Business
Interest rates expected to be held by Bank of England
Kevin PeacheyCost of living correspondent
Getty ImagesInterest rates are widely expected to be held at 4% when policymakers at the Bank of England meet on Thursday.
The Bank rate, which heavily influences borrowing costs and savings rates, was cut from 4.25% to 4% by the Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) at its last meeting in August.
It took the rate down to its lowest level for more than two years, but many analysts believe there will be no further cuts during the rest of this year.
The decision will be revealed at 12:00 BST and comes after official data on Wednesday showed prices were rising at nearly twice the target level, driven by the higher cost of food.
The rate of inflation remained at 3.8% in August, well above the 2% target. The Bank rate is policymakers’ main tool for controlling inflation.
In theory, making borrowing more expensive means people have less money to spend, which slows prices rises. However, increasing borrowing costs can also harm the economy.
Closely-watched vote
The decision to cut the Bank rate in August was taken after an unprecedented second vote by the nine members of the MPC.
Andrew Bailey, governor of the Bank, said the decision to cut interest rates was “finely balanced”.
Analysts expect Thursday’s vote to be more clear cut, with no change expected.
The relatively high rate of inflation means policymakers are unlikely to risk pushing that higher by cutting the Bank rate.
However, they do expect the inflation rate to start to drop soon, which leaves the possibility open of further interest rate cuts.
The Bank rate has a big impact on the interest homeowners face when taking out a new fixed-rate mortgage.
Lenders use the Bank rate to set their own rates. As a result, the expectation of interest rate rises can push up mortgage rates while the expectation of interest rate cuts can pull mortgage rates down.
Mortgage rates have dropped very slightly since the MPC’s last meeting in August, but further moves are uncertain, according to Rachel Springall, from the financial information service Moneyfacts.
“Many will be waiting with bated breath for the Budget. This waiting game, alongside forecasts for inflation to remain above target, makes it less likely for the Bank of England to make further rate cuts this year,” she said.
She said that savers had seen a downward trend in returns during the time when the Bank has been lowering the Bank rate.
“The average easy access [savings] rate has fallen further below 3%, so savers must act now and switch their variable rate account if it no longer pays a decent return on their hard-earned cash,” she said.
Global picture
The government would be keen to see interest rates fall further, to boost growth in the UK economy.
The Resolution Foundation think-tank, which which focuses on those on low to middle incomes, said living standards needed to improve after a “lost” 20 years of growth.
But ministers will be aware of the inflationary risk that remains in the UK, especially as prices are rising slower in countries such as the US, Germany, and France.
Thursday’s MPC decision will come after the US central bank chose to cut interest rates on Wednesday to a range of 4% to 4.25% for the first time since December.
Last Thursday, the European Central Bank chose to hold its interest its at 2%.
Business
Vande Bharat sleeper: What issues have been flagged by Railway Ministry in the first train? Top things to know – The Times of India
Vande Bharat sleeper train: Indian Railways is aiming to launch the first Vande Bharat sleeper train in the coming months, but ahead of its launch the Ministry of Railways has highlighted concerns regarding the quality of furnishings and craftsmanship.Vande Bharat sleeper train will be a variant of the chair car air-conditioned service, aimed at long-distance travel on the Indian Railways network. The Vande Bharat sleeper trains are expected to offer a premium passenger experience, better than Rajdhani Express trains. The first ten trainsets are being manufactured by BEML, in collaboration with ICF Chennai.Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently said that two rakes of Vande Bharat sleeper trains will be launched together.
Vande Bharat sleeper train: What are the issues?
According to a PTI report, in a recent written correspondence to the Director General, Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) and General Managers across railway zones, the Railway Board identified several deficiencies.“There are issues related to furnishing and workmanship at many places in respect of sharp edges and comers at berthing area, window curtain handles, pigeon pockets between berth connectors inviting cleaning issues etc,” the Board said.The Board emphasised that remedial actions are essential for the present rake, whilst also stating that design enhancements would be required for subsequent rakes.The Railway Ministry has instructed zones to comply with all RDSO-specified conditions for operations reaching speeds of 160 kmph.Officials explained the authorisation procedure, stating that after RDSO obtains final CCRS approval for new train designs, CCRS forwards the matter to the Railway Ministry for operational clearance.“The CCRS during trial conveys its observations to the RDSO for compliance. In the case of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train, the RDSO sent its updated compliance on September 1, 2025,” officials said.Officials noted that since the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train’s route remains undecided, the Ministry distributed its letter dated October 28 across all zones.The Ministry has emphasised adherence to several requirements, including fire safety protocols, installation of Kavach 4.0, establishment of reliable communication between loco pilots, train managers and station masters, and proper brake system maintenance.The railway authorities instructed regional divisions to train engine drivers for emergency uncoupling of semi-permanent couplers within 15 minutes, ensuring essential tools are included in the driver and guard equipment sets.“Suitable setting of temperature inside coaches shall be maintained to ensure comfortable conditions to passengers, considering ambient conditions and frequent opening & closing of doors,” they specified.The Ministry emphasised the importance of having trained technical personnel available to address any operational difficulties and emergencies during the journey.“Regular announcements shall be made through the PA system informing all persons other than passengers to disembark from the train before its departure. Also, pre-recorded Passenger safety announcements in three languages (Regional, Hindi & English) should be made during the run to sensitize passengers about personal safety norms to be observed during travel,” according to the directive.Additionally, the Ministry instructed regional divisions to assign skilled and dedicated personnel for Vande Bharat Sleeper Trainset maintenance, whilst ensuring sufficient spare parts and consumables are readily available.
