Article source (Economic times ) NEW DELHI: India may allow individual investors based overseas to directly buy stocks for the first time, easing a rule that restricts investments to mutual funds, said a finance ministry official with direct knowledge of the matter. Some government officials see no need to differentiate between India-focused mutual funds and foreign retail investors, the official said, declining to be identified because the review of the rule is confidential. The finance ministry may set a limit on the amount individuals can invest, said the official.

Capital market regulator Sebi sees no let up in institutional investment from overseas that has driven the BSE’s Sensex to near an all-time high, chairman CB Bhave said on Thursday. The rule change may add to the $92 billion foreign funds that have poured into local stocks since they were allowed into the country in 1993, with almost a quarter invested this year.

“It indicates continued liberalisation of the stock market and represents another step in internationalising India’s financial markets,” said Dariusz Kowalczyk, Hong Kong-based chief economist for Credit Agricole CIB. “It’s f

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If you have State Farm insurance or have recently obtained a State Farm insurance quote, you may be glad to know that State Farm continues to support our communities and specifically our American troops service our country.

State Farm is very proud to sponsor the Sea to Shining Sea ride which goes across America. This bike trek is completed by exceptional athletes, many that were wounded during active duty. The last journey was completed in the spring and was a great success.

In addition to funding, State Farm Insurance agents across the nation were there for all 63 days of the ride serving as community coordinators. They provided local information, helped with logistics, assisted in route planning, and showed rallying support for the courageous riders along the way. It’s just one of many great causes that State Farm supports and many members are proud of their committment to service.

Watch out for this tax swindle…

Online companies which specialise in claiming back overpaid tax seem to be springing up all over the place. That’s hardly surprising given that the recent tax code blunders by HM Revenue and Customs are presenting ‘expert’ claims handlers with the perfect opportunity to cash in.

HMRC track record

There’s no question the taxman has a truly appalling track record when it comes to tax calculations. Only last month it surfaced that a new system for dealing with PAYE tax had exposed around six million errors! This is on top of tax coding mistakes which HMRC admitted to in January where the average taxpayer affected by the gaffe had lost out to the tune of £1,300.  

Unfortunately, the recent problems suggest that around 1.4 million people have underpaid tax and will be required to settle what they owe to the revenue. But it’s also estimated that some 4.3 million taxpayers have actually paid more than they should. This will likely push plenty of business in the direction of the tax rebate websites. But I can’t say I’m happy about it.

Shocking fees

These services will deal with a tax reclaim on your behalf in return for a fee. They will chase

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