Category: News

5 Global Trends That Will Shape Your Money in 2026
AI Takes Over Personal Finance Decisions
Banks and fintechs rolled out AI agents in late 2025 that now handle loan approvals, fraud flags, and even custom savings plans without human input—cutting processing times from days to seconds. Global trends, AI adoption hit 88% among leading financial firms, saving $120 billion in costs.
What this means for Indian users: Expect hyper-personalized UPI-linked advice via apps like Paytm or PhonePe. For example, skip this Swiggy order, redirect ₹200 to your SIP. Digital lending costs may fall 20–30%, though concerns around opaque decision-making and data bias remain. Action: Opt-in to RBI-regulated AI tools; cross-check larger financial decisions manually.
Digital Banking Hits Nearly 90% Account Ownership Milestone
According to the World Bank’s Global Findex 2025, India’s formal bank account ownership has risen to 89%, up from 77% in 2021. UPI usage now accounts for roughly 54% of digital payments, while government transfers have significantly increased account activity among women. Globally, mobile wallets and neobanks continue to expand, often bundled into “super-app” ecosystems.
What this means for Indian users: Zero-fee UPI international remittances via apps like Wise or new RBI pilots slash Forex costs from 3% to under 1%. Embedded financial products—such as insurance tied to online commerce—are also emerging. At the same time, cyber fraud incidents are up by 40%, reinforcing the need for biometric security and cautious digital behaviour.
Personal Finance Apps Become Predictive, Not Just Reactive
In 2025, personal finance apps evolved from expense trackers into automated financial assistants. An estimated 78% of queries are now handled by AI, with real-time nudges like “Your rent spiked 7%; refinance EMI?” Globally, open-finance systems increasingly link payroll and tax data to streamline credit access.
What this means for Indian users: Apps are beginning to automatically route salaries toward EMIs, SIPs, and savings, potentially increasing savings rates by 10–15% through micro-investments. Wider smartphone penetration has extended these tools into Tier-3 markets. The trade-off is a heavier reliance on algorithms, making it important for users to test automation with small amounts before scaling up.
Blockchain Powers Tokenized Assets and Instant Settlements
2025 saw tokenized bonds and real estate on blockchain systems (BlackRock/UBS pilots), as well as faster cross-border payments using central bank digital currencies in seconds vs days. India’s digital rupee (e₹) expanded in B2B use cases, helping reduce transaction friction.
What this means for Indian users: Fractional access to assets such as gold or REITs is becoming cheaper, with lower minimum investments such as ₹100, with 24/7 trades. Fees: 0.1% vs 1% traditional. New use cases include programmable payments that automate investments or bill settlements. However, regulatory clarity remains crucial, and most retail investors continue to prefer platforms overseen by RBI or SEBI. Diversify 5% here for liquidity.
Gig Economy Reshapes Income—Unstable but Opportunity-Rich
Global Findex notes gig workers borrow more (63% in India) but save less (39%), as platforms like Upwork/UrbanClap grew 25%. AI-based matching is increasingly blurring the line between freelance and full-time work.
What this means for Indian users: New marketplaces linked to ONDC and GeM are creating supplemental income opportunities in the ₹20,000–₹50,000 per month range, but the payments are unpredictable. The flip side is income volatility and limited access to traditional benefits like PF or ESI, making emergency funds and disciplined budgeting more important than ever.
The Bigger Picture for 2026
Taken together, these trends point toward a financial system that is faster, more digital, and increasingly automated. India’s high level of financial inclusion positions users well to benefit, but also raises the importance of data hygiene, security settings, and periodic reviews of automated decisions.
2026 is shaping up to reward digitally fluent users who balance convenience with oversight. Which of these trends excites (or concerns) you the most?
For questions, collaborations, or deeper guidance, write to us at info@nomisma.club.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes and not financial advice.
December 27, 2025
Real Estate in 2026: Is Now a Good Time to Buy, Rent, or Wait?
2025’s Split Reality: Premium Houses Surge as Overall Sales Dip
India’s real estate market showed a clear split in 2025. Premium homes priced above ₹1 crore accounted for around 62% of market value, posting about 4% sales growth between January and September, while overall unit sales across major cities fell 12% to 202,756 units. Demand in affordable and mid-income segments softened amid higher prices, cost pressures, and monsoon-related slowdowns.
