Weekly Market Recap on April 17, 2025: Markets Rally Strong on BSE’s 150th Anniversary; OYO Faces FIR, IREDA and Waaree Shine in Q4

On Thursday, April 17, 2025, Indian stock markets continued their positive momentum for the fourth day in a row, with significant gains led by major banks and Reliance Industries. This strong domestic rally came despite uncertain global cues due to rising US-China trade tensions.

The BSE Sensex started 76 points lower at 76,968 and dipped to a session low of 76,666. However, it bounced back impressively, soaring 1,951 points from the low to hit a high of 78,617, before settling with a solid gain of 1,509 points or 1.96%, closing at 78,553.

This bullish session held special importance as it coincided with the 150th anniversary of the Bombay Stock Exchange—Asia’s oldest stock exchange—with the Sensex delivering a celebratory rally.

The NSE Nifty 50 followed a similar trend, recovering from its intraday low of 23,299 and climbing to a peak of 23,872. It eventually ended the day up 414 points, or 1.8%, at 23,852.

Major News of This Week

OYO in Legal Trouble

OYO has landed in controversy after a Jaipur-based resort filed a criminal complaint against the company and its founder, Ritesh Aggarwal. The FIR alleges the use of fake bookings, which has now resulted in a hefty ₹2.66 crore GST notice against the company.

IDFC FIRST Bank’s Fundraising Move

IDFC FIRST Bank’s Board has approved a preferential equity issue worth approximately ₹7,500 crore. A significant portion—₹4,876 crore—will come from Currant Sea Investments B.V., a Warburg Pincus affiliate, signalling strong backing from global investors.

Major Q4FY25 Earnings This Week

IREDA

IREDA posted a robust financial performance in Q4 FY25, with Profit After Tax (PAT) surging 49% to ₹502 crore and Profit Before Tax (PBT) rising 31% to ₹630 crore on a year-on-year basis.

Wipro

Wipro reported gross revenue of ₹225 billion ($2.63 billion), up 0.8% from the previous quarter and 1.3% YoY. However, its core IT services revenue slipped 1.2% sequentially and 2.3% YoY, indicating pressure in its main business segment.

Waaree Renewable Technologies

Waaree Renewable Technologies Ltd posted an impressive 83% YoY growth in consolidated net profit, which rose to ₹93.76 crore in Q4 FY25, up from ₹51.31 crore in the same quarter last year.

Conclusion

This week marked a significant boost for Indian equities, buoyed by positive domestic sentiment and key earnings. While legal troubles for OYO raised eyebrows, solid Q4 results from IREDA and Waaree Renewable Technologies showcased resilience in India’s clean energy space. Investors will now closely watch global developments and earnings from other large-cap players in the coming sessions.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

 

Investments in securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Top Gainers and Losers on April 17, 2025: ICICI Bank, Sun Pharma, Bharti Airtel Lead Gainers

On Thursday, April 17, 2025, Indian benchmark indices surged for the fourth consecutive session, driven by strong performances in banking stocks and Reliance Industries, even as global markets showed mixed trends due to escalating US-China trade tensions. 

The BSE Sensex started the day 76 points lower at 76,968 and dropped further to an intraday low of 76,666. However, the index staged a remarkable recovery, climbing as much as 1,951 points from the day’s low to hit a high of 78,617. It eventually closed with a robust gain of 1,509 points, or 1.96%, at 78,553. 

Notably, this strong rally coincided with the 150th anniversary celebration of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), the oldest stock exchange in Asia, of which the Sensex is the benchmark index. 

Meanwhile, the NSE Nifty 50 fell to an intraday low of 23,299 before bouncing back sharply to a high of 23,872. It ended the session up by 414 points, or 1.8%, at 23,852. 

Here are the top gainers and losers of the day:  

Top Gainers of the Day 

Symbol  Open  High  Low  LTP  %chng 
ETERNAL  220.6  236.14  220.38  232  4.47 
SUNPHARMA  1,695.00  1,758.00  1,687.40  1,757.00  3.77 
ICICIBANK  1,362.00  1,408.90  1,360.10  1,407.00  3.73 
BHARTIARTL  1,834.00  1,897.70  1,825.70  1,882.90  3.31 
BAJAJFINSV  1,961.50  2,039.70  1,955.00  2,031.00  3.14 

Eternal

Eternal led the gainers’ list with a 4.47% jump, ending the session at ₹232.00. The stock surged after hitting an intraday high of ₹236.14, driven by strong investor interest. 

