BUSINESS
Why Indian metal stocks got scorched
The initial reaction of metal stocks to Trump's 26 percent tariff was one of relief but it soon turned to despair
BUSINESS
Will ITC’s acquisition of a commodity business aid its valuation?
The acquired business saw its performance dip in FY25 due to difficult industry conditions, with soft demand, falling product prices and rising input costs hurting margins
BUSINESS
Dr Copper's being served a bitter tariff pill
Copper prices have already zoomed in 2025, more so in the US. Will there be more pain in store?
BUSINESS
Share of kiranas in FMCG is declining, which channel is gaining share?
Kantar’s Asia Pulse Report for Q4 sheds light on the changing shares between kirana, online shopping and supermarkets, and whether rapid expansion of Quick Commerce is showing up in the data
BUSINESS
Steel producers get relief from dumping, but tariff war uncertainty continues
Steel prices had already increased in anticipation of a safeguard duty, which has now been proposed at 12 percent on imports. It throws a lifeline for integrated steel producers although Trump’s tariff wars remain a risk to watch out for
BUSINESS
Unilever’s new CEO a man in a hurry, may nudge HUL to move faster
Fernando Fernandez believes US and India are Unilever’s main anchor markets and ‘accelerating in India is very important’ to him. HUL’s Investors will agree
BUSINESS
Unilever’s CEO change may do good for HUL’s shareholders
Unilever board’s bid to accelerate the pace of change by appointing a new CEO is likely to have a knock-on effect in one of its key markets—India
BUSINESS
Nestle’s price hike plan shows growing pressure from inflation on food companies
A sharp hike in prices of edible oil, cocoa and coffee is driving up costs while domestic inputs such as wheat too are showing inflationary trends
BUSINESS
FMCG outlook remains tough although valuations have eased
The headwinds that have held the sector’s fortunes down are not showing signs of easing up as yet
BUSINESS
US metal tariffs may be a negotiating tactic, but can still hurt metal producers
The tariff and removal of carve-outs implies a significant increase in costs for US consumers. That raises the possibility of negotiations but US will bargain from a position of strength especially after it imposes reciprocal tariffs
BUSINESS
Trump’s tariff hikes increase uncertainty quotient for Indian industry
The US intends to impose a 25 percent tariff on steel and aluminium and also levy reciprocal tariffs on all imports, posing risks to metal producers in particular and industry in general
BUSINESS
Decline in sugar output poses challenge for mills
Unfavourable weather conditions are leading to a sharp decline in projected sugar output for the ongoing season, while flat realisations for certain feedstock-based varieties of ethanol dampens expectations on that front too
BUSINESS
Corporate effective tax rate stabilises at higher levels, larger companies in better shape
Companies with above Rs 500 crore PBT have seen their effective tax rate decline in 2022-23 compared to those in the Rs 50-500 crore PBT range
BUSINESS
A sizeable boost for urban consumption in Budget, will private capex revive now?
Significant tax savings for the middle class should lead to higher spending on consumption, bringing cheer to investors in consumer stocks. The bigger impact could be in encouraging these companies to invest in capacity
BUSINESS
Consumption demand no worry line for the government
Rural demand is strong and expected to continue, urban demand shows a mixed picture, calling for moderation of expectations of a generous budgetary demand stimulus
BUSINESS
Should the Budget do anything to spur consumption?
Rural consumption is in good health while urban consumption trends remain weak. Should the Budget wait for urban consumption to right itself or introduce measures to boost it is the main question
BUSINESS
Quick Take | HUL results show FMCG urban consumption malaise continuing
The near term outlook remains tough with consumption expected to moderate and EBITDA expected at the lower end of its 23-24 percent guidance
BUSINESS
Quick Commerce’s need for speed poses risks to key stakeholders
Blinkit’s expansion plans signal a race to get to the top in the quick commerce market. Investors seem to be worried it may turn into a race to the bottom instead
BUSINESS
Sugar stocks face an uphill year in 2025
Global prices have turned weak, domestic output has acquired a dull look and ethanol procurement has shifted focus to grain-based feedstock
BUSINESS
What a new chief can do for DMart
Quick commerce is posing an existential question for retailers, particularly those with stores on the ground. The new CEO’s expertise in digital commerce and the Unilever way of doing things could reshape DMart
BUSINESS
Is it time for a relook at low corporate tax rates?
A sharp cut in corporate tax rates in 2019 has led to significant benefits for earnings, but this was to also drive private investments up, which has not happened
BUSINESS
Budget Snapshot | How Free Trade Agreements impact customs duty revenues
In 2018-19, the revenue impact of concessions under FTAs on customs was around Rs 49000 crore and in FY24 that’s projected to increase to Rs 89000 crore
BUSINESS
Metals' outlook in 2025 rests on one country’s fortunes
China’s centrality to the metals sector has perhaps never been as evident as it is was in 2024 and is likely to play out in 2025 as well
BUSINESS
Investors in FMCG stocks await urban demand recovery in 2025
The year 2024 is ending on a sluggish note for FMCG companies as consumers in cities turn stingy. Demand and inflation trends will be the two key factors to closely track in the New Year
