at the start of November run from 6.85% at public sector banks to 7.50% at DCB Bank.Finance UpdatesEPFO on WhatsApp: Check PF Balance and Passbook as Small Old Accounts Get Paid AutomaticallyOn 1 November 2026 EPFO launched PF services on WhatsApp and automatic settlement of eligible inoperative accounts up to Rs 1,000, with no claim needed. The WhatsApp services cover balance and passbook checks only, not withdrawals.Finance UpdatesITR Refund Still Not In? How to Check Its Status, Why It Gets Stuck, and the Interest You GetMany AY 2026-27 refunds are still pending in November 2026. Check the status on incometax.gov.in, fix e-verification, bank validation or PAN-Aadhaar issues, and remember delayed refunds earn 6% a year under Section 244A. Audit-case ITRs are due by 21 November.Finance UpdatesGold Near Rs 1.44 Lakh and Festive Sales Cross Rs 62,000 Crore: What Dhanteras Buyers SawMCX gold touched Rs 1,44,400 per 10 grams before settling at Rs 1,43,106 on 10 November, while Dhanteras and Lakshmi Puja gold sales are estimated to have crossed Rs 62,000 crore despite prices far above last year's levels.