Sun Pharma

Sun Pharma climbed 3.77%, closing at ₹1,757.00. The pharmaceutical major saw a strong uptrend throughout the day amid renewed buying in the healthcare sector. 

ICICI Bank

ICICI Bank gained 3.73% to end at ₹1,407.00. Positive sentiment around the banking space helped the private lender register significant gains. 

Bharti Airtel

Bharti Airtel advanced 3.31%, finishing at ₹1,882.90. Robust buying in telecom stocks and favorable sector developments supported the upmove. 

Bajaj Finserv

Bajaj Finserv ended the day 3.14% higher at ₹2,031.00, following a strong performance in the financial services space. 

Top Losers of the Day 

Symbol  Open  High  Low  LTP  %chng 
WIPRO  235  237.8  232.15  237.4  -4.14 
HINDALCO  608.9  616  604  608  -0.31 
TECHM  1,295.10  1,308.90  1,275.90  1,304.80  -0.3 
HEROMOTOCO  3,781.90  3,797.60  3,664.30  3,772.00  -0.26 
JSWSTEEL  996  1,008.60  987.1  1,008.00  -0.14 

Wipro

Wipro was the biggest laggard of the day, slipping 4.14% to close at ₹237.40. The stock faced selling pressure despite broader market strength. 

Hindalco

Hindalco dipped 0.31%, settling at ₹608.00. Weakness in metal stocks dragged the counter lower. 

Tech Mahindra

Tech Mahindra edged down 0.30% to ₹1,304.80 amid a muted outlook in the IT segment. 

Hero MotoCorp

Hero MotoCorp declined 0.26%, ending at ₹3,772.00, weighed down by broader sector consolidation. 

JSW Steel

JSW Steel marginally fell 0.14%, closing at ₹1,008.00. The stock remained range-bound through the session. 

Conclusion 

Overall, bulls remained firmly in control, with banking and pharma leading the rally on the BSE’s 150th anniversary. 

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.         

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.        

 

 

 

 

Sensex Surges 1,500 Points, Nifty Crosses 23,800 on April 17, 2025: 5 Reasons Why the Indian Stock Market Is Rising?

The Indian stock market is showing strong momentum and seems to be in a bullish phase. On Thursday, April 17, equity benchmark indices—the Sensex and the Nifty 50—recorded sharp intraday gains and looked set to end in the green for the fourth session in a row.

The 30-stock Sensex opened at 76,968, slightly lower than its previous close of 77,044, but quickly jumped more than 1,400 points to touch an intraday high of 78,457. The Nifty 50 began at 23,402, compared to its previous close of 23,437, and surged nearly 2 per cent to reach an intraday high of 23,831.

With this rally, the Sensex has gained more than 4,500 points in just 4 days, and the Nifty 50 has risen by over 1,400 points—translating to a gain of more than 6 per cent.

Optimism About India-US Trade Agreement

One major reason for the stock market rally is the growing optimism around a positive trade agreement between India and the United States. Earlier reports suggested that US President Donald Trump might offer more tariff exemptions following a temporary 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs.

Experts believe that things are likely to stabilise soon and that a favourable trade deal between India and the US is possible. Some experts say that even if the US implements new tariffs, their impact on India will be much less compared to countries like China.

Also Read, Nifty Weekly Expiry Today: IREDA, Manappuram Finance, and 3 Others Under F&O Ban on April 17.  

Support from Positive Macroeconomic Data

India’s latest economic indicators have been encouraging, boosting investor sentiment. The country’s retail inflation, measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), rose by only 3.34 per cent in March on a year-on-year basis. This is lower than the 3.61 per cent recorded in February and much lower than the 4.85 per cent recorded in the same month last year. This marks the slowest pace of inflation in more than six years, since August 2019.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) expects inflation to remain close to 4% in the financial year 2025–26. At the same time, GDP growth is also expected to stay strong, with the RBI projecting growth of 6.5 per cent for FY26.