Easier borrowing conditions offered some relief. The RBI’s repo rate cut to 5.25% by December helped home loan rates fall to 8.25–8.75%, improving affordability. At the same time, nearly 70% of developers expect prices to rise by 5% or more in 2026, citing steady demand and limited new supply. Post-pandemic trends continue to favour quality and location, with prices rising 13–16% in Bengaluru and Delhi-NCR, even as volumes signal a maturing shift.
Home Loans Near 8.25%: The Affordability Boost
Lower interest rates make 2026 a more attractive entry point for some buyers. A ₹50 lakh loan at 8.5% for 20 years translates to an EMI of roughly ₹43,000, compared with about ₹48,000 at 9.5%. With the repo rate at 5.25%, borrowers see limited but possible room for further easing if inflation remains under control.
Tax benefits add to the appeal. Buyers can claim up to ₹2 lakh in interest deduction under Section 24 for self-occupied homes and ₹1.5 lakh on principal under Section 80C, with additional relief under Section 80EEA for eligible affordable housing. Self-employed borrowers, however, may still face higher rates from NBFCs due to risk premiums. Budget 2026 whispers PMAY tweaks for mid-income.
Rent vs Buy: The Real Math for 2026
Renting offers flexibility but builds no equity. In Bengaluru, a typical 2BHK renting at ₹35,000 per month costs about ₹4.2 lakh annually, with limited tax relief beyond HRA or the ₹60,000 cap under Section 80GG.
Buying the same home using a ₹40 lakh loan can build ₹10 lakh or more in equity over five years, assuming steady appreciation, along with ₹50,000–₹60,000 in annual tax savings. With rents rising 5–7% a year and property values growing 8–10%, ownership often breaks even after around seven years.
In practice, renting suits shorter horizons <5 years, while buying works better for long-term stability and leverage.
Buy Now, Rent Out, or Wait? What 2026 Signals Suggest
- Buy a house now or wait? Buy if ready—lower rates + infrastructure (metros, airports) fuel 7.3% GDP tailwinds; wait only if inventory piles up locally or rates dip further (unlikely pre-festive). Most developers see prices firming.
- Is real estate still a good investment? Yes, for 7-year-plus holding periods, delivering 15% total returns (rent 3-6% + appreciation) beats FDs/gold liquidity-adjusted. REITs remain a lower-ticket alternative, offering 7–9% yields with greater liquidity. Skip if illiquidity scares you.
- Rent or buy in 2026? Buy in growth corridors (Tier-2 boom); rent in oversupplied metros short-term. Ownership hedges inflation, rents don’t.
2026 Playbook: Act on Your Timeline
- Short-term (1-3 years): Rent, park savings in SIPs or REITs—avoid stamp duty/lock-in.
- Mid-term (3-7 years): Consider under-construction projects in job hubs and lock in current home-loan rates.
- Long term: A self-occupied home maximises tax benefits and lets EMI build wealth.
Rather than expecting sharp price corrections, many buyers are focusing on timing aligned with personal needs and local supply conditions. If you’re tracking a specific city or micro-market, local inventory trends matter more than national averages.
Thinking of buying, renting, or waiting in 2026? Share your city below.
For questions, collaborations, or deeper guidance, write to us at info@nomisma.club.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes and not financial advice.
December 27, 2025
Gold vs Real Estate in 2026: Which Is the Better Bet for Indian Investors?
Gold’s Stellar 2025 Run Meets Real Estate’s Steady Climb
Gold surged sharply in 2025, rising about 73% domestically to over ₹1.26 lakh per 10 grams, driven by global tensions, rupee weakness, and strong ETF inflows. The rally pushed gold ahead of most asset classes in the short term.
Real estate, meanwhile, delivered steadier returns. Major Indian cities saw around 15% total returns, combining rental yields of 3–6% with price appreciation of 8–12%. Institutional interest remained strong, with an estimated $6–7 billion flowing into commercial and residential projects amid continued urban demand.
