BUSINESS
The risks for FMCG stocks from the government’s push to buy swadeshi
The government’s wants consumers to buy more locally-made products. How it determines what’s local will determine the risk for FMCG stocks.
BUSINESS
If steel output is down why are iron ore prices hot?
The answers to that question lie in China and Brazil
BUSINESS
FMCG demand crumbled in April but with a twist in the tale
A sharp decline in FMCG sales in April puts a question mark over the one sector that was providing a defence against a slump in consumption demand
BUSINESS
Sebi wants companies to come clean on COVID-19’s impact
A Sebi circular is nudging listed companies to disclose the impact of COVID-19 on their operations, to ensure all investors have equal access to information
BUSINESS
Sugar’s bittersweet moment
Higher than expected sugar output in Uttar Pradesh could result in a problem of plenty for sugar mills
BUSINESS
Privatisation is a capital idea but won’t be an easy sell
Privatisation can be a cure not just for the government’s finances but for the companies too. The devil lies in the execution.
MARKETS
A 1991 moment for agriculture
Key reforms will free farmers from the clutches of middlemen and trader cartels, open new channels and foster investments and competition in the agri supply chain.
BUSINESS
Vedanta's delisting bid is all about the money
Vedanta's stake in Hindustan Zinc is valued higher than its entire market capitalisation. That's just one of a set of reasons that may be driving this move by Vedanta Resources to delist the flagship.
BUSINESS
What HUL can do with its mounting cash piles
HUL's growing cash balances can be put to better use, here are two ways of doing it
BUSINESS
Tax hike fears singe cigarette stocks
After state governments hiked taxes on liquor, cigarette stocks have come under pressure as investors weigh the risks of a hike in tobacco taxes
BUSINESS
HUL’s results and the existential questions posed by COVID-19 for FMCG stocks
If consumers begin thinking about spending on needs (essential) versus wants (discretionary) post-COVID, then the FMCG industry is in for difficult times.
INFOGRAPHIC
Chart of the Day: Sugar slips on an oil slick
The crash in oil prices has taken down sugar along with it. But there’s more that signals a tough time ahead for sugar mills.
BUSINESS
Debt fund closures are symptoms of an illness that can be cured only by a strong stimulus
Investors in debt funds will be frightened by what's happened at Franklin Templeton. The RBI and the government need to step in with strong financial measures to restore confidence
BUSINESS
FMCG retail sales develop cracks
Late-March retail sales shows a sharp deceleration. Investors should pay close attention to what HUL’s management says after its results next week
ECONOMY
Why this black gold has no buyers left
The COVID-19 pandemic has left crude oil stranded and may have caught speculators on the wrong foot
BUSINESS
Economic lockdown lifted: Why investors should not get their hopes up
The economic lockdown lifts from today. How will this play out, what the government is seeking to achieve and will industry begin humming as before?
BUSINESS
Why FMCG stocks are in for a long haul
Initial earnings guidance issued by companies should serve as a reality check
BUSINESS
Free COVID-19 testing: Private labs are damned if they do and damned if they don’t
Dual pricing for these crucial tests is an offshoot of our healthcare system. While making tests free for all is the right step in a public health crisis, who will foot the bill is the question.
BUSINESS
Expediting small tax refunds is a drop in the stimulus ocean
The government will pay out income tax and indirect tax refunds of up to Rs 5 lakh immediately. More needs to be done.
ECONOMY
Global food prices slump but domestic prices resilient
The FAO's global food price index declined in March but India's retail food prices remain relatively stable, except for an increase in prices of pulses and some vegetables, despite a disruption in the supply chain
BUSINESS
What China’s restart means for domestic metal stocks
BUSINESS
What has changed for companies after RBI’s relief package?
The RBI has rolled out a comprehensive stimulus package. How will this benefit companies?
BUSINESS
In a recession, some companies do better -- how can investors identify them?
Slash and burn -- employees, research, marketing and capex -- may seem like a sensible approach to combat a recession. The research shows it may actually be counter productive.
BUSINESS
Sugar industry outlook takes a hit on multiple fronts
The outlook for sugar mills was looking rosy at the start of 2020. A few months into the year, it's soured and not just because of the coronavirus pandemic