Normal Monsoon Forecast

The market is also being supported by the forecast of a healthy monsoon season. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted above-normal cumulative rainfall during this year’s monsoon season. This forecast is echoed by private weather agency Skymet, which has also predicted a normal monsoon for India.

Monsoons play a key role in India’s economy. A good monsoon supports the rural economy by improving agricultural income. It also helps keep food inflation in check. If inflation remains low, the RBI may consider cutting interest rates, which is usually favourable for stock markets.

Return of Foreign Portfolio Investors

Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) have resumed buying Indian stocks, which has helped lift the markets. Data from recent trading sessions show that FPIs have purchased Indian equities worth ₹10,000 crore in the cash segment over just two consecutive sessions.

The return of foreign investors is being attributed to the pause in US tariff changes and the possibility of a trade deal with the US. Additionally, India’s strong economic outlook seems to have attracted foreign investors back into the domestic equity markets.

Rally in Banking Stocks

Banking sector stocks have seen strong gains, further pushing the markets higher. Some of the major banking stocks—such as ICICI Bank, State Bank of India (SBI), Kotak Mahindra Bank, Axis Bank, and HDFC Bank—were among the top gainers in the Sensex, each rising by 2 to 3 per cent.

As a result, the Nifty Bank index jumped more than 2 per cent during Thursday’s session and moved closer to its all-time high of 54,467. Since banking stocks carry significant weight in the Sensex and Nifty indices, their strong performance has a major impact on overall market direction.

With positive developments on both the global and domestic fronts—including strong economic indicators, a possible India-US trade deal, foreign investor support, and a rally in key sectors like banking—the Indian stock market continues to gain ground and shows signs of further strength in the near term.

Conclusion

The Indian stock market is currently witnessing a strong upward trend, driven by both global and domestic positives. Investor confidence is high due to optimism around an India-US trade deal, easing inflation, robust GDP projections, positive FPI inflows, and a strong performance by banking stocks. If these factors continue to hold, the Sensex and Nifty may scale new highs in the coming weeks, making this rally a promising phase for market participants.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.         

    

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.        

Prestige Estates Q4 Sales Surge 48% to ₹7,000 Crore; FY25 Bookings Down 19% Due to Approval Delays

Prestige Estates Projects Ltd reported a 48% year-on-year (YoY) jump in sales bookings during the January–March quarter of FY25, reaching ₹6,957.4 crore. The company sold 4.49 million square feet of space in the quarter, which included 2,301 units, marking a 9% rise in volume.

Higher Prices Across Projects

The average price for apartments, villas, and commercial properties increased 25% YoY to ₹15,524 per square foot. For plotted developments, average realisation rose by 27% to ₹6,975 per square foot.

Also Read, NBCC Share Price Rises 3.75% on April 17; Eyes ₹25,000 Cr Revenue by FY29.   

Full-Year Sales Fall Short of Target

Despite a strong finish to the fiscal year, total FY25 sales bookings dropped by 19% YoY to ₹17,023.1 crore, falling short of the company’s target of ₹24,000 crore. The reason: delays in getting project approvals, which led to fewer new launches.

Sales volume for the full year was 12.58 million square feet, down 38% YoY, with 5,919 units sold. However, average prices jumped significantly:

  • ₹14,113 per sq ft for apartments, villas, and commercial properties (up 36%)

  • ₹7,167 per sq ft for plots (up 50%)

Chairman and Managing Director Irfan Razack acknowledged that FY25 had both wins and setbacks. While approval delays impacted new launches, the company saw strong sales momentum and higher pricing in the final quarter.

He noted that demand for quality real estate remains strong and praised the positive response to recent launches. Looking ahead, Razack expects FY26 to be a milestone year with launches in new markets like NCR and Mumbai, along with the company’s first residential completions in Mumbai.

Looking Ahead with Optimism

Prestige Estates remains optimistic about the future, with project approvals progressing and steady market demand. The company aims to grow further and strengthen its presence in major cities across India.