Gold offers quick liquidity as a crisis hedge, while property builds wealth through income and leverage, but ties up capital.
2026 outlook: gold returns may moderate if global interest rates ease, while real estate could benefit from continued investment flows into offices and housing.
Performance Head-to-Head: Speed vs Endurance
Gold delivered roughly 67% year-to-date gains globally by December 2025, reinforcing its role as a safe-haven asset during periods of volatility. However, it generates no yield and depends entirely on price movement.
Real estate has shown slower but more durable growth, with about 48% cumulative gains since 2020 in top Indian cities (Bengaluru 12-18% ROI projected). Rental income adds to returns, and leverage allows buyers to build equity with lower upfront capital. While annual gains are less dramatic than gold’s rallies, compounding over longer holding periods has historically favoured property.
In broad terms, gold suits shorter horizons of 1–3 years, while real estate tends to reward 7–10 year holding periods, particularly for salaried households converting EMIs into long-term assets.
Tax Traps: Gold Simplified, Property Hit Harder
Post-2024 tax changes apply a uniform 12.5% long-term capital gains (LTCG) tax across most assets, with indexation largely removed.
For gold, physical gold and ETFs attract slab-rate tax in the short term and 12.5% LTCG when held long enough. Sovereign Gold Bonds remain an exception, with 2.5% interest taxed annually but capital gains exempt at maturity.
Property sales now also face 12.5% LTCG after two years, without indexation. However, home loans continue to offer relief through deductions under Section 80C (principal repayment) and Section 24(b) (interest on rental property), which can soften the tax impact for long-term buyers.
Gold ETFs/SGBs edge for flips; property deductions favor long-haul buyers.
Gold’s Playbook: When to Stack the Yellow Metal
- Liquid hedge seekers: 5-10% portfolio in SGBs (govt guarantee, no storage) or digital gold/ETFs via Groww—exit fast during rupee dips.
- Short-term (1-3 years): Physical coins for Dhanteras, but hold over 3 years to cap tax at 12.5%.
- Low capital: ₹1,000 PhonePe gold beats idle savings at 6-7% FDs. Downside: no income stream, vulnerable to rate hikes.
Real Estate’s Edge: Income + Growth for Patient Hands
- Rental builders: Tier-1 flats (Mumbai MMR 10-13% yields) via 8-9% home loans—Section 24 saves ₹2L tax yearly.
- Fractional entry: REITs (Embassy 7-9% dividends) for ₹10k starts, equity-like tax perks.
- Long-term (7+yr): Under-construction in growth corridors; appreciation outruns gold historically. Watch: illiquidity, 1% stamp duty, tenant hassles.
Your 2026 Pick: Match the Asset to the Goal
- Emergency buffer or hedge: Gold for liquidity (maybe 10% allocation) and downside protection
- Long-term wealth creation: Real estate or REITs for rental income and appreciation
- Balanced approach: Equity-heavy portfolios complemented by measured exposure to both gold and property. For example: 60% equities/MFs, 20% property exposure, 10-15% gold—rebalance yearly. Gold for now (post-rally cooldown); property if horizon stretches.
Rather than choosing a “winner,” most investors weigh time horizon, risk tolerance, and cash-flow needs before deciding allocation.
Gold offers flexibility; real estate rewards patience. Which side are you leaning toward in 2026? Share your view below.
For questions, collaborations, or deeper guidance, write to us at info@nomisma.club.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes and not financial advice.
December 27, 2025
New Tax Rules for 2025–26: What Changes for Your Salary, Investments, and Gold?
Budget 2025 Keeps the Big Shifts from Last Year—Here’s What Sticks
There were no dramatic slab overhauls in Budget 2025, but the tax changes introduced in 2024, and now applicable for FY 2025–26, continue to reshape how salaried employees, investors, property owners, and gold buyers are taxed.
Long-term capital gains (LTCG) tax remains uniform at 12.5% across most assets, with indexation largely removed, while short-term capital gains (STCG) on equities stand at 20%. Salary earners can still choose between the old and new tax regimes, while gold and debt investments now face higher effective taxation than before. With these rules now locked in, portfolio and tax planning before March 31 matters more than ever.
New vs Old Tax Regime: Which Fits Your Salary Bracket?
