ETMarkets Smart Talk| STT, GST, brokerage, UPI charges: Varun Saboo on the hidden cost of frequent trading
GST Council is in focus in a taxation development.
23 Sept 2026 · Economic Times Markets
In this episode of ETMarkets Smart Talk, Varun Saboo, Head – Equities at Anand Rathi Share and Stock Brokers, breaks down the hidden cost of frequent trading, explains why the impact differs sharply between long-term investors and active traders, and shares what investors should keep in mind when evaluating returns after transaction costs.
The analysis
This is a Tax / tariff / duty event. Duty and incentive changes reset landed cost and competitive position immediately, and unlike demand shifts they arrive on a known date.
Why it matters
- Tax changes flow through to post-tax earnings and can shift the relative appeal of entire asset classes.
- With GST Council involved, this carries a regulatory dimension that can outlast the immediate market reaction.
Related coverage
GST Council set to unveil next-gen reforms: 17-day refunds, simpler registrations, easier input tax credit
GST Council likely to consider institutional reforms for officers’ committees. Read about the changes
GST Council moves to simplify officers’ committee structure
GST state-centre panel proposes 3% IGST on gold, silver and platinum imports by banks
E-Commerce GST Overhaul On Cards: One-Time Verification, 'Same Delivery, Same Tax' Proposed