About Prestige Group

Prestige Group is a real estate development company headquartered in Bangalore, India. Established in 1986 by Razack Sattar, the company has built residential and commercial projects across several major cities, including Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Calicut, Mumbai, Mangalore, Goa, and Mysore.

On April 17, 2025, Prestige Estates Projects share price was trading at ₹1,228.00, up ₹20.60 or 1.71%. The stock opened at ₹1,205.00, touched a high of ₹1,232.00 and a low of ₹1,185.00 during the day. The company’s market capitalisation stood at ₹52,890 crore, with a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 85.25 and a dividend yield of 0.15%. The stock’s 52-week high is ₹2,074.80, while the 52-week low is ₹1,048.05.

Conclusion

Prestige Estates saw strong Q4 growth with ₹7,000 crore in sales, despite a 19% FY25 decline due to delayed approvals. FY26 to see key launches in Mumbai and NCR.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.         

    

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.        

360 One Wam Share Price Jumps Nearly 5% Ahead of Key Board Meeting on Fundraising

360 One Wam shares rose by 4.7% during early trade on Thursday, hitting an intraday high of ₹990 on the BSE. The stock gained momentum as investors responded to news about the company’s upcoming board meeting scheduled for Tuesday, April 22, 2025.

Board to Discuss Fundraising Plans

The company announced that its board will consider issuing equity shares and/or warrants through a preferential issue. The pricing and other details of this issuance will also be discussed in the meeting.

Also Read, NBCC Share Price Rises 3.75% on April 17; Eyes ₹25,000 Cr Revenue by FY29.  

Stock Update and Market Comparison

Around 11:15 AM, 360 One Wam share price was trading slightly lower at ₹987.6, still up 4.52% for the day. In contrast, the BSE Sensex saw only a minor gain of 0.03%, reaching 77,064.37. 360 One Wam’s market capitalisation stood at ₹38,819.98 crore. The stock’s 52-week high is ₹1,317.25, and the 52-week low is ₹695.

Over the past year, 360 One Wam’s share price has increased by 18%, significantly outperforming the Sensex, which gained about 6% during the same period.

Company Background

360 One Wam is a Mumbai-based wealth and asset management firm. It offers services such as portfolio management, corporate treasury solutions, lending, and other financial products to high-net-worth individuals and businesses.

Upcoming Q4 Results and Dividend Decision

The company will declare its financial results for Q4 FY25 on April 23, 2025. On the same day, the board will also consider announcing the first interim dividend for FY2025- 26 and raising up to ₹250 crore through the issue of non-convertible debt securities via private placement.

Conclusion

360 One Wam’s recent rally reflects investor optimism ahead of key announcements on fundraising, earnings, and dividends. With strong yearly gains and upcoming strategic moves, the stock remains one to watch in the wealth management space.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.        

   

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.       

 

Suzlon Powers Ahead with 100.8 MW Wind Project for Sunsure in Maharashtra

Suzlon Group has secured a 100.8 MW wind power project order from Sunsure Energy, an Independent Power Producer (IPP). This project will be built in Jath, Maharashtra, and marks Sunsure’s first step into wind energy. Suzlon will supply 48 advanced S120 wind turbines, each with a 2.1 MW capacity, using Hybrid Lattice Towers.

What Suzlon Will Do

Suzlon will not only supply the wind turbines but also take care of equipment installation, project execution, and commissioning. After the turbines are up and running, Suzlon will handle operations and maintenance as well.

Also Read, NBCC Share Price Rises 3.75% on April 17; Eyes ₹25,000 Cr Revenue by FY29. 

Boost to Clean Energy and RTC Power

This wind project will expand Sunsure Energy’s renewable energy portfolio and support its goal of delivering Round-The-Clock (RTC) renewable power to its customers in Maharashtra. It also supports India’s national target of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030.

JP Chalasani, CEO, Suzlon Group, said that large companies adopting wind energy is key to reaching India’s clean energy goals. Wind power helps provide reliable, affordable, and quality electricity. It also supports economic growth and innovation in the industry.