The old tax regime continues to favour deductions such as 80C, 80D, and HRA, while the new regime offers lower slab rates with minimal deductions, making it suitable for those who do not fully utilise tax breaks.
Under the new regime, slabs remain unchanged:
₹0–3L (0%), ₹3–7L (5%), ₹7–10L (10%), ₹10–12L (15%), ₹12–15L (20%), and above ₹15L (30%).
For example, an ₹8L post-PF income may still benefit under the old regime using ELSS or other deductions, while someone earning ₹20L with few deductions may save more under the new regime. The new regime remains the default unless taxpayers actively opt for the old one. Using the income tax department’s calculator by January can help avoid last-minute surprises.
Capital Gains Crackdown: 12.5% Hits Stocks, MFs, Gold, and Property
From July 2024 onwards, a uniform 12.5% LTCG tax applies across most asset classes. Equity investments continue to enjoy a ₹1.25 lakh annual exemption, but debt mutual funds, gold ETFs, and real estate no longer benefit from indexation.
Short-term gains on equities are taxed at 20%, while short-term gains on debt and gold remain taxed at slab rates. Equity-oriented mutual funds (65% or more equity stocks) follow equity taxation rules; others are taxed at slab rates regardless of holding period.
For instance, a ₹2L long-term gain from an equity mutual fund attracts tax on ₹75,000 after exemption, resulting in a ₹9,375 tax post-exemption. For middle-income investors in the ₹10–15L bracket, managing gains around exemption thresholds around the ₹1.25L exemption becomes more relevant; over ₹20L, diversify to gold/REITs for balance.
Salary Earners: Standard Deduction Stays ₹75k, NPS Tweaks Minor
The ₹75,000 standard deduction for salaried taxpayers remains unchanged. Employer contributions to NPS continue to offer tax benefits under both regimes, with only minor tweaks. The family pension deduction stays capped at ₹25,000.
There are no major salary-side shocks, but those opting for the old regime can still optimise taxes using 80C instruments such as ELSS or PPF up to ₹1.5L. Salaried individuals may benefit most by maximising employer NPS contributions before making additional self-contributions.
For example: If ₹12L salary: new regime nets ₹1.1L tax post-deduction; old with max 80C drops to ₹90k.
Gold Buyers: Slab Tax Traps Physical and Digital Alike
Gold taxation has been simplified but is less favourable than before. Physical gold, gold ETFs, and digital gold are taxed at slab rates in the short term and 12.5% LTCG if held long enough. Sovereign Gold Bonds remain an exception, with interest taxed as income but capital gains exempt at maturity.
Dhanteras rush? ₹50,000 gain at 30% slab = ₹15,000 tax. If ₹15L income: limit gold exposure at 5-10% of portfolio, with SGBs preferred for their added interest component; under ₹10L earner, hold physical LT for lower effective rate.
Mutual Funds and Real Estate: No Indexation Means Faster Tax Bites
Debt mutual funds now face slab-rate taxation in most cases, while older holdings are taxed at a flat 12.5% without indexation. Property sales attract the same 12.5% LTCG rate after two years, but without indexation benefits, increasing taxable gains.
REITs continue to follow equity-style taxation rules. Investors selling property may still explore exemptions through 54EC bonds, provided reinvestment timelines are met.
If ₹10L income: load equity MFs for ₹1.25L exemption; ₹25L+ earner, shift 30% to debt for slab offset via losses. Property sale? Reinvest in 54EC bonds within 6 months.
If You Earn X, Here’s How These Rules Typically Play Out
- ₹5-10L: New regime + ₹1.5L ELSS SIPs (80C if old); 70% equity MFs for exemption play.
- ₹10-20L: Mix regimes yearly; cap LTCG under ₹1.25L, add NPS for extra shield.
- ₹20L+: Debt/gold for slab diversification; prepay loans to cut taxable income.
Run your numbers using tools like ClearTax—small adjustments now can translate into meaningful savings by 2026. Have you reviewed your tax regime choice yet? Share your income band in the comments.
For questions, collaborations, or deeper guidance, write to us at info@nomisma.club.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes and not financial advice.
December 25, 2025