BUSINESS
WTO on what Trump’s trade war could cost the world
The WTO’s latest ‘Global Trade Outlook’ quantifies the negative impact on global merchandise trade and on GDP from Trump’s weaponisation of tariffs
BUSINESS
IMF flags geopolitical shocks as threats to global markets
The IMF’s latest Financial Stability Report underscores the growing impact of geopolitical tensions on global asset markets, warning that trade disruptions and policy uncertainty pose systemic risks
BUSINESS
Trump’s Tariff U-Turn: A reprieve, not a resolution
A sharp spike in Treasury yields triggered an abrupt pause in planned tariff hikes. While the U-turn is welcome, it sends disturbing signals about policy making under Trump
BUSINESS
Metamorphosis: How Uncle Sam became Uncle Scrooge
What is Trump’s strategy behind the global trade disruption?
BUSINESS
Obituary: The Rules-Based International Order (1945-2025)
This is to notify the passing of our beloved Rules-Based International Order, aged 80 years, in the Rose Garden, White House, Washington DC, on April 2, 2025
BUSINESS
How America plans to rewire the global economy—and who will pay the price
In a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape, the U.S. is rethinking its approach to global trade. A paper written by a key Trump economic advisor outlines a bold and controversial strategy to reshape America’s economic future. This strategy challenges long-standing financial norms, redefines relationships with allies and adversaries, and signals a major shift in how the US engages with the world
BUSINESS
Data at a Glance | When was the last time policy uncertainty was so high?
The world is gripped by a growing sense of unpredictability. Markets are wavering, businesses are treading cautiously, and consumers are feeling the strain. How deep is the unease, and how does it compare to previous episodes of massive uncertainty?
BUSINESS
What's the main worry in India's economic outlook?
India's economic outlook gets a reality check in the finance ministry’s latest review. Amid resilience and risks, the report hints at what could drive—or derail—growth ahead
BUSINESS
Flash PMI’s low selling price inflation will help MPC cut rates as Trump tariffs loom
India’s private sector continues to show strong growth momentum, according to the Flash PMI for March. But while domestic demand is robust, the Monetary Policy Committee must take into account the impact of Trump’s reciprocal tariffs
BUSINESS
Venezuela’s happier than India — Maybe, chaos is the key to happiness
India has inched its way up the World Happiness Report 2025, landing at rank 118 — a victory worth celebrating if you enjoy beating Burkina Faso and Chad. Clearly, all it takes to be happy these days is a sprinkle of chaos and a dash of despair
BUSINESS
Tariff Troubles: Why Trump’s trade war is more about politics than policy
Donald Trump’s tariff policies have long been viewed as impulsive, yet new research suggests a calculated strategy — rewarding allies and punishing opponents. A closer look reveals that political connections played a pivotal role in determining which firms secured tariff exemptions
BUSINESS
Trade Winds Shift: India’s services strength masks export concerns
India posted an overall trade surplus in February 2025, driven by a robust surplus in services trade that offset a merchandise trade deficit. While this provides some relief amid global trade uncertainties, weak merchandise exports, looming US tariffs and rising imports from China highlight lingering concerns in India’s trade landscape
BUSINESS
With inflation cooling, monetary policy will deliver growth support
India’s economic landscape is shifting as cooling inflation paves the way for a more accommodative monetary policy. With the RBI easing rates and liquidity conditions improving, policymakers are now focusing on reviving growth amid global uncertainties
BUSINESS
India’s share of global arms imports falls on local production boost
India’s declining dependence on arms imports reflects its growing defence self-sufficiency. As SIPRI’s latest report highlights, India’s efforts to boost indigenous production have steadily reduced its reliance on foreign suppliers
BUSINESS
Tuhin Pandey’s SEBI brings fresh hope with a focus on trust and transparency
In his first major public engagement, Sebi’s chairman laid out a vision. It promises to usher in a regulatory approach that is not overzealous. Instead, there will be a push to be mindful of trade-offs and a willingness to listen to feedback. He’s promised 'optimum regulation'
BUSINESS
Project 2025: Disowned by Trump, yet echoing his agenda
Despite Trump’s public disassociation from Project 2025, its policies mirror his administration’s priorities—from border security to economic nationalism. The document provides key insights into a potential second Trump term, with implications for global trade, defence, and U.S.-India relations
BUSINESS
China’s Two Sessions meeting: Domestic demand takes centre-stage in economic strategy
China has set an ambitious 5 percent GDP growth target for 2025, despite economic headwinds and rising global protectionism. To achieve this, Beijing is ramping up domestic demand, fiscal stimulus, and high-tech innovation, while pledging further economic openness
BUSINESS
The road to 2047: Can India break free from ‘Business-as-Usual’?
Twelve years ago, the Economic Survey foresaw India's economic trajectory with striking accuracy. Now, the World Bank's latest report echoes similar concerns, mapping out three possible paths for India's future—one of transformation, one of stagnation, and one in between. The question remains: which road will India take?
BUSINESS
Private sector non-financial firms’ share of capex tumbles in 2023-24
The uncertainties unleashed by Donald Trump’s unabashed mercantilism will likely weigh on private sector investment
BUSINESS
Manufacturing's share in economy in 2024-25 at same level as 18 years ago
The share of industry in GVA has come down from 33.04 percent back in 2009-10 to an estimated 30.58 percent in 2024-25. There does seem to be something in all the talk about premature deindustrialisation
BUSINESS
Economic momentum fades across major economies, but India shines in Flash PMI readings
Flash PMIs for February show that growth in India is gaining momentum, US activity is close to stalling, while the Eurozone and UK are barely keeping their heads above water
BUSINESS
Buffett’s Dilemma: Too much cash, too few investment opportunities
Berkshire Hathaway’s holdings of short-term US Treasury bills more than doubled in 2024
POLITICS
Amerika Uber Allies
The Munich Security Conference brought home to Europe the realisation that US policy had changed from being a friend and ally to that of ‘a landlord seeking rent’
BUSINESS
At Paris AI summit, it was US, UK versus the rest of the world
The US not signing the agreement was hardly unexpected. Indeed, the surprise was that the US attended the conference at all, given its track record of walking out of global treaties and institutions