About Sunsure Energy

Founded in 2014, Sunsure Energy is a leading clean energy solutions provider for Indian businesses. It offers long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), helping companies offset up to 70% of their electricity with green power from solar, wind, and battery storage. Backed by a $400 million investment from Partners Group AG, Sunsure aims to become the largest industrial decarbonisation company in India and Southeast Asia. It currently operates 500 MW, has 3.5 GW under development, and targets 10 GW by 2030.

About Suzlon Group

Suzlon is a renewable energy company in India, with about 20.9 GW of wind energy capacity installed in 17 countries. Headquartered in Pune, it has R&D centres in Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, and India, along with top-tier manufacturing units across India. With nearly 30 years of experience and over 7,800 employees, Suzlon manages ~15 GW of renewable energy assets in India and 6 GW globally. Its wind turbines range from 2.x MW to 3.x MW in capacity.

As of April 17 at 11:58 AM IST, Suzlon Energy share price (NSE: SUZLON) is trading at ₹55.08, up by ₹0.74 or 1.36% for the day. The stock opened at ₹54.33, touched an intraday high of ₹55.65, and a low of ₹54.01. Suzlon has a market capitalisation of ₹75,220 crore and a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 65.77. The stock has a 52-week high of ₹86.04 and a 52-week low of ₹37.90. It does not currently offer a dividend yield.

Conclusion

This strategic partnership between Suzlon and Sunsure Energy highlights the growing momentum of wind power in India’s renewable energy journey. As India pushes toward a greener future, collaborations like this are crucial in meeting energy demands sustainably while advancing corporate decarbonisation goals.

 

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.       

  

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.      

 

What Is a Good Credit Score? A Guide for Indian Borrowers in 2025

As more Indians become financially aware, knowing what makes a good credit score is now more important than ever. Your credit score is a three-digit number between 300 and 900 that shows how trustworthy you are with credit. Banks and lenders use it to decide if they can approve your loan or credit card, and what interest rate they should offer.

Credit scores should be seen on a scale rather than as simply “good” or “bad.” A score ranging from 750 or higher can help you get better interest rates, special credit offers, and more financial options.

Even if your score is lower, you can still get credit—though it might cost more. However, the good news is that your score can be improved with smart money habits like pay timely and keeping your credit use low.

Credit Score Range: What Do The Numbers Mean?

Here’s a quick breakdown of what your credit score range says about you:

  • 750–900: Excellent score — helps in getting quick approvals and lower interest rates.

  • 700–749: Good score — eligible for most credit cards and loans with fair terms.

  • 650–699: Fair score — might get approval, but with higher interest or stricter terms.

  • 300–649: Poor score — low chances of approval; lenders see you as high-risk.

Also Read, Bank credit in India likely to grow at 12-13% in FY26: CRISIL Ratings. 

Why Is a Good Credit Score Important?

Having a high credit score (especially above 750) makes a big difference. With a better score, you may enjoy:

  • Lower interest rates on loans

  • Faster loan and credit card approvals

  • Higher credit limits

  • Pre-approved offers from lenders

With more digital lenders and RBI promoting wider credit access, your credit score matters more than ever before.

How to Improve Your Credit Score

Here are some simple ways to build or improve your credit score:

  • Always pay your EMIs and credit card bills on time

  • Keep your credit usage under 30% of your total limit

  • Reduce your number of open loans

  • Check your credit report regularly for mistakes or fraud

You can check your credit score for free once a year with credit bureaus like CIBIL.

FAQs on Credit Scores

Q1. How often should I check my credit score?
 Once every 3 months is a good practice.

Q2. Does checking my score hurt it?
 No. It’s a soft check and doesn’t affect your score.

Q3. Is it free to check my score in India?
 Yes, most bureaus offer one free check per year.

Q4. Can I improve my score quickly?
 Yes. Pay dues on time and lower your credit use.

Q5. How can I build a credit score from scratch?
 Get a secured credit card and repay it regularly.

Final Words

A credit score above 750 helps you get loans and credit cards more easily and on better terms. If your score is low, don’t worry—you can improve it over time by following simple steps. A good credit score can make managing money and reaching financial goals much easier.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.      