Business
Top stocks to buy today: Stock market recommendations for November 4, 2025 – check list – The Times of India
Stock market recommendations:According to Somil Mehta, Head – Alternate Research, Capital Market Strategy, Mirae Asset Sharekhan, the top stocks to buy today on November 4, 2025 are Prestige, and Sun Pharmaceutical Industries:Prestige – Buy in the range between Rs 1782 & Rs 1783; Stop Loss: Rs 1705; Target: Rs 1930Prestige has given a breakout of a small triangle pattern on the daily chart taken support at 10 daily moving average i.e. 1740 and the stock is expected to resume the uptrend. Momentum indicators have also given a positive crossover. Key resistance for the stock is 1810 & 1900 and support is at 1730.Sun Pharmaceutical Industries – Buy in the range between Rs 1706 & Rs 1707; Stop Loss: Rs 1640; Target: Rs 1830Sun Pharmaceutical Industries has been forming a small symmetrical Triangle pattern above 20 & 40 daily moving average and the stock is expected to resume the uptrend. Momentum indicators have also given a positive crossover. The stock has been consolidating in a broad range since last two weeks and has taken support at 20 daily moving average i.e. 1678, resuming the uptrend. The stock is expected to continue the up trend. Key resistance is at 1722 & 1748 and support is at 1670. (Disclaimer: Recommendations and views on the stock market, other asset classes or personal finance management tips given by experts are their own. These opinions do not represent the views of The Times of India)
Business
How To Claim Investments Of Deceased Holders: A Step-By-Step Guide For Mutual Funds & Bank Accounts
Last Updated:
Claiming mutual fund and bank account investments after a sudden death requires key documents and a step-by-step process for heirs. Learn how to proceed.
News18
A sudden death without nomination or a proper will may become a nightmare for the spouse or children of the deceased, posing a hindrance in acquiring investments in mutual fund and bank accounts. The transfer of investments and money is possible, though there are some processes that need to be completed before.
According to an estimate, around Rs 25,000 crore worth of shares and about nearly Rs 80,000 crore of bank deposits are lying unclaimed in the country. These assets often remain unclaimed due to inadequate documentation or heirs being unaware of their existence.
Let’s have a look at these step-by-step guide to claim the investments in MFs and deposits in bank accounts of the deceased ones:
Claiming Mutual Fund (MF) investments — step by step
1) Identify the folio(s) / AMC / registrar
Check statements, broker app, emails or CAMS/KARVY/CDSL records for the folio number and AMC (fund house).
2) Contact the AMC / Registrar (CAMS/KFinTech/etc.)
Inform them of the investor’s death. Ask for the Transmission / Death claim process and request the Transmission Request Form (often called Form T3 or a death-claim form). Many AMCs publish the list of required docs on their site.
3) Fill the transmission / claim form
Form will ask claimant details (nominee or legal heir), folio, bank details where proceeds should be credited, KYC details of claimant.
4) Gather required documents (usually)
- Death certificate (original or self-attested + attestation as required).
- Transmission request / claim form (signed).
- Proof of identity & address of claimant(s) (PAN, Aadhaar, passport, etc.). PAN is commonly required for the claimant.
- If nominee is minor — guardian proof / birth certificate.
- If no nominee: legal heir certificate / succession certificate / probate / will / family tree / affidavit (as per AMC).
- Cancelled cheque or bank proof for claimant’s bank account for payouts.
5) Submit to AMC / Registrar
Submit originals where required (often for death cert) and self-attested copies for others; follow AMC/registrar’s instructions (some accept scanned copies online, some need physical submission).
6) Processing & payout / transfer
Registrar/AMC verifies documents, updates folio (transmission to nominee/legal heir) and either: (a) transfers units to nominee/legal heir folio, or (b) redeems units and pays proceeds to bank account — based on request and folio type.
Times vary; check with the specific AMC/registrar for expected timeline.
7) If there’s disagreement among heirs
AMCs may require a court order or succession certificate for large or disputed claims.
Claiming bank accounts / fixed deposits — step by step
1) Contact the bank branch (home branch)
Inform them about the account holder’s death. Ask for the bank’s deceased claim or transmission procedure and the claim form they require (banks have standard forms). Some banks allow online initiation for certain cases.
2) Documents usually required
- Death certificate (original for verification).
- Account details (passbook, account number).
- KYC of claimant(s) — PAN, Aadhaar, passport, photos.
- Claim/form signed by claimant(s).
- Cancelled cheque / bank account proof where proceeds should be credited.
If no nominee or amount above specified limits, the bank may ask for: legal heir certificate, succession certificate, or probate as per the bank’s policy and amount thresholds. Many banks have simplified limits (small amounts may be settled on affidavit + ID proofs).
For joint accounts
If survivorship clause applies, surviving joint holder(s) can claim by presenting their ID + death cert. If account was “former or survivor”, the survivor can continue.
For fixed deposits
If nominee exists — nominee must present claim form + death cert + KYC to get FD proceeds. If no nominee — legal heirs/succession certificate route as per bank’s slabs (banks often have different documentation for small vs large sums).
Processing
Bank verifies documents, settles the balance or re-issues FD in heirs’ names per bank rules. Timelines & requirements vary across banks and by amount.
Varun Yadav is a Sub Editor at News18 Business Digital. He writes articles on markets, personal finance, technology, and more. He completed his post-graduation diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Inst…Read More
Varun Yadav is a Sub Editor at News18 Business Digital. He writes articles on markets, personal finance, technology, and more. He completed his post-graduation diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Inst… Read More
November 04, 2025, 06:30 IST
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