 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.     

 

FDs vs Small Savings Schemes: Which One Offers Better Returns in 2025?

If you’re a conservative investor, chances are you’ve considered Fixed Deposits (FDs) for their safety and assured returns. However, government-backed small savings schemes, like those from the post office, often offer better interest rates, especially for long-term investments. Let’s take a closer look at how these two options compare in terms of returns and tax benefits.

What Returns Do Bank FDs Offer?

Most leading banks currently offer interest rates between 6.6% and 7.1% per year on 1-year FDs. These rates have slightly decreased after the repo rate cut on April 9.

Also Read, Old vs New Tax Regime: Which One Should You Choose Before Filing Your ITR?

One-year FD interest rates:

  • SBI: 6.7%

  • HDFC Bank: 6.6%

  • ICICI Bank: 6.7%

  • Kotak Mahindra Bank: 7.1%

Keep in mind that interest rates may vary depending on tenure and market conditions.

How Much Do Small Savings Schemes Offer?

Post office schemes usually offer higher interest rates, especially for longer tenures. Here’s what different schemes offer currently:

Instrument Interest Rate (p.a.)
Kisan Vikas Patra 7.5%
National Savings Time Deposit (1 yr) 6.9%
National Savings Time Deposit (5 yr) 7.5%
National Savings Certificate (NSC) 7.7%
Public Provident Fund (PPF) 7.1%
Sukanya Samriddhi Account 8.2%
Senior Citizen Savings Scheme 8.2%
National Savings Recurring Deposit 6.7%

Clearly, some small savings schemes provide significantly better returns than regular bank FDs, especially for senior citizens and long-term savers.

What About Tax Benefits?

Fixed Deposits:

  • Interest is taxable and added to your total income.

  • No special tax benefits under the new tax regime.

  • Only 5-year tax-saving FDs qualify for deduction under Section 80C (old regime only).

Small Savings Schemes:

  • Many schemes like PPF, Sukanya Samriddhi, and Senior Citizen Schemes offer Section 80C benefits (under old regime).

  • Interest from PPF is tax-free.

  • Under the new tax regime, 80C benefits do not apply, but interest remains more tax-friendly than FDs.

Which One Should You Choose?

  • If safety and short-term liquidity are your priorities, bank FDs may work better.

  • If you’re planning for long-term goals (like retirement or your child’s education), small savings schemes offer higher returns and better tax advantages.

  • Senior citizens can benefit more from schemes tailored for them, like the Senior Citizen Savings Scheme.

Final Thought

Both FDs and small savings schemes are reliable and safe investment options. Your choice should depend on your financial goals, time horizon, and whether you’re under the old or new tax regime. A mix of both can also help you balance returns and flexibility.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.     

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.    

Old vs New Tax Regime: Which One Should You Choose Before Filing Your ITR?

As the financial year has ended, it’s time to prepare to file your income tax return (ITR) before the deadline of July 31, 2025. One of the key decisions you’ll need to make is whether to go with the old tax regime or the new tax regime. Here’s a simple guide to help you understand the differences and choose the one that works best for you.

Difference in Tax Slabs (FY 2024-25)

New Tax Regime

  • No tax on income up to ₹7 lakh (after rebate under Section 87A)

  • Slab-wise tax rates:

    • Up to ₹3 lakh – Nil

    • ₹3 lakh to ₹7 lakh – 5%

    • ₹7 lakh to ₹10 lakh – 10%

    • ₹10 lakh to ₹12 lakh – 15%

    • ₹12 lakh to ₹15 lakh – 20%

    • Above ₹15 lakh – 30%

Old Tax Regime

  • Up to ₹2.5 lakh – Nil

  • ₹2.5 lakh to ₹5 lakh – 5%

  • ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh – 20%

  • ₹10 lakh to ₹50 lakh – 30%

What About Standard Deduction?

  • Old Regime: Standard deduction is ₹50,000

  • New Regime (FY 2024–25): Now increased to ₹75,000

Know More ITR Filing for AY 2025-26: When Will Income Tax Return Filing Begin? Here’s What Taxpayers Need to Know. 

Deductions: What You Can and Can’t Claim

Old Regime:
 Allows deductions under many sections like:

  • Section 80C (Investments like PPF, ELSS)

  • Section 80D (Health insurance)

  • Section 80G (Donations)

  • Section 80DD (Disability support)

New Regime:
 Most of these deductions are not allowed. However, you can still claim:

  • 80CCD(2): Employer contribution to NPS

  • 80CCH: Contribution to Agniveer Corpus Fund

  • 80JJAA: Deduction for new employees (for businesses)

Do You Have to Choose the New Regime?

  • The new tax regime is the default option.

  • If you want to stay with the old regime, you must opt for it specifically while filing your ITR.

Which Tax Regime Should You Pick?

  • It depends on your income and how much you invest in tax-saving options.

  • If you don’t claim many deductions, the new regime might save you more tax.

  • If you invest a lot in 80C, pay insurance premiums, or donate, the old regime may offer better tax benefits.

Choosing the right regime can help you reduce your tax liability smartly. Always plan based on your income, lifestyle, and financial goals.

Conclusion

Deciding between the old and new tax regimes doesn’t have to be confusing. Review your income, savings, and eligible deductions before choosing. If in doubt, use an income tax calculator or consult a tax expert. Making the right choice now can lead to significant savings later.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.     

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing. 

RBI’s Rate Cuts in 2025: What It Means for FD Investors and How to Plan Ahead

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), in its April 2025 policy meeting, reduced the repo rate by 25 basis points (bps), bringing it down to 6.00%. This marks the second rate cut of the year, totalling 50 bps so far in 2025. The RBI has also changed its policy stance from ‘neutral’ to ‘accommodative’, signalling that more rate cuts could come if inflation remains under control.

Let’s understand what this means for bank depositors and how you can plan your finances better.

Why Did RBI Cut Rates?

The RBI decided to lower interest rates due to global uncertainties, especially after new tariff announcements by the U.S. government under Trump 2.0. These policies have created economic pressure around the world. As a result, stock markets have become volatile, and investors are looking for safer options. Gold prices are rising due to this uncertainty.

Inflation in India, especially food inflation, has been falling. This gives the RBI more room to cut rates to support economic growth without worrying too much about rising prices.

Read More Stock Markets (NSE, BSE) and Bank Holiday on April 18 for Good Friday. 

What Happens to Bank FDs Now?

As RBI cuts rates, banks usually reduce FD interest rates in response. Some banks have already lowered their FD rates even before the April policy announcement. Going forward, more banks are likely to recalibrate and cut FD rates to avoid mismatches in how much they pay vs. how much they earn.

So, if you’re planning to invest in a fixed deposit, now may be a good time to lock in at current rates before they drop further.

Who Will Be Most Affected?

People who prefer low-risk investments like bank FDs—especially senior citizens and retirees—may see a drop in their returns. Since they often rely on FDs for steady income, falling interest rates can make it harder for them to manage monthly expenses.

Why FDs Still Make Sense

Even with falling rates, FDs offer stability, especially when markets are volatile. Equity markets may rebound occasionally, but the global situation remains unpredictable.

FDs also provide capital safety, as deposits up to ₹5 lakh per depositor per bank are insured by DICGC. To maximise this protection, you can spread your deposits across different banks or accounts.

Use the FD Laddering Strategy

To make the most of your FD investments, consider using the laddering strategy:

  • Invest in FDs with different maturity periods (e.g. 6 months, 1 year, 2 years). 
  • When one FD matures, you can use the money or reinvest it based on interest rates at that time. 
  • This gives you regular access to funds without breaking long-term FDs early. 

Final Thoughts: Why Asset Allocation Matters in 2025

This year shows us why diversifying your investments is so important. FDs can be a key part of your portfolio—not just for conservative investors, but even for those willing to take risks.

FDs ensure that:

  • You have liquidity to manage short-term or emergency needs. 
  • You avoid withdrawing from long-term investments during a crisis. 
  • Your short-term goals stay on track without market exposure. 

Lastly, a smart approach to saving and investing, based on your needs and financial goals—will always lead you toward long-term financial success.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.     

